Spring Symposium
April 28, 2024
/
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Registration for this is closed – the event is at capacity.
Spring Symposium
April 28, 2024
/
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
/
5 CE Hours
Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) in coordination with Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center (VCVREC) welcomes Members of the North Central Region (formerly Districts 2, 3, & 8) for a day of learning at scenic Bear Creek Mountain Resort.
Registration for this is closed – the event is at capacity.
Event Speakers
Christine Mullin
VMD, DACVIM (Oncology)
Dr. Christine Mullin is a medical oncologist at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Malvern, PA as well as Valley Central Veterinary Referral Center. She graduated magna cum laude from The College of New Jersey with a BS in Biology, before attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated summa cum laude. She then completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, followed by a 3-year residency in Medical Oncology at The Oncology Service in Washington, DC. Dr. Mullin has conducted bench top research in osteosarcoma, has authored and co-authored several journal articles and book chapters, provides webinars on topics in veterinary oncology for VIN.com, and presents continuing education programs for veterinarians and support staff both regionally and nationally. Dr. Mullin also has a strong interest in clinical research and has served as co-investigator for several clinical trials.
Elizabeth Mongol-Gunter
VMD
Elizabeth Mongol-Gunter, VMD earned her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed a one year small animal rotating internship in medicine and surgery in northern Virginia. She then worked as an emergency veterinarian for almost 7 years at a referral and specialty hospital in Maryland. While there, she was able to partner with clients, primary care veterinarians and multiple specialists in order to manage a variety of complex and challenging cases. Dr. Gunter joined Dechra in January 2022 as a Professional Services Veterinarian. She lives in Maryland, and in her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening and spending time with her family, friends and dogs.
Craig Clifford
DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)
Dr. Craig Clifford graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and received an MS in Animal Science/Virology from the University of Delaware. After completing an internship and a medical oncology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, he became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2003. He is a medical oncologist at BluePearl Malvern and was previously the director of BluePearl Science.
He is active in clinical research within a referral setting and serves as an advisory board member with industry and non-profit foundations. He has authored/co-authored over 70 papers and book chapters and is a frequent lecturer at major veterinary meetings in the USA and abroad. Dr. Clifford is a member of the VCA Pet Cancer Care Alliance Committee, has served on many VCS and ACVIM committees, is a member of the Oncology Pathology Working Group, and was an Examiner for the Australian Scientist’s Oncology Specialty Exam.
Lou DelGiudice
DVM, DACVECC (Emergency Medical Director at VCVREC)
Dr. DelGiudice graduated from Purdue University in 2002 and has been in emergency medicine since. Having completed a residency in emergency medicine and critical care in Torrance, CA between 2004 and 2007, then became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2009. Over the years, Dr. DelGiudice has been involved with the training of interns, and emergency/critical care residents, as well as served on several committees for both the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and the Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society. Most recently Dr. DelGiudice was the National Emergency Specialty Director for a national veterinary company.
In his time away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family which includes, his wife, three daughters, and many four legged-companions.
Jonas Vaitkus
DVM, BS
Dr. Vaitkus is a Professional Services Veterinarian for IDEXX with a passion for mentorship, education, and exotic and aquatic animal medicine. Graduating with honors from Virginia Tech, he's amassed extensive experience in veterinary practice, academia, and professional services. Notably, as Adjunct Professor at Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Vaitkus developed and delivered coursework in avian and reptile medicine. With a commitment to excellence, he's held leadership roles at reputable institutions, overseeing team growth, training, and fostering high-quality patient care. His dedication extends to volunteer work, including assisting in wildlife rescue efforts during the BP Gulf Oil spill. Active in professional associations, he continues to contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine.
General Information
/ 02
Schedule of Events
Sunday, April 28
8:00 - 8:45 am
Registration and Refreshments
8:45 - 9:00 am
Opening Comments
9:00 - 10:00 am
Veterinary Oncology, Part 1
10:00 - 10:15 am
Break
10:15 - 11:15 am
Veterinary Oncology, Part 2
11:15 - 12:15 pm
Zennovation in Sedation
12:15 - 1:45 pm
Lunch Break
1:45 - 2:45 pm
The ABC's of CBC
2:45 - 3:45 pm
Approach to Respiratory Emergencies
The Doctor Is In!
Wish you could have 10-15 minutes of a specialist’s time to discuss a case? YOU CAN!!
VCVREC is excited to present “ The Doctor is in”
Our specialists in Oncology, Surgery, and Internal Medicine will be booking 10-15 minute FREE sessions with you at the Spring Symposium. Please contact Becky via email at becky@vcvrec.com with the case details, with which specialty department you would like to meet with and she will coordinate a time for you to talk over your case.
Times are limited!!
To inquire about the availability of “The Doctor is In” session, please email:
- becky@vcvrec.com
Be sure to include:
- Case Information
- Specialty department you would like to meet with
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Veterinary Oncology: What Can I Do in the Primary Care Setting: Part 1 - Diagnostics
by Craig A Clifford DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) and Dr Christine Mullin, VMD, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
Part 1 of this comprehensive lecture will cover relevant diagnostics for known and suspected cancer patients including immunophenotyping for dogs with lymphoma, BRAF urine test for diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma in dogs, cytologic grading of canine mast cell tumors, and a novel liquid biopsy cancer screening test for dogs.
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Veterinary Oncology: What Can I Do in the Primary Care Setting: Part 2 - Treatments
by Dr. Craig A Clifford (Oncology) and Dr. Christine Mullin
Part 2 will cover the role of Laverdia CA-1 (verdinexor tablets) for dogs with lymphoma, the use of bisphosphonates for management of bone cancer pain, and a review of supportive medications for cancer patients including appetite stimulants, analgesics, and others.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Zennovation in Sedation: Rethinking What Is Possible
by Dr. Elizabeth Mongol-Gunter
In this educational presentation, we will introduce the concept of procedural sedation in veterinary practice. This includes a review of the basic physiology behind sedation in dogs, commonly-used sedatives, and the use of a reversal agent. Lastly, we will discuss a novel sedative, a combination of the alpha-2-agonist, medetomidine, with the peripheral alpha-2 antagonist, vatinoxan – and how it can improve your clinical practice.
1:45 pm - 2:45 pm
The ABCs of the CBC: What, When, and Why
by Dr. Jonas Vaitkus, sponsored by IDEXX
The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most sensitive means of determining deviation from health in the patient as well as characterizing severity of abnormalities in the clinically obvious sick patient. This discussion on what is included in the CBC; when and why a CBC should be performed; and information about the red blood cells (erythrogram), white blood cells (leukogram), and platelets (thrombogram) to assure complete understanding, which is essential to maximize the value of the CBC.
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Approach to Respiratory Emergencies
by Dr. Louis A DelGiudice
Delve into the strategic approach and stabilization techniques for respiratory emergencies, organized by anatomic location. The program will focus on discerning the clinical presentation of respiratory distress, identifying initial stabilization requirements specific to anatomical sites, and elucidating further diagnostic avenues for definitive diagnosis. You will gain proficiency in differentiating potential etiologies of respiratory crises, implementing effective stabilization protocols, and discerning appropriate diagnostic pathways for optimal patient management.
Hotel Information
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
101 Doe Mountain Ln
Macungie, PA 18062
(610) 682-7100
Hotel Accommodations
Tucked in scenic Berks County, Bear Creek Mountain Resort is a four-season destination retreat. With the mountains at our doorstep, you can bike, ski, hike, and explore our 330 wooded acres, or admire the view from our rustic-inspired lodge. From annual family getaways to celebrating your most treasured moments, Bear Creek Mountain Resort is home to all of life’s greatest adventures.
Registration
This event is "sold out" - Registration is closed.
Veterinarian Registration
4 Hours continuing education credit
Lunch
Access to exhibit space
* Registration is limited
Certified Veterinary Technician Registration
4 Hours continuing education credit
Lunch
Access to exhibit space
* Please email Corinne at CTolan@PaVMA.org to add your name to the waitlist
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
