Passion and purpose help fuel careers in veterinary medicine, but what drives individuals to continually provide animal health care isn’t always easy to identify. For Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM), chief veterinary nursing officer for Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), discovering what his passion and purpose are all about came with career starts and pauses and challenging life experiences. He shared his personal story by delivering the day 1 keynote address in a full ballroom at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Photos: Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA/dvm360

Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS, delivers the keynote presentation on the first day of the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Earlier in his career, Yagi said, he was attending a veterinary conference and discussing with a friend how veterinary technicians or nurses could be better utilized. The man stopped the conversation to ask Yagi, “What are you about?” Although the question bothered him at first, Yagi told the audience that it also made him think to find meaning in it.

Yagi proceeded to tell Fetch attendees about some of the challenges, detours, accomplishments, and drive that his career has brought him. He talked about his initial intention to become a veterinarian, only to drop out of veterinary school when he realized it wasn’t what he wanted. After taking time off and occupying himself with video games, Yagi opted to pursue a different path in veterinary medicine by working as a technician at Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos, California.

It was at Adobe Animal Hospital that Yagi started building skills in orthopedic surgery while receiving mentorship from practice leaders who encouraged technician certification. When a mentor asked Yagi whether he liked his job, he realized he wanted to remain in veterinary medicine. “I really got to learn about myself [while working at Adobe Animal Hospital]. I also grew up, from being a kid that just dropped out of vet school to more of an adult,” Yagi said.

Initially, Yagi said he became “sidetracked” by other pursuits, including a second job as a manga (Japanese comics) translator. It would be many years before he achieved certifications.

Yagi shared a painting of his daughter with Fetch attendees.

It was Yagi’s newborn daughter, who was born with left-sided lung agenesis, that provided the biggest impact on his career. “She was having trouble breathing, so we spent the next couple of months in the neonatal ICU [intensive care unit],” Yagi told attendees.

Yagi and his wife, Iris, visited their daughter daily while taking time off from work to be with her, he explained. During that time, their daughter grew stronger and was eventually able to go home with her parents. However, she later went into respiratory distress and was brought back to the pediatric ICU and placed on a ventilator.

“We did our everyday visits again, and over the course of time, she didn’t get stronger. She got worse.… Basically, her body kept growing but her trachea size did not change. There needed to be some way to open up her airway better,” Yagi said. “We did everything we could for her…and talked a lot about different kinds of experimental surgeries.”

Then, Yagi’s infant daughter died. “After that, I stopped working altogether [for about 6 months]. [I] just stayed at home,” Yagi said.

While they were grieving, Yagi and his wife had a conversation that became a defining moment in that he realized life needed to move forward. This moment provided motivation and a purpose. “When I think about my time with our daughter, one thing stands out, and it’s the nurses,” Yagi said.

He spoke next about the medical care nurses provided to his daughter as well as the emotional care they provided Yagi and his wife. Essentially, these nurses went above and beyond with compassion to care for the whole family.

Yagi realized that veterinary technicians could emulate that type of nursing care not only for patients but also for clients and families. For pet owners, “it’s their one family member we’re taking care of. How can we change veterinary medicine so the experience could be better?” he said. “That's where I started to [ask]: How can I be a better nurse? How can I do more for [clients]?”

Yagi has since earned a master’s degree in veterinary sciences and professional technician credentials that include specialist designations for emergency and critical care and small-animal internal medicine. After advancing to blood bank manager and then ICU manager for Adobe Animal Hospital, he became the veterinary education simulation laboratory manager at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Yagi is now an independent veterinary technician, in addition to his position with VEG. He is simultaneously serving as program director for the RECOVER initiative, which provides 

veterinary certification courses for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and CPR instructors

. Yagi has also authored and edited multiple books on topics that include transfusion medicine and blood banking, among other industry-leading accomplishments.

Yagi K. From passion to purpose: discovering what truly drives me. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 conference; August 22-24, 2025; Kansas City, MO. 

Articles

Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM), delivered a keynote address that told a personal story of his career journey on day 1 of the Fetch dvm360 conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Discovering purpose in veterinary medicine

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently signed House Bill 3360, which increases occupational title protection for certified veterinary technicians (CVT). The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association was a major supporter of this legislation and lobbied for its passage into law to better protect the titles of CVTs because of the vital role they serve in veterinary clinics and hospitals across the state. CVTs are college-educated as well as professionally trained professionals who communicate and work alongside clients and veterinary professionals.

“This clarification will provide clear criteria in defining the CVT title, ensuring it is exclusively granted to individuals who have graduated from a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s [AVMA] Committee on Veterinary Technical Education. Also, it codifies that these individuals have passed their Veterinary Technical National Exam, earning their CVT license,” Matt Bussan, DVM, said in a news release.

CVTs, like veterinarians, are licensed by Illinois to practice veterinary medicine, which is outlined by their degree in veterinary science and training. Under House Bill 3360, only professionals who have become legally credentialed as CVTs may use the titles veterinary technician, vet tech, and the abbreviation VT, and technician (in a veterinary medicine context). Requirements for these tiles include

Graduating from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician program

Passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam

Being a health care professional licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Completing required continuing education to maintain licensure

Adhering to supervision guidelines and tasks in the Veterinary Practice Act.

In information provided to the public by the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, the association emphasized that noncertified professionals play a crucial role throughout veterinary medicine, but title protection will help support the integrity of the profession and career advancement for the credentialed members of the team.

“Title protection is a significant step forward for professionally licensed CVTs in Illinois,” Tracy Porter, CVT, of Chicago, Illinois, said.

 “This law not only reinforces the integrity of the veterinary profession but also improves access to high-quality care for both pets and their people. It creates a meaningful incentive for CVT students, credentialed technicians, and other vital members of the veterinary team to deepen their knowledge and skills, ultimately raising the standard of care and advancing the profession as a whole.”

The bill was officially signed into law on August 18, 2025, and will be effective  January 1, 2026.

On May 19, 2024, Minnesota technicians were included in the state's Veterinary Practice Act, which was signed by Governor Tim Walz. It established a legal definition for veterinary technicians, giving them recognition as trained and qualified veterinary team members.

“We are excited to begin licensing veterinary technicians in 2026. We feel strongly that this will elevate and sustain the profession for years to come, helping to alleviate the current veterinary technician shortage,” said Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, president of the MAVT; Kim Horne, AAS, CVT, VTS, MAVT charter member and chair of credentials committee; and Sam Geiling, CVT, MAVT, interim treasurer, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America government relations cochair, at the time.

Under this bill, LVTs are regulated by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine (MBVM), and the board has the power to institute licensure and related practice requirements for LVTs. MBVM also took 12 to 18 months to write the rules, which will go into effect July 1, 2026.

ISVMA celebrates veterinary profession title protection law. News release. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Accessed August 22, 2025. 

https://navta.net/news/isvma-celebrates-veterinary-profession-title-protection-law/

What's in a name, and why it matters. The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. 

https://www.isvma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ISVMA-Title-Infographic-7.25-10.pdf

Illinois General Assembly. HB3360. Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. August 15, 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. 

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&DocNum=3360&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=161891&SessionID=114

Bautista-Alejandre A. New legislation grants Minnesota veterinary technicians the opportunity to be licensed. 

. June 20, 2024. Accessed August 22, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-legislation-grants-minnesota-veterinary-technicians-the-opportunity-to-be-licensed

This bill aims to enhance the integrity of the profession, provide clarity for clients, and raise the standard of care for animals across the state.

Illinois State VMA celebrates profession title protection law 

ARISE exterior. (Images courtesy of ARISE Veterinary Center)

Arizona Regional Intensive Care, Specialty and Emergency (ARISE) Veterinary Center’s journey as a 33,000-sq-ft hospital originated from the need for more advanced specialty and emergency services for the community in Maricopa County. The $17 million, 2-story facility is the only Level I Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society–accredited hospital in Arizona. The building, now the Hospital Design360 Competition winner in the greater than 8000 sq ft category, boasts more than 30 examination rooms, including “comfort examination rooms,” designed for compassionate end-of-life care.

“Key goals with the hospital design [were] creating a specialty hospital within a limited footprint...therefore using a 2-floor design,” Brandi Mattison, DVM, DACVECC, critical care specialist at the hospital, told 

. “The population in Queen Creek, where ARISE is located, is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country, so [the] ability to expand as veterinary care demand increases was an important consideration.”

Arizona’s intense sunlight was another key design factor. To achieve a sustainable design that also maximized natural light, the design team incorporated large roof overhangs that shade the building’s primary windows throughout most of the day and year. These overhangs also created sheltered outdoor areas, including second-floor balconies. At the edge of the balconies stands a tall, glazed wall that protects patients and clients while offering striking views of mountains to the south. These balconies are one of Mattison’s favorite design features.

“The design features I’m most proud of are the many large windows, multiple balconies, and vaulted reception area taking advantage of the beautiful Arizona...scenery,” she said. “This natural light lends itself to staff and clients experiencing a bright and inviting space.”

Another component of ARISE’s energy-efficient design is its heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. According to Melissa Burns, director of hospital operations at ARISE, this system reduces energy use by moving air from clean spaces into “dirty” areas it has exhausted, easing the air exchange burden. The building is also divided into 38 thermal zones to improve comfort and cut energy waste. Special cooling areas use small, ductless cooling units, decreasing the size of the main air-handling units. The HVAC system also has energy recovery ventilation that preconditions air coming in and a high-performance thermal building envelope that further lowers HVAC strain.

In the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), canine patients have direct access to a dedicated walking patio equipped with artificial turf, wash-down capabilities, and sunshades. This ICU dog patio allows patients to relieve themselves comfortably without needing to be moved far from their care area. Additionally, the critical care space has a fishbowl that gives veterinarians visual access into the patient care area and isolation zones.

Smaller treatment rooms reduce noise and help calm patients

“Noise reduction is one of the most important features of this hospital,” Burns said, explaining that every specialized service is carried out in a dedicated space. “Each area has its own adjacent animal housing, charting, etc. By creating smaller rooms for treatment as opposed to a large, open design, the patients remain quieter...calmer, and more connected to their care teams, which also increases their safety.”

Apart from compartmentalized treatment areas, the design team devised a sound control wall system diagram that isolates noise from zone to zone. Moreover, the facility’s highly absorbent ceilings help reduce reverberation while sound lids further isolate noise.

Mattison describes the hospital as having a “bright, clean, and inviting” environment—features that she notes make ARISE stand out from other facilities. “We utilized many plants and light to create a modern but 'homey' and welcoming space,” she said.

Other features Mattison noted are a large conference room that doubles as a wet laboratory for teaching; a pneumatic tube system that transports specimens, medications, or supplies between floors; a central pharmacy with a walk-up window; and electric car charging stations.

On winning the Hospital Design360 award, Mattison shared, “It’s a great honor to be considered for this award, let alone to win it! For the team, it increases our pride in working at a hospital with cutting-edge equipment and design and sharing it with visiting veterinary students, as the hospital has a large teaching focus.”

Discover how the award-winning ARISE Veterinary Center combines innovative design and advanced care to improve veterinary services in Arizona.

Hospital Design360 Competition winner: Inside ARISE Veterinary Center

When attendees aren't networking, exploring the exposition hall, or earning continuing education (CE) credits, there are special events and amenities to enjoy at this 

 conference. Here are 5 unique programs to watch for at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Fetch Kansas City symposium aims to empower women veterinarians

Photo: Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA/dvm360

Veterinary professionals attend an evening reception in the expo hall at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

When: Friday, August 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM-6:30 PM CDT

Attendees can wrap up the first day of CE sessions by sharing a drink and food with colleagues. This reception is also a good opportunity to network with fellow attendees and to meet with exhibitors who understand challenges in veterinary medicine and provide solutions.

When: Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 6:30 PM-10 PM CDT

Where: No Other Pub by Sporting KC (1370 Grand Blvd, Kansas City)

No Other Pub is a 10-minute walk from the Kansas City Convention Center, in the heart of the Power & Light District. Admission to the party is complimentary with a show of your conference badge. RSVP by adding it to a conference registration.

The establishment will offer light bites, games, and big-screen sports during the party. While attendees are playing games, socializing with professional peers, and eating and drinking, DJ Ashton Martin will provide music.

When: Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 12:15 PM-1:30 PM CDT

Where: Room 2501B at the Kansas City Convention Center

 recognizes peer-nominated professionals whose contributions to animal health care have advanced veterinary medicine and enriched patient lives. This year’s 14 winners were selected by a panel of esteemed judges across multiple categories for their demonstration of leadership, compassion, and dedication to improving patient outcomes. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer for 

, will emcee the presentation of awards. Registered Fetch attendees are invited to be a part of this inspiring event.

When: Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 2:45 PM-3:45 PM CDT

Where: Room 2501 AB at the Kansas City Convention Center

Fetch Kansas City will end with a game show designed for attendees to test their knowledge, win prizes, and have fun. The audience is part of the show, as Fetch faculty make one last appearance as panelists, with Christman as the emcee. Participating CE speakers include Alex Sigmund, DVM, DACVO; Kate Lafferty, BFA, RLAT, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia); Joshua Broadwater, DVM, DACVO; Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology); Gianluca Bini, DVM, MRCVS, DACVAA; Natalie L. Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V; and Tannetje Crocker, DVM.

Where: Booth 1431 in the exhibit hall at the Kansas City Convention Center

No-kill shelter Wayside Waifs is bringing adoptable pets to the conference for a little feel-good therapy. Located in Kansas City, the shelter first opened in 1944 and partners with national welfare organizations to assist animals in dire situations. The facility offers a veterinary clinic to provide veterinary medical care that includes dentistry, surgery, exams, and more.

Along with providing snuggles for attendees, 

 is donating a blanket to the Wayside Waifs for every purchase made on-site at the Wag Shop that features exclusive Fetch merchandise.

Between attending these 5 events, veterinary professionals can enjoy even more entertainment and amenities. These include pet caricatures by artist Marietta, musician Dan Justice on saxophone, and chair massages.

Click here to learn more about Fetch Kansas City or register for the event.

Circle of care. Wayside Waifs. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://waysidewaifs.org/about-us/complete-circle-of-care/

When attendees aren't networking, exploring the exhibit hall, or earning continuing education credits, there are entertainment and wellness aspects to enjoy at this dvm360 conference.  

Five fun things to do at Fetch Kansas City

On August 19, 2025, the FDA announced that B. Braun Medical Inc (B. Braun) is voluntarily recalling 2 lots of its Lactated Ringer Injection USP 1000 mL and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL to hospitals because of the presence of particulate matter in the containers.

According to the FDA release, the company identified the lots through complaints of particulate matter in solution.

 As of August 19, 2025, there have been no reports of serious injury, death, or other adverse events associated with the issue. However, if particulate matter is observed before use, a brief delay could occur while obtaining a replacement product. If loose particulate is infused into a patient, there is a risk that the material could enter the circulatory system, potentially resulting in harm that may require additional medical intervention and could lead to permanent impairment or death.

The following products are affected by the recall and are used as a state indication and packaged in a state type of packaging, including the number of units and any associated codes

 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL

November 15, 2023, and September 25, 2024

There is a reasonable probability that the product could cause pulmonary embolism, occlusion of other blood vessels, and/or phlebitis. Foreign particles infused intravenously can also cause systemic immune activation, organ dysfunction, and hemolysis.

Customers and distributors of B. Braun are being notified by certified mail, and product returns are being arranged. If a distributor has an affected product, they should cease use and distribution and quarantine the product; do not destroy it. Any customers with questions about this recall should contact the B. Braun Recalls Department between 9 AM and 5 PM EST at 844-903-6417.

Anyone who has received the product should contact their health care provider if they experience any issues that could be related to its use. Quality problems or adverse reactions may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by regular mail, or by fax.

This notice was shared by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine because these products could be used in veterinary settings.

B. Braun Medical issues voluntary nationwide recall of Lactated Ringer’s Injection USP 1000 mL and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL due to the presence of particulate matter. News release. FDA. August 19, 2025. Accessed August 21, 2025. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/b-braun-medical-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-lactated-ringers-injection-usp-1000-ml-and-09#recall-photos

The company voluntarily recalled its 2 lots of product due to potential health risks. 

B. Braun Medical Inc issues voluntary recall of 1-L Lactated Ringer and saline

Danielle DeCormier, LVT, VTS (Oncology), has been a licensed technician for more than a decade and has held a veterinary technician specialist credential in oncology since 2018. Based in Michigan and Virginia, DeCormier is the current director of clinical services education for MedVet—a role she took on in 2022.

DeCormier also serves as the current president of the Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians. She is also a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, the Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians, the Veterinary Cancer Society, and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. Moreover, she became Fear Free-certified in 2017.

Since 2020, DeCormier has been the director at large for oncology at the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians. She regularly speaks at national and international conferences and has contributed to various veterinary publications. Known for her expertise in oncology, DeCormier is also dedicated to furthering the education of veterinary assistants and technicians.

For 6 years, DeCormier served as a reviewer for the Magic Bullet Fund, a nonprofit that provided financial assistance to families seeking cancer treatment for their pets. The fund, which closed in 2024 after helping nearly 900 families over its 20-year history, was dedicated to making oncology care more accessible to pet owners in need.

For half a decade, DeCormier worked with BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She joined the network in 2016 as a licensed veterinary technician, working her way up to regional training partner and regional nursing partner.

No longer in clinical practice, DeCormier is now a compassion fatigue educator, advocating for veterinary well-being. Through her work, she helps veterinary professionals address compassion fatigue and burnout. Her lectures focus on chemotherapy, well-being, training, and leadership, and help professionals manage the technical and emotional demands of their work.

Danielle DeCormier, LVT, VTS (Oncology) wins the 2025 dvm360 Veterinary Hero award in the veterinary technician category.