To kick off WVC 2025, Connie Britton will take the stage at the Oceanside Ballroom, Level 2, to welcome attendees. Britton will participate in a Q&A moderated by Heather Prendergast, Viticus Group Board President. Britton is best known for her roles on television shows Friday Night Lights, American Horror Story, Nashville, and The White Lotus. Britton is also a GoodWill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program which advocates for poverty eradication and women’s empowerment. The event is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, and doors open to attendees at 8:00 AM with the event beginning at 8:30 AM.

The Wild Wonder Showcase hosted by Critter Fixers

Day 1 of WVC will end with the Wild Wonder Showcase. The event, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, will be hosted by Terence Ferguson, DVM, and Vernard Hodges, DVM, from the hit Nat Geo television show 

 who will lead the crowd through a night full of contortionists, acrobatics, and more performance artistry. Then, the show will feature Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, lead by Gregory Popovich, which will highlight the talents of over 30 rescue animals. The event doors will open at 7:00 PM and the show will go from 7:30-9 PM. This event will take place in the Oceanside Ballroom, Level 2.

On Monday, March 3, a veterinary technician reception will be hosted at the newest event venue at the Mandalay Bay, Swingers Crazy Golf. The event will honor the invaluable contributions from veterinary technicians. The event is sponsored by Zoetis and Purina and badged guests are allowed, but must be 18 and over.

On the final night of WVC, the Viticus Group is welcoming Ludacris to the stage. The concert is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and the doors will open at 7:30 with the show officially beginning at 8:00 PM. Ludacris is a multi-platinum artist best known for his hits “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” Southern Hospitality,” and “Money Maker.” Conference badges are required for entry and seating is limited.

Water Quality for Veterinary Practitioners

On Sunday March 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM, Jessica Sanders, DVM, DABVP(Fish Practice), will explain to attendees how to tell if the water for aquatic patients is considered “good.” Throughout the lecture, she will share what is required to assess water quality for all types of fish systems, where to find reference ranges for unusual species, understand the parameters and effects on fish behavior and health, and more. This workshop is an extra $70 and attendees will earn 2 continuing education credits.

Cynthia Faux, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Large Animal), will lead an interactive tabletop session to explore the issues and challenges that veterinary professionals face as they work to establish temporary emergency shelters in their community with stakeholders. Through the workshop participants will work together to create an emergency shelter using realistic challenges and scenarios. This workshop will begin at 2:00 PM and end at 5:50 PM with attendees earning 4 continuing education credits.

Canine Problem Behavior Interactive Case Discussion

In this hour and 50-minute interactive workshop beginning at 10:00 AM, the attendees will discuss the basic approach to diagnosing and treating general behavior problems in canine patients. Lead by Margaret Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, and Julia Albright, DVM, MA, DACVB, attendees will work in small groups to design treatment plans for selected cases and have the chance to submit questions and case examples in advance. This workshop is an additional $70 and attendees will earn 2 continuing education cases.

Is that the Cecum? Radiography in Exotic Companion Mammals

Grayson Doss, DVM, DIPL. ACZM, will lead this interactive workshop to cover the basics of radiography in common pet small mammal species. Through the workshop, which will begin at 12:00 PM and go until 1:50PM, attendees and Doss will tackle common challenging radiographic findings as well as tips and tricks. This workshop is an additional $70 and attendees will earn 2 continuing education credits.

ICU Boot Camp: What You Should Know on Day 1

Paula Plummer, LVT, VTS( ECC, SAIM, CP-FE), will educate attendees during her 2-hour workshop to provide intensive care unit veterinary technicians the information they need to begin a successful career in the ICU. Plummer will include dosage calculations, infectious patients, proper CPR techniques based on the RECOVE initiative, compassion fatigue, and more. The workshop begins at 10:00 AM and will last until 11:50, for an additional cost of $70. Attendees will also earn 2 continuing education credits.

Forbidden Clinic: An Interactive Game-Based Workshop

Beginning at 2:00 PM, attendees can enter the world of Forbidden Clinic, a game-based workshop that is designed for veterinary practice managers, veterinarians, and clinic owners. The attendees in this session will enter a simulated clinic environment where in order to succeed, the attendees will need teamwork, resource management, and effective communication. Once the game is over the instructors, Robin Brogdon, MA, Andrea Crabtree, BS, PHR, SPHR, CCFP, FFCP, PHRCA, CVPM, Leslie Mamalis, CVA (EMERITUS), and Rhonda Bell, CVPM, CDMP, PCM, will debrief the experience to highlight learning points and investigate practical strategies to improve clinical management. This session is an additional cost of $70 and attendees will earn 2 continuing education credits.

Medical Mystery: A Veterinary Technician Escape Room Workshop

In this immersive escape room experience, Michelle Rice, LVT, VTS(ECC), will educate veterinary technicians in a high-stakes workshop. The attendees will work in teams to tackle 4 unique escape rooms filled with puzzles and clues to test their knowledge of veterinary anatomy, pharmacology, medical math, and pathophysiology. This workshop is an additional $70 and attendees can earn 1 continuing education credit. The workshop will begin at 11:00 AM and end at 11:50 AM. 

Sharpen your Skills: Dental Equipment, Maintenance, Sharpening, & Identification

In one of the final workshops of WVC, Denise Rollings, CVT, VTS(Dentistry), and Chelsea Musick will teach attendees the skills related to the appropriate use and maintenance of dental equipment in veterinary practices. The skills that will be taught include stations for ultrasonic and hand scaling, dental bur identification, the importance and use of loupes, extraction tool identification, and more. The course is interactive for an additional fee of $70. Attendees can earn 3 continuing education credits for the 2:00 PM- 4:50 PM session.

Articles

Here is a sneak preview of some of the workshops and entertainment coming up at WVC

WVC 2025: Entertainment and workshops

Career advancements in the veterinary industry can open the door to both progression within organizations and personal growth. New leadership and new roles can bring new ideas, different perspectives, and a drive for evolution not only in their company or clinic, but in the entire veterinary ecosystem.

The following individuals are being spotlighted in this week’s “Paws and profits” column:

Rae Hutchins, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), chief veterinary officer, Wedgewood

In a new step for Wedgewood, Hutchins joins the organization as its first-ever chief veterinary officer. With a passion for advocating for pets in need, she serves on the Board of Directors for Waggle—a nonprofit organization supporting veterinary care for animals experiencing financial challenges. In her prior roles, Hutchins was the chief clinical officer at United Veterinary Care, group vice president at VCA, and medical director of a multi-specialty hospital.

“I am honored to join Wedgewood at such a pivotal time in its growth and innovation. As the company’s first chief veterinary officer, I am eager to lead efforts that will redefine how we support veterinarians and their patients,” said Hutchins in an organizational release.

 “By collaborating with our talented teams and dedicated partners, we have an extraordinary opportunity to deliver solutions that not only meet the challenges of today but set new benchmarks for excellence in veterinary care. Together, we will ensure Wedgewood remains the go-to partner for veterinarians striving to provide the highest level of care.”

“Dr Hutchins is an exceptional leader whose expertise and dedication to veterinary care will shape the future of Wedgewood,” said Wedgewood CEO Alejandro Bernal, DVM, in the release.

 “As our first-ever chief veterinary officer, her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we remain the trusted partner veterinarians turn to for innovative solutions and unparalleled support.”

Sally Haddock, DVM, North American Veterinary Community board president

Sally Haddock, DVM. (Photo courtesy of North American Veterinary Community)

After an 8-year commitment to the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) board of directors, Haddock, author of the book “The Making of a Woman Vet,” has taken on the role of the organization’s board president for the years 2025 to 2026. She is the founder and owner St. Marks Veterinary Hospital in New York, New York, and continues to practice part-time in a hospital in Vermont.

A dedicated supporter of the veterinary community, as well as her own local community, representing many veterinary and community nonprofit organizations, Haddock recently received the Distinguished Life Service award from the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City (VMA of NYC). She was also chair of the Annual Awards Banquet of the VMA of NYC for more than a decade. Additionally, her hospital has worked with NY Save and Paws NY, providing emergency care to financially struggling pet owners and offering veterinary services to homebound individuals needing assistance with their pets, respectively.

“I am deeply privileged and honored to serve as NAVC Board president. Being a veterinarian is not just a profession, but a vital part of my identity that brings me immense joy and fulfillment,” said Haddock, according to a news release.

I am so proud to be part of an organization that drives meaningful change in the Veterinary profession worldwide. I am looking forward to contributing what I can to our beloved vibrant and growing organization.”

Erin Strait, DVM, PhD, chief scientific officer, Dalan Animal Health

Strait is stepping into the role of chief scientific officer at Dalan Animal Health, where she will spearhead efforts to strengthen the company’s research presence, expand the scientific team, and lead the company’s “strategic vision” to progress its vaccine platform and explore “new frontiers in animal health,” according to Dalan Animal Health.

 Before joining Dalan, Strait was the director of innovation and development for US poultry and swine biologics at Ceva Animal Health. Prior to that, Strait served as director of biology discover, US swine biologics at Merck Animal Health.

"I am thrilled to join Dalan Animal Health at this pivotal moment in the company's growth," said Strait in a company release.

 "The company's pioneering research and development efforts, from developing the world's first honeybee vaccine to advancing shrimp health solutions, underscore a deep commitment to innovation in animal health. I am eager to build on Dr Freitak's groundbreaking science and unlock new, transformative applications of innate immunity across a diverse range of species."

“Dr Strait's deep expertise in immunology and proven track record in bringing novel biologics to market makes her the ideal leader for our scientific initiatives," Annette Kleiser, PhD, CEO of Dalan Animal Health, said in the release.

 "Her appointment strengthens our ability to develop groundbreaking solutions for unmet needs in animal health, food production and beyond."

Bruce Flantzer. (Photo courtesy of Pet King Brands)

Karen Donald. (Photo courtesy of Pet King Brands)

Bruce Flantzer, veterinary sales director; and Karen Donald, veterinary sales lead; Pet King Brands Animal Health

Flantzer and Donald are joining Pet King Brand (PKB) Animal Health’s sales team as veterinary sales director and veterinary sales lead, respectively. In his new role, Flantzer sees to the growth of all veterinary channel sales, new product placement, and distribution. With 25 years of experience, Flantzer began his career in the United States Air Force as a veterinary technician.

“Bruce’s performance-driven, strategic and tactical practices are a welcome addition to our team,” said Pamela Bosco, president and founder of Pet King Brands, in a company release.

 “His evident experience in sales and customer relations will serve to drive growth.”

At the company, Donald is assuming the role of veterinary sales lead, where she will facilitate PKB’s student ambassador educational programs and outreach initiatives in the veterinary community, as well as contribute to distributor sales growth through customer relationships and promotional programs. Donald holds more than 25 years of experience in veterinary sales and marketing from PractiVet and Veterinary Products Laboratories.

“Karen shows an innate ability to develop loyal, dedicated and dependable relationships with our customers,” said Bosco in the release.

 “She holds strong knowledge of the industry and will be vital to sales growth and education.”

Wedgewood names Dr. Rae Hutchins as chief veterinary officer. News release. Wedgewood. January 24, 2025.

The NAVC welcomes Sally Haddock, DVM, as 2025-2025 board president. News release. North American Veterinary Community. February 12, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://navc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/02-12-25-The-NAVC-Welcomes-Sally-Haddock-as-2025-2026-Board-Presidentn-FINAL-1.pdf

Dalan Animal Health taps Dr. Erin Strait to drive next wave of innovation as chief scientific officer. News release. January 27, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/content/prnj-sso/prnj-login-page.html?fromURI=https%3A%2F%2Fidm.cision.com%2Fapp%2Fcisionn0151c_prnewswiremediaforjournalists_1%2Fexk2vqyy7ypaAdkm42p7%2Fsso%2Fsaml

PKB Animal Health announces growing sales team in advance of Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX). News release. Pet King Brands. January 21, 2025.

These individuals are being noted for advancements in their careers

Paws and profits: New leadership across various organizations

Editor’s Note: The author is chief medical officer for VetTriage, a veterinary telehealth service.

Over the past 2 decades, the veterinary field has seen a drastic increase in relief veterinary practice.

 Many doctors are choosing to change their career trajectory from practicing as full-time veterinarians and creating a robust clientele in their community at a single hospital to becoming relief veterinarians at general practices, urgent care facilities, and emergency hospitals.

The factors most commonly reported to have a strong effect on mobile or relief veterinarians’ decision to leave their previous job include administration, hospital culture, leadership, feeling their voice was heard, and workplace schedule.1 Furthermore, the majority of mobile and relief practitioners report feeling satisfied with their work-life balance (mobile, 78%; relief, 91%) as well as availability for children (mobile, 84%; relief, 84%) and other family members (mobile, 85%; relief, 87%).

However, based on discussions with emergency hospital practice owners, the per diem trend may be drying out for this subset of the industry. The financial weight of providing travel and hotel accommodations for relief veterinarians in emergency practice can be stifling, and dedicating salaries for such positions no longer appears justifiable for some practices.

Anecdotally from the viewpoint of relief veterinarians in the general practice and urgent care settings, despite anticipation that the veterinarian shortage will worsen,

 the gap in veterinary care, or at least the need for relief veterinarians, may have plateaued or even be decreasing. In emergency care, for example, some veterinarians are desiring more permanent roles, so fewer hospitals are utilizing emergency relief doctors. With that comes natural shifts in hospitals and clinics to adjust their requirement for permanent emergency veterinarians to be more in line with current trends and practitioner desires. More emergency hospitals are requiring a commitment of three 12-hour shifts per week to provide relief veterinarians with a more consistent work-life balance while providing clients and patients with more consistent veterinary care, standardizations in training, and consistency in policies and procedures.

The following lists provide more insights into the challenges and benefits of relief veterinary medicine, from the perspectives of hiring practices and practitioners:

Sources of frustration among practices seeking relief practitioners

There can be a lack of consistency and loyalty.

Clients tend to prefer veterinarians with whom they already have an established relationship, especially when de-escalating an unfortunate situation with a case.

Cases needing/desiring continuity of care or that are chronic are hindered.

Hospital protocols and standards of care are not honored.

Attempting to accommodate each relief veterinarian’s schedule can be laborious.

Each relief veterinarian has their limitations.

Compensation can be difficult to keep in line with Internal Revenue Service requirements regarding independent contractor pay.

Some cases require diagnostic workups or rely on diagnostic submission to an external laboratory.

Requesting they tackle laboratory results and review prior records for a particular case brings additional stress to the practice.

Revenue for the practice can be underwhelming.

Benefits for practices seeking relief veterinarians

Clients who do not need/desire to see a veterinarian whom they already have an established relationship with value are happy being seen by any veterinarian.

Urgent/emergency concerns and walk-ins are taken care of by relief veterinarians.

A sudden departure of an associate veterinarian can be covered.

Relief is provided for solo practitioners.

The practice is maintained while seeking permanent associate veterinarians.

Because providing DVM relief often results in relief for the entire team, the permanent staff is retained.

Practices that can leverage in-house diagnostics can leverage the relief veterinarian diagnostician skills.

Associateveterinarians can take time off.

A facility can be accommodated in its growth phase when it is not in a financial position to support an associate veterinarian.

Relief shifts can function as a “working interview” for practices looking to hire and relief veterinarians looking for permanent work.

Negative attributes of relief work for veterinarians

They maintain their own bookkeeping and billing.

There is occasional unwanted pressure to be hired by the facility.

Appointments can be scheduled inappropriately so that the relief DVM is unable to complete their medical records before their shift ends or must charge the practice for overtime.

Variations in practice standards and professional/personal ethics may not match their own.

There may be a lack of feedback on cases.

They may lack personal interactions with clients.

There can be a lack of closure with cases.

Veterinary-client-patient relationship guidelines are challenging.

Practice/DEA licensing/licensure applications are a hindrance and can limit how much work can be given.

They can rejuvenate their passion for veterinary medicine.

A sense of worth, appreciation, camaraderie, and personal fulfillment can result when giving their colleagues relief.

They gain exposure to how different practices operate.

They can expand their professional prowess.

They can achieve/maintain their desired work-life balance.

If permanent work is desired, relief work allows the DVM to investigate local practices, deciding on a work environment that fits them.

Typically, there is a lack of exposure to negative cultural aspects of a practice.

There are no substantial management duties or expectations, and no involvement in ordering and maintaining supplies/inventory.

There are traveling opportunities to explore new areas outside of work.

As the field of veterinary medicine evolves, schedule flexibility and work-life balance will likely increase in importance, making careers in nonpractice settings more desirable.

Traditional brick-and-mortar clinics should note that dissatisfaction with administration and office/hospital culture might drive their employees to pursue other career avenues such as relief or mobile practice.

, received his bachelor of science degree in biology from Binghamton University, State University of New York, and his doctoral degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York. He participated in small animal medicine and surgery internships at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, and Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, New York, and achieved his board certification in small animal surgery by completing a 3-year residency at LIVS. After operating for almost 10 years at LIVS, Ireifej continued building his career in surgery in Nevada and California, also performing surgeries at emergency and specialty hospitals across the country. Ireifej now serves as chief medical officer of VetTriage. He has also been published in scientific and medical journals and enjoys lecturing to a variety of audiences.

Kogan LR, Rishniw M. Relief and mobile veterinary careers may offer a path towards improved quality of life. 

. 2023;262(2):209-215. doi:10.2460/javma.23.07.0422.

Tackling the veterinary profession shortage. MARS Veterinary Health. August 2023. Accessed January 15, 2025. https://marsveterinary.com/tackling-the-veterinary-professional-shortage/

An industry expert provides the pros and cons of temporary placements for veterinarians and hospitals

Will emergency relief veterinary practice continue to grow?

Jason B. Pieper, DVM, MS, DACVD, outlines the numerous causes of otitis externa

Causes of otitis externa

In this interview, Jason B. Pieper, DVM, MS, DACVD, assistant professor at Iowa State University talks about various causes of otitis externa, including the top cause. In the video, he also cautions veterinarians against believing that atopic dermatitis cannot cause unilateral otitis, explaining that it can happen.

Treatment options for moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, and when to use what

Below is a partial transcript, which has been lightly edited for clarity:

The causes for otitis externa. I mean, definitely the number one is going to be allergies, which then usually are going to be food allergies and atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies. So those are by far the most common causes of them.

Again, it can help whether it's seasonality to differentiate what the underlying cause is and kind of working those up. But that's definitely the number one cause for otitis externa.

Otherwise, you're going to get a lot of the similar causes for pyoderma, you know, similar to otitis, of you know, is there endocrinopathy going on? Is it hypothyroid, Cushing’s, because of the immune suppression do we get recurring otitis because of that, you know? Is there a mass, you know? Is it a young cat as a polyp, or an older cat or older dog that has a mass in the ear, a tumor that needs to be dealt with? 

You know, obviously, for masses, it usually helps if it's unilateral, that can kind of push you more that way. But don't fall [for] the mistake that atopic dermatitis can't cause unilateral otitis. I have seen it. It's weird, but I have seen it, so it does happen. And then you still have your other ones of like autoimmune diseases that can be going on. Foreign bodies, depending [on] if their dogs are hunting dogs, we definitely see foreign bodies, you know…

Videos

dvm360 is excited to announce that our 2025 Hospital Design360 ™ Competition is now accepting nominations! Every year, dvm360 encourages veterinary hospitals across thew United States and its territories to enter the competition as a way to showcase their hospital and what makes it unique through community engagement, design, financial value, and wellness.

“Each year, dvm360 is excited to showcase hospital and clinic designs that elevate veterinary medicine for patients, clients, and staff. By featuring both large and small hospitals, we highlight how innovative use of space can positively impact pets and the people who care for them,” John Hydrusko, vice president of sales at dvm360, said.

Revamp, recharge, rejoice: transforming veterinary hospitals for excellence

Boulevard Veterinary Lakeview East in Chicago, Illinois

The Vet Vision Center in Lambertville, New Jersey

Habitat Veterinary Hospital in Boise, Idaho

The Oregon Humane Society Community Veterinary Hospital in Portland, Oregon

Blue Cross Animal Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico

This year, the contest will award 3 hospitals grand prizes in 3 sizing categories: under 3500, 3500-8,000 sq ft, then > 8,000 sq ft

 Through the multiple categories, dvm360 hopes to be able to showcase the ideology that great design and functionality can come in any size.

To enter your hospital, submissions must include a complete color photo tour of the hospital, both inside and out, as well the site and floor plans for the hospital. Any animal shelters that enter the competition must limit the images to veterinary areas within the facility. Submitted hospitals must have been completed between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2025.

"Innovative hospital design is transforming veterinary care by integrating cutting-edge technology, streamlining efficiency, and fostering a healing environment. These nominations celebrate the forward-thinking spaces that are shaping the future of our profession," Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer at dvm360, said.

Hospitals can enter the contest no later than May 31, 2025. Each grand prize winner will be showcased in the 

website. The winning teams will also receive a Hospital Design Award for the practice and 4 team members will be able to attend a Fetch dvm360 Conference, choosing between Kansas City, Missouri; National Harbor, Maryland; or Long Beach, California. (Travel and accommodations are not included.)

Interested hospitals can learn more, view the official rules, and submit their entry on the official 2025 Hospital Design360 ™ Competition 

Three grand prize winners will be selected and honored on the dvm360 website, print publications, and receive a hospital reward for the practice

2025 Hospital Design360™ Competition now accepting entries

On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, invited Tom Walsh, DVM, CCRP, MBA, to discuss PetPrime Rehab. Known for getting some of the more difficult cases in veterinary medicine, Walsh outlines some of the treatments he uses to speed up recovery time in his patients and make a difference for pet owners and pets alike.

The reason I love rehab is because I couldn't do it in general practice and I get that completely. Just the time constraints that, often, complicated cases go through. I really enjoy the cases, just like we did in school, trying to figure it out and solve the puzzle. But I also like seeing the results at the end: being able to get an animal that is having mobility problems, or neurological problems, and transition them through. My colleagues in neurology and special services as well as orthopedics are thrilled because they know it is very difficult to shepherd an owner through this path. It is a lot of work. You need help at home. I incorporate all of that into a teaching program for these owners. 

Podcasts

Tom Walsh, DVM, CCRP, MBA talks with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, about how a change in career sparked a mobile physical therapy and rehabilitation center to help aging and/or injured pets. 