Good morning dvm360 readers! We hope all those who traveled to Fetch Long Beach had safe travels home and an incredible time at the conference. We want to extend our gratitude to all of those who attended our Fetch and Directions in Veterinary Medicine Symposiums throughout 2024 as well as all of our incredible faculty who traveled around the country to speak.

As we continue to provide coverage from Fetch Long Beach, here is what will be coming up this week on dvm360.com:

dvm360 and Chewy Health partnered up for the second year in a row to present the Innovator of the Year Award™. The award was given to one veterinarian and one paraprofessional whose work is bolstering the future of the veterinary industry through innovation.

Jaguar Health shared they have received approved renewal of its Canalevia-CA1(Crofelemer delayed-release tablets), which is the first and currently only treatment for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs.

Danny Sack, DVM, gives readers an inside look into what it is like to go through the veterinary residency process, including more about the Veterinary Internship and Residency Match Program and what happens if you are not matched with a hospital.

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, sits down with Emily Tincher, DVM, to discuss more on the spectrum of care for veterinary patients.

Animal Dermatology Group disclosed that it has acquired Animal Dermatology & Allergy in Rocklin, California, and Skin Vet Clinic in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The acquisition has helped grow Animal Dermatology Group’s network across the United States.

Did you miss us in Long Beach? If so, don’t worry, we have plenty of opportunities for you to attend a conference in 2024, including a brand-new Fetch Location! You can check out all Fetch locations and register to secure your spot 

 today. We are excited to see you in 2024!

Articles

Here is a sneak peek of this week’s headlines 

This week on dvm360.com: 2023 Innovators of the Year award recipients announced, and other veterinary news 

, the number one multimedia platform in the veterinary industry, in partnership with Chewy Health, the dedicated pet health care arm of Chewy, is thrilled to announce that the 2023 winners for the dvm360 2023 Innovator of the Year Award program have been revealed!

The Innovator of the Year Award is a special recognition celebrating one veterinarian and one paraprofessional who are bolstering the future of the veterinary industry through innovative measures.

Innovator of the Year (DVM): Philip J. Bergman, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM (Oncology) - VCA (Veterinary Centers of America)

Innovator of the Year (Paraprofessional): Ellen M. Carozza LVT, VTS(CP-Feline) - The Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation and THE CAT LVT LLC

Dr. Philip J. Bergman has been tirelessly championing veterinary and comparative oncology for more than 30 years. He was instrumental in the development of the ONCEPT Canine Melanoma Vaccine, the first DNA-based canine cancer vaccine that is now fully licensed by the USDA. He continues to act as principal veterinary investigator for the groundbreaking treatment. Dr. Bergman has also held leadership roles in several veterinary boards and organizations, including the Veterinary Cancer Society.

Ellen M. Carozza, LVT, VTS(CP-Feline), is a passionate veterinary technician who has devoted her life to advancing the standard of care for felines. In addition to founding the Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation, a nonprofit that provides medical care for neonatal at-risk kittens, Carozza spearheaded the creation of a new veterinary technician credential, VTS Feline, which focuses specifically on cat care. Carozza is now one of only three veterinary technicians in the world to obtain this certification.

“We are proud to partner with dvm360 in honoring these extraordinary caregivers for their ingenuity and achievements within their communities,” said Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health. “As a champion of the veterinary community, Chewy Health will continue to advocate for and support innovation across all aspects of the industry with the goal of building a stronger future for veterinary professionals everywhere.”

Chewy Health is committed to improving the lives of pets and the people who work tirelessly to care for them. To that end, the company will be making a $5,000 donation to an industry nonprofit of each winner’s choice. Those organizations are Not One More Vet, a nonprofit that addresses well-being in veterinary medicine through inclusive pathways, and The Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation, which provides life-saving medical care to at-risk kittens.

The 2023 dvm360 and Chewy Health Innovator of the Year Award recipients were announced and honored at the dvm360 Fetch Long Beach conference in Long Beach, California, which took place December 1-3, 2023.

“Many veterinary professionals are blazing new trails, and innovating the way we think about animal health. Change and innovation are essential in our industry as they allow us to adapt, grow and thrive in a dynamic world. These innovators are the catalysts for progress and play a fundamental role in shaping a promising future for the veterinary profession. I am excited to celebrate our 2023 winners along with our generous partners at Chewy Health!” said Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer at dvm360. “It is truly an honor to be a part of an incredibly hardworking profession that goes above and beyond the call of duty for animals, the owners and the community in which it serves.”

winners of the 2022 dvm60 Innovator of the Year Award

 were Katherine Cutter, DVM, DACVO, CEO of BoosterPet (DVM winner); and Peter Carlos, RVT, of Taylor ER Veterinary Emergency Hospital (paraprofessional winner). Dr. Cutter and Carlos were honored for creating new solutions that open access to care and creatively educating veterinary professionals across the country through social media. In 2022, Chewy also made $5000 charitable donations on each winner’s behalf, which were directed to Monkey Tail Ranch, a California-based facility that provides animal therapy for individuals and families impacted by autism, and Old Dog Haven, an animal rescue in Washington that fosters senior dogs. You can learn more about the Chewy Health and dvm360 Innovator of the Year Award program 

The leading media-content provider in the veterinary market, dvm360 has been in operation for more than 50 years. It provides readers with top-of-the-line digital and print content that focuses on every aspect of a veterinary professional’s life. In addition, dvm360 hosts continuing education (CE) conferences that provide a 360-degree educational engagement experience for veterinary professionals. These conferences include several Fetch dvm360 conferences and the Fetch Coastal®, CE events that have been a staple in the veterinary community for decades. dvm360 is a brand of 

 the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America. MJH Life Sciences is dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

Chewy Health’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy Health embodies this spirit with our unparalleled commitment to pets and the people who tirelessly care for them. In response to veterinary care challenges and evolving pet parent needs, Chewy Health is pioneering digital solutions for simple, efficient operations. This leads to more time for hands-on pet care for healthier and happier pets. It’s all part of the commitment at Chewy Health to improve the health of every pet by helping to make veterinary professionals’ jobs easier.

Lauren Garafola
908-458-2530
lgarafola@mjhlifesciences.com

One veterinarian and one paraprofessional are being recognized for their work in bolstering the future of the veterinary industry

dvm360® and Chewy Health announce the 2023 Innovator of the Year Award™ recipients

explains what makes otitis externa so difficult and what owners can do to prevent reoccurring cases

The challenges of treating otitis externa

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, sat down with 

 in an interview and explained how otitis externa can be unique to each patient, sometimes making treatment difficult. However, she also shared some tips for owners to help manage and prevent these dermatology cases.

The following is a partial transcript of the video.

 I think treating otitis externa is so challenging because there's no one size fits all remedy. It's very case dependent, patient dependent, client dependent. So it's difficult because you have to be able to pivot and MacGyver things. And I think that's why some people don't like it. It's why I like it because I get to tinker around and change things. But I think the lack of a simple easy answer is what makes it so tricky.

There's a lot of things owners can do. I think, No 1, it's really important that they have a good relationship with a veterinarian who can help guide them into the correct steps that will work for their specific dog, because the vet is going to be able to say this is what's going on with your pet.

Videos

Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, explains what makes otitis externa so difficult and what owners can do to prevent reoccurring cases

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) installed a new president and elected 3 members to its’ board of directors on December 2, 2023. The leadership changes were made during the President’s Luncheon at the organization’s annual convention in San Diego.

Photos courtesy of the American Association of Equine Practitioners

Katherine Garrett, DVM, DACVS, director of diagnostic imaging at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, took the reigns as AAEP president. “It is an honor to serve as AAEP president alongside so many talented and committed volunteer leaders,” said Garrett, in an organizational release.

 “I look forward to continuing our work on behalf of the membership and the horse.”

Garrett is a 2003 graduate of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, and joined the AAEP that same year. She has since served on the board of directors from 2015 to 2017, has chaired multiple committees, and anchored the AAEP Annual Convention’s Kester New Hour from 2019 to 2021.

Prior to her current role, Garrett completed 2 internships with Rood and Riddle before continuing her career with the hospital as a practicing associate. Her professional interests include musculoskeletal MRI and upper airway imaging.

The newly elected board members were also announced during the luncheon. They are equine podiatrist Raul Bras, DVM, CJF, a faculty member at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh; Sara Langsam, VMD, a partner at Teigland, Franklin and Brokken (TFB) DVMs, Inc. based in South Florida, and manager of its Belmont Park division; and Erin Contino, DVM, DACVSMR, associate professor of equine sport medicine and rehabilitation at Colorado State University (CSU) College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Fort Collins.

Braus earned his veterinary degree at Ross University in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2005 and completed the farrier program at Cornell University. He completed his residency at Rood and Riddle and continued his career with the practice as an associate in the podiatry department until October 2023.

Langsam completed her veterinary degree in 2002 at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and also completed an internship at Rood and Riddle. She soon joined TFB and ascended to partner in 2009, eventually expanding the practice to provide year-round services to Belmont Park clients in Elmont, New York. Her activity with AAEP includes serving on committees, as chair of the racing committee, and as an on-call veterinary spokesperson for the organization during races.

Contino received her veterinary degree from CSU, and completed an internship at Pioneer Equine Hospital, Oakdale, California, before returning to Colorado. Following a 3-year residency in equine sports medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound, she joined the faculty. She has also served as the chair of multiple AAEP committees and programs.

Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the AAEP is dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the veterinary profession and equine industry. The nonprofit organization currently reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its more than 9000 members worldwide.

Diagnostic imaging expert from Kentucky to lead the AAEP in 2024. News release. American Association of Equine Practitioners. December 2, 2023. Accessed December 3, 2023. 

Dr. Raul Bras elected to AAEP Board of Directors. News release. American Association of Equine Practitioners. December 2, 2023. Accessed December 3, 2023. 

New York-based racetrack practitioner elected to AAEP board of directors. News release. American Association of Equine Practitioners. December 2, 2023. Accessed December 3, 2023. 

Equine sports medicine professor at Colorado State University elected to AAEP Board of Directors. American Association of Equine Practitioners. December 2, 2023. Accessed December 3, 2023. 

The leadership changes were announced during the organization's annual convention in San Diego.

AAEP welcomes a new president and 3 board members

shares his tips for gastrointestinal surgeries

Important reminders for GI surgeries

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Michael Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, sat down with 

 for an interview and shared what he thinks is the most important thing to keep mind when dealing with gastrointestinal surgeries. 

My name is Michael Jaffe. I'm an associate professor and the service chief of small animal surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I'm a board-certified surgeon. I'm also certified in canine physical therapy and rehab and oversee the physical therapy and rehab program at Mississippi State, as well. My practice is probably about 90% or more orthopedic surgery at this point.

The most important thing for the GI surgeries is making sure that we're getting good closure of whatever tissue we're going into. For instance, if we're taking a foreign body out of the stomach or the intestine, making sure that the closure is appropriate, that we're not causing damage to the blood supply to the tissue, and that we're not getting any leakage. So paying real strict attention to appropriate acquisition of the tissue, leak testing the intestine, make sure there's no leakage, and promoting whatever we can to improve the ability of that tissue to heal.

Michael Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, shares his tips for gastrointestinal surgeries

George Robinson, DVM, MSPH, delivers the Day 2 morning keynote at the Fetch dvm360 conference in Long Beach, California on December 2, 2023.

When success seems elusive, you need to pivot and try to reach your goal in a new way. That was the main message shared by George Robinson, DVM, MSPH, founder and vice-chairman of Heartland Veterinary Partners in Chicago, Illinois, during his morning keynote on Day 2 of the Fetch dvm360 conference in Long Beach, California.

Robinson also peppered throughout his talk “the 4 P’s” more commonly associated with achieving success: preparation, persistence, perseverance and passion. He said 

. “I truly believe that failure is not an option,” he said. “I was always prepared to pivot.”

To drive home his point, Robinson shared some of his lifelong experiences with failure and success that led him to pivot as he built a career in veterinary medicine. “It’s an interesting path that’s laced with a lot of success, and laced with a lot of failure,” he said.

Prior to founding Heartland Veterinary Partners, a veterinary support organization for which he is a former CEO, Robinson owned and operated private veterinary practices in Louisiana, and served in leadership positions with National Veterinary Associates in Agoura Hills, California, and the Banfield Pet Hospital organization based in Vancouver, Washington. He is a former political party representative for the state of Louisiana, and currently sits on the board of directors of the Louisiana State University (LSU) System Foundation.

Robinson began walking attendees through his career trajectory with a story about his experience as a Boy Scout. In his quest to earn the coveted Eagle Scout status, he initially failed a weekend-long outdoor skills test when continuous rain presented challenges that he was unable to overcome. “Everything went really, really wrong,” he said.

Denied the Eagle Scout status, Robinson said he was depressed. However, he wanted to try again. “I knew only one thing: failure was not an option,” he said.

Robinson said his community quickly rallied for 6 weeks to help him build the skills would need to pass the outdoor test. He cooked over an open fire in his suburban backyard, he received instruction on how to swim, and a nature professor taught walked with him and taught Robinson about plants, along with others who supported his goal in a variety of ways. “With that combined community effort, I realized that I had to pivot,” he said.

Given the opportunity to test again, the outcome was much different than the first attempt. “I became the first African American Eagle Scout in the state of Louisiana,” Robinson said.

After graduating from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, Robinson was a graduate student at Howard University in Washington, DC, where he sought approval from the experimental program committee. The process typically took months, he said. However, in a meeting with university’s president of research, Robinson noticed an affiliation with the Boy Scouts and his Eagle Scout status earned him favor. “He approved my study that afternoon,” said Robinson, who went on to earn his degree in only 9 months, crediting preparation and persistence.

He also spoke about struggles as a private practice owner when he learned a hard lesson early on. “I made one of the biggest mistakes I think a lot of us in private practice make… You love everything that you do, but you don’t give your people the respect that they deserve and need, and you’re not patient,” he said.

Robinson said he had been treating his employees without empathy, and acted “fussy” about their work, expecting his entry-level staff to know more about veterinary operations than they did. On Christmas Day, his entire team quit, leaving him to handle many patients without professional support. As a result, he pivoted and persevered. “I changed my attitude about employees. I changed my thought process on their development, and things got better” he said. 

Robinson closed his talk by encouraging attendees to embrace all of the “P’s”, not to be afraid of setbacks, seek out support, react to change with courage, and simply move forward. “And be prepared to pivot,” he said.

Robinson G. The Pivot. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 conference; Long Beach, California. December 1-3, 2023.

George Robinson, DVM, MSPH, spoke to Fetch dvm360 conference attendees about overcoming failures to reach his goals, in a morning keynote address