The start of a new academic year signals the approach of the annual Purdue Veterinary Conference and the last chance to get an early-bird discount on registration. The conference is scheduled for September 16-20 on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, and features a variety of specialized tracks as well as special events. Early bird registration ends September 1, and late fees will apply as of September 2.
This year’s conference line-up features the opportunity to earn up to 24 continuing education credit hours, with specialized tracks addressing key topics in such focus areas as small animal, farm animal – ruminant, farm animal – swine, diagnostic medicine, equine, exotics, emergency preparedness, shelter medicine, and veterinary technology/nursing. In addition, the conference Exhibit Hall will feature a variety of booths hosted by industry partners showcasing the latest innovations, technologies and services.
Mixed in with the insightful and engaging continuing education talks will be a range of special events, including the annual PVM Alumni, Student and Friends Celebration Wednesday, September 17 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., which will be preceded by an Exhibit Hall Mixer from 4:00 to 5:00 that is just right for socializing and networking with friends and colleagues. Then, during the Alumni, Students and Friends Celebration, the college will recognize alumni classes celebrating milestone reunions, with special recognition of the 25th and 50th anniversary classes.
As the conference continues Thursday, September 18, attendees will have a special opportunity to hear from two Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni, Drs. Dennis DeNicola and Fred Metzger, who are renowned in the field of clinical pathology, as they address the topics of canine and feline hematology. On Friday, another Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumnus, Dr. Matt Lemmons, who is board-certified in veterinary dentistry, will give a series of talks on his specialty, including lectures entitled, Imaging for Veterinary Dentistry, Updates on Feline Dentistry, Dental and Maxillofacial Injuries, and Oral Inflammatory Diseases and Oral Manifestations of Systemic Disease. Then, during Friday’s lunch break, there will be an opportunity to visit the newly opened Dr. Janet Houghton Dental Suite in Lynn Hall, where a reception from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. will celebrate the new facility, which was created to support clinical training in veterinary dentistry and to elevate patient care for pets needing dental treatment.
On Saturday morning, September 20, the conference will wrap up with the time-honored and fun annual Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog 5K Fun Run/Walk, which this year includes a special element. The event will begin in front of Lynn Hall with check in starting at 7:00 a.m. and participants taking their place at the starting line at 8:00. Fittingly, the Dog Jog runners, walkers, and canines will line-up adjacent to the college’s iconic Continuum sculpture on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its installation.
Crafted in the Pacific Northwest by the late sculptor Larry Anderson, of Bonney Lake, Washington, the sculpture was installed in front of Lynn Hall and dedicated in 2000. Ever since, Continuum has stood as a powerful testament to the enduring reality of the Human-Animal Bond. The sculpture’s beautiful depiction of the relationship between people and animals, from the earliest days of human history through to modern human-animal interactions, with figures included that represent veterinary medicine and scientific discovery, has uplifted and inspired students, staff, faculty, visitors, and passersby for a generation. And its legacy has only just begun!
The Dog Jog will conclude later that morning with the presentation of awards for the top performing human and canine participants.
Make sure to register for the Purdue Veterinary Conference today if you haven’t already, to take advantage of this top quality continuing education conference that combines first-rate CE presentations with fun and engaging events and lots of opportunities for mixing and mingling with colleagues, friends, students, faculty and staff, and industry representatives and partners. Click here for more information and to register. Click here for more information about the Dog Jog and a link to sign-up.
Approaching Purdue Veterinary Conference Mixes CE and Celebration in September

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu