Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s annual Veterinary Nursing Symposium brought more than 150 veterinary professionals to Lynn Hall recently to gain practical knowledge and insights about a diverse range of topics covering both small and large animals. Veterinary nurses (technicians and technologists), veterinary assistants and veterinary nursing (technology) students participated in the all day lifelong learning program Sunday, March 23. The attendees came from across Indiana as well as Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
The symposium opened with a welcome from Dr. Kathy Salisbury, associate dean for academic affairs and Purdue Veterinary Nursing Program interim director, who emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in veterinary medicine. Her remarks were followed by expert-led lectures, hands-on activities, and valuable networking opportunities.
Attendees were able to customize their learning experiences by choosing between tracks focusing on large or small animal topics. The diverse range of sessions ensured that everyone had the opportunity to bolster their clinical expertise and gain practical insights.
Highlights included two specialized wet labs in the large animal track. Flash Ultrasound, which focused on real-time diagnostic imaging, was led by Dr. Camilla Jamieson, BVMedSci, BVM & BVS, DACVIM, clinical assistant professor of large animal emergency and critical care. Distal Limb Anatomy was presented by Molly Cripe Birt, BS, RVT, VTS (EVN), PVM instructional technologist, who highlighted the significance of anatomical knowledge in clinical practice.
Additional large animal sessions included talks by guest lecturer Aurora Sochan, CVT, VTS (EVN), CERP. Her presentation entitled, “Inhalant Anesthesia for the Equine Patient,” covered the latest advancements in anesthesia techniques. She also gave a talk on “Injuries and Maladies of the Athletic Horse,” which provided vital insights into caring for equine athletes. Her third presentation, “Down the Rehab Rabbit Hole,” provided an in-depth look at rehabilitation practices for large animals – a critical aspect of their recovery and performance.
The concurrent Small Animal Track offered a range of valuable sessions that included a talk entitled, “Pediatric Therapeutics: Do’s and Don’ts,” presented by Dr. Steve Thompson, DABVP – Canine and Feline Practice, clinical associate professor of small animal primary care, who addressed the challenges of treating young animals. In addition, Brittany Laflen, RVT, VTS (Neurology), veterinary technician in neurology/small animal surgery, gave a talk entitled, “Keeping Your Head: Atlantoaxial Instability in Small Animals,” that explored the diagnosis and management of the neurological condition. “The Nitty Gritty of Canine Uroliths” was the title of a presentation by Katie Stolarz, RVT, veterinary technologist in small animal internal medicine, who delved into the diagnosis and treatment of urinary stones in dogs. Katie Mowery, RVT, VTS (ECC), provided hands-on guidance for effective fluid management in her talk entitled, “Water You Doing? Understanding Fluid Therapy in Small Animal Patients.”
Other sessions addressed such topics as, “Veterinary Anesthesia Ventilators: Setup, Care, and Use,” by Heidi Lescun, RVT, director of technical services operations for Vetamac, and “Orthopedic Imaging of the Hindlimbs,” presented by Christina DeYoung, RVT, VTS-DI, veterinary technologist in diagnostic imaging. The day concluded with a session on “Compassion in Practice: Guiding Pet Owners Through Grief and Loss,” led by Linley Brewer, RVT, veterinary technologist in medical oncology.
Beyond the educational sessions, the symposium also enabled participants to make meaningful connections among attendees and speakers, and strengthened the sense of community among veterinary nursing professionals. The program was sponsored by Emergency Veterinary Care Centers, Noah’s Animal Hospital, and Vetamac. Special thanks to Danielle Buchanan, RVT, VTS (SAIM), clinical skills laboratory manager, and Molly Cripe Birt, RVT, VTS (EVN), instructional technologist, who served as moderators and symposium coordinators.
As the event wrapped up, participants left with renewed enthusiasm, expanded knowledge, and stronger professional networks. The date for next year’s symposium is already set. The 12th annual Veterinary Nursing Symposium is scheduled for March 8, 2026 at Lynn Hall.