PVM Symposium for Veterinary Technicians Draws 100 Participants

March 30, 2018

Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff leads a session titled “Update on Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism” as part of the Small Animal Track at the fourth annual Veterinary Technician Specialty Symposium Sunday, March 25, at Lynn Hall.

The fourth Veterinary Technician Specialty Symposium at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine last weekend attracted about 100 attendees who came from as far away as Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio. The one day program on Sunday, March 25, covered a range of topics and included both small and large animal tracks.

The annual symposium is designed to provide veterinary assistants, veterinary technology students, and veterinary technicians the opportunity to obtain approved continuing education credits. Participants were eligible for up to seven hours of continuing education (CE). Special speakers included several Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff.

Veterinary Technician Specialty Symposium attendees listen to a Large Animal Track presentation on “Blood Gas Analysis in Equine Emergencies” by PVM Anesthesiology Technologist Jordan Williams.

After opening remarks by Dr. Bianca Zenor, Veterinary Technology Program director, the program gave participants the chance to choose between large and small animal topics, ranging from a presentation on “Update on Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism” by Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff, professor of small animal internal medicine and head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, to a talk about “Cattle Behavior and Stockmanship” by Dr. Bethany Funnell, clinical assistant professor of bovine theriogenology. Other sessions were led by Kimberly Sederquist, cardiology technologist; Crystal Hagan, large animal medicine technician; Tami Lind, ICU/ECC technologist supervisor; Lara Luke, dermatology technician; Jordan Williams, anesthesia technologist; and Kelly Guy, diagnostic imaging technician.

Afternoon sessions included a talk on the “General Husbandry of Pet Birds” by Wellness Technician Saralyn Sharp and a presentation entitled, “Behavior Modification Techniques to Reduce Reactivity and Build Impulse Control in the Canine Patient,” by Behavior Technician Melinda Cotton. Becky Murray, CVT, MA, LCPC, from the Veterinary Specialty Center in Buffalo Grove, Ill., wrapped up the program with her presentation on wellness titled “Strengthening Boundaries to Reduce Stress in the Workplace.” The symposium also gave participants the opportunity to develop their professional networks and meet PVM staff and faculty members. Special thanks go to symposium sponsors Elanco and Hill’s.

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

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