Skip to main content

PVM Symposium for Veterinary Technicians Draws 100 Participants

Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff

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

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

Recent Stories

Purdue Equine Hospital Team Comes to Aid of Horse Injured in Severe Storm in Michigan

For a horse named Sassy, Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Brunner Equine Hospital proved to be the right place at the right time to recover from a scary accident that happened during a severe storm in Michigan two weeks ago. According to Dr. Danielle Cucuzella, Purdue visiting assistant professor of large animal surgery, the Quarter Horse named Sassy was seriously hurt during near 100 mile-per-hour winds where she lived in Saint Louis, Michigan.

“Paws Up!” for 4th-year DVM students Colton and Kendall – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we celebrate the caring and competence of two members of the new senior class of DVM students for their noteworthy service in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

College of Veterinary Medicine Graduates Honored at Two Ceremonies During Purdue’s 2026 Commencement Weekend

A change in Purdue University’s traditional commencement weekend schedule resulted in two ceremonies recognizing graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine in May.  This year, veterinary technology graduates were honored at a ceremony that was separate from the commencement program for the DVM graduates.  That’s because the university recognized all doctoral degree candidates in a single ceremony on Saturday, May 16. As a result, the veterinary technology degree recipients were honored Thursday, May 14, at one of several ceremonies for undergraduate degree candidates. Following that ceremony, the college hosted its traditional oath ceremony for the 2026 graduates of the Purdue Veterinary Technology program in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom.

White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Third-year Veterinary Students’ Transition to Clinical Year

The Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms provided a classic setting for an annual event that has become a cherished tradition of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Members of the DVM Class of 2027 gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff on the evening of April 18 for the annual White Coat Ceremony that signals the transition of the third year veterinary students from the classroom to the clinics.

Popular Purdue Veterinary Medicine Bone Marrow Workshop Goes on the Road to Mexico

An annual program hosted by two bone marrow experts with Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine ties, once again attracted strong attendance but in a new international location. This year, Drs. Joanne B. Messick and Rose E. Raskin were invited to Mexico City to present the Annual Bone Marrow Workshop at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

“Paws Up” for Dr. Madeleine Swindell – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we share appreciation for Dr. Madeleine Swindell, who is a Purdue Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Rotating Intern.

Awards Ceremony Honors Outstanding Purdue Veterinary Medicine Staff

Applause and periodic shouts of “Bravo” punctuated the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual spring Outstanding Staff and Bravo Awards Ceremony. The program held in Lynn Hall on May 13 honored some two dozen staff members for meritorious accomplishments.