Special opportunities to learn about vital veterinary medical topics, see special facilities first-hand, and participate in fun special events with colleagues and friends headline the schedule for the upcoming 2025 Purdue Veterinary Conference. Hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine on the Purdue campus in West Lafayette, the event September 16-20 will bring together veterinary professionals, educators, students, and industry partners. Register today for this stellar week of continuing education complete with opportunities for practical learning, collaboration and networking.
Participants will be able to earn up to 24 continuing education (CE) credits by attending sessions covering a broad range of topics. Educational tracks will include small animal medicine, including dentistry, as well as veterinary nursing, farm animal medicine (with individual tracks for ruminants and swine), equine and exotic animal medicine, diagnostic medicine, emergency preparedness, practice management, and shelter medicine.
Dental Focus Includes Opportunity to Visit New Named Dental Suite
In conjunction with the dental sessions, which will be held Friday morning, September 19, guests will have the opportunity to see the newly opened Dr. Janet Houghton Dental Suite in Lynn Hall during a reception scheduled from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. The new suite supports hands-on training in veterinary dentistry and reflects Purdue’s commitment to advancing clinical care and education.
The dental suite reception and tours will follow veterinary dentistry talks that morning given by Dr. Matt Lemmons, a 2003 Purdue DVM graduate who is board-certified by the American Veterinary Dental College. He practices dentistry and oral surgery at MedVet Indianapolis and has served as a visiting instructor at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine since 2017. His presentations will address Imaging for Veterinary Dentistry, Updates on Feline Dentistry, Dental and Maxillofacial Injuries, and Oral Inflammatory Diseases and Oral Manifestations of Systemic Disease.
The overall theme for this year’s conference is “Opening Doors, Changing Lives: Shaping the Future of Veterinary Medicine.” The schedule officially begins on Tuesday, September 16, at 5:00 p.m. with the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture. This year the lecture features Dr. Lori Kogan, a respected psychologist and professor of clinical sciences at Colorado State University, who also serves as chair of the Human-Animal Interaction Section of the American Psychological Association. The lecture will be followed by a reception, giving attendees the chance to connect with peers and colleagues.
Additional Conference Highlights
The Wellness Keynote this year is entitled “How to Break Out of the Burnout Spiral.” Held on Wednesday, September 17, at 12:45 p.m., the talk will be given by Dr. Alicia Grandey, liberal arts professor in the industrial-organizational psychology program at Penn State, who will explore how to recognize and manage burnout, offering practical strategies for maintaining well-being in demanding roles.
Another highlight is the Conference Keynote, “Standing Firm, Even When the World and Patients Are Not.” Scheduled for noon Thursday, September 18, this presentation will feature Dr. Karrah Herring, author, lawyer, public relations specialist and workplace culture expert whose 17-year career spans higher education, corporate and state government. The session will address the importance of inclusive practices in veterinary medicine and provide useful tools for navigating professional challenges with clarity and purpose.
Later that afternoon, Dr. Grandey will speak again, delivering the Jack and Naomi Stockton / Class of 1971 Lecture. Entitled, “Managing the Emotionally Charged Workplace,” her talk in Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall will include practical alternatives to managing stress and interpersonal dynamics in high-pressure environments.
Exhibit Hall and Networking Events
Another feature of the Purdue Veterinary Conference is the Exhibit Hall, where industry representatives will showcase new tools, products, and veterinary care services. The schedule will include two hours for exclusive access to the Exhibit Hall where attendees can explore offerings while earning up to two CE credits. An Exhibit Hall passport contest also will give participants opportunities to win prizes by visiting participating booths.
In addition, a Mixer reception will be hosted in the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday, September 17, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., and will be followed immediately by the Alumni, Students and Friends Celebration. These events will offer opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and strengthen professional relationships.
The conference will conclude with the annual Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog on Saturday, September 20 — a long-standing Purdue tradition that provides a fun way to wrap up the week of continuing education.
Don’t delay – register Today!
The Purdue Veterinary Conference continues to offer meaningful learning opportunities and a supportive environment for veterinary professionals at every stage of their careers. For a full schedule and registration information, click here: Purdue Veterinary Conference – College of Veterinary Medicine.
