Sessions
Hands-on Labs & Workshops
The OAVT 2024 Conference will offer an array of interactive learning opportunities for attendees. Each of the workshops and hands-on labs is an additional cost to the conference pass. Attendees must hold a conference pass for the day that the workshop or hands-on lab is being presented. Register early as space is limited.
Workshops
Workshops are interactive, large group sessions that promote a shared learning environment.
PRESENTED BY: CHRISTINA MILLER, RVT, BSc (Ag. Env. Sci.)
FRIDAY MARCH 1 | PRICE: $35
Husbandry-related disease may be the most common reason for presentation in exotic taxa, and taking a thorough patient history is key to addressing the underlying reason for many pathologies. Understanding what to ask for different species is integral to taking an effective history. Taking and reviewing the husbandry history can be delegated to dedicated support staff (e.g. Registered Veterinary Technicians) for efficiency. Real scenarios will be presented for participants to work through!
PRESENTED BY: MELANIE BARHAM, DVM, MBA, PMP
FRIDAY MARCH 1 | PRICE: $35
If the mere mention of negotiation makes your stomach churn, you’re in the right place. Gain confidence and skill in workplace negotiations that might also apply to other areas of your life too! We will cover the norms of negotiation, ethical negotiation, and how to navigate challenges.
PRESENTED BY: CHRISTINA MILLER, RVT, BSc (Ag. Env. Sci.)
SATURDAY MARCH 2 | PRICE: $35
Exotic animal patients present many challenges, including administration of therapeutics. Small patient size precludes the use of neat commercial products in many cases. What do you do when your patient only weighs a few grams?
Hands-on Labs
Hands-on labs will focus on practicing a specific skill or set of skills in an interactive environment. Hands-on labs are typically smaller groups to ensure everyone has the opportunity to practice the new skills. Register early as space is limited.
Presented by: Andrea Steele, MSc, RVT, VTS (ECC) & Scarlett Wong, RVT, VTS (ECC)
FRIDAY MARCH 1 and SATURDAY MARCH 2 | Price: $600
Attend this full-day, hands-on lab to receive your RECOVER Veterinary CPR certification. The certification process consists of an online course followed by onsite training at the conference. Because of this, participants must have successfully completed the RECOVER online BLS (Basic Life Support) and ALS (Advanced Life Support) courses available at www.recoverinitiative.org. Successful completion of this course grants certification as a RECOVER BLS and ALS Rescuer. Human medical professionals certify in human CPR. Veterinary medical professionals should certify themselves in veterinary CPR!
The cost of this lab includes access to complete the pre-requisite online courses. If you have already successfully completed the online modules, you may be eligible for a discount. Please reach out to events@oavt.org.
PRESENTED BY: LINDSAY JOHNSTON, RVT, B.Sc.
FRIDAY MARCH 1 | PRICE: $75
This workshop is designed to give veterinary staff the tools they need to adopt patient-friendly handling techniques for routine feline procedures in the veterinary clinic. Using a combination of slides, videos, and live demonstration, participants will observe the techniques, practice the techniques on models, and complete “case studies” to apply their skills and critical thinking to real-time scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on choosing techniques based on individual patient body language, making adjustments to patient response, safety, and efficiency.
PRESENTED BY: Felix Portelance, Dispomed
FRIDAY MARCH 1 | PRICE: $75
This immersive hands-on lab, covering anesthesia machines, dental units, autoclaves, and microscopes is designed to provide you with a holistic understanding of veterinary equipment. Learn valuable tips and tricks to deepen your understanding and autonomy in troubleshooting & saving valuable time in critical situations. Work through scenarios on the actual equipment to gain actionable tips that make a real difference in your day-to-day operations.
All delegates will receive a take home binder.
PRESENTED BY: BARBIE PAPAJESKI, RVT, RLATG, VTS (Clin Path)
Friday MARCH 1 | PRICE: $75
This workshop will focus on the proper collecting and processing of cytological specimens for analysis. Participants will learn how collection and processing techniques can negatively impact cytological findings. Best practices for collection of samples, preliminary tests, and slide preparation techniques will be covered. During the workshop portion, participants will have a chance to practice slide preparation.
PRESENTED BY: DENISE ROLLINGS, LVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Saturday March 2 | PRICE: $200
Using properly sharpened instruments is imperative for safe and efficient dentistry. In this lab, we will demonstrate and practice how to sharpen commonly used dental instruments. This includes hand scalers, curettes, elevators, and luxators. Proper ergonomics will be reviewed as well.
Each participant will receive their own take-home sharpening kit.
Presented by: Jennie Tait, RVT, AHT, VTS (Dermatology)
SATURDAY March 2 | Price: $75
It’s not rocket science, it’s just dermatology. This hands-on lab will take you step by step through the best techniques for in-house sample collection and interpretation. Mastering these basics will up your derm game and improve the care your patients receive. If you are a fellow Derm Nerd, then this is for you: cytology sampling, culture collection, skin scrapings, fine needle aspirates, biopsies, and more!