Jack L. Mara Seminars on Veterinary Technology

2010 AVMA Annual Convention Program for Veterinary Technicians

The AVMA recognizes the value of veterinary technicians as an integral component of veterinary medicine. As a member of the veterinary medical team, technicians are invited to participate in 4 full days of veterinary technician CE sessions, DVM educational sessions (as space allows) with the exception of some DVM interactive labs, technician interactive labs (separate fee required), and all special events and entertainment.

Use the CE Session Finder to find all technician sessions, view descriptions, speakers, and schedules. Search by subject keyword, event ID #, or day. The Section choice for all Technician Programs is Jack L. Mara Seminars on Veterinary Technology.

Veterinary Technician Interactive Labs

The Jack L Mara Veterinary Technician Interactive Lab series offer a wide variety of topics. These 2 - 8 hour labs are designed to help you become the valued technician every practice needs. This year we are offering a Friday preconvention lab on social media communications, on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other network sites that can enhance your clinic's presence. Interactive Labs are overseen and approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of the AVMA.

For a complete description of labs, use the CE Session Finder and search by ID#.  Labs tend to reach capacity quickly, so sign up today! 

Rehabilitation of the Small Animal Patient with Orthopedic and Neurologic Conditions    ID# 9002    SOLD OUT
8:00 am – 5:50 pm    Room B404

Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of canine rehabilitation including use of manual therapies, physical modalities, and therapeutic exercise. The morning session will review the pertinent soft tissue anatomy with live dog palpation, followed by manual therapies demonstrations on live dogs. The afternoon session will discuss indications for and application of physical modalities, including laser, therapeutic ultrasound, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and cryotherapy. Participants will learn the logic of exercise progression with opportunities to practice techniques on live dogs.
Janet B Van Dyke, Laurie L McCauley
Fee: $400.   Enrollment limited to 20 registrants. — This veterinary Interactive Lab is open to veterinary technicians.

Monitors & Monitoring    ID# 8985
2:00 pm - 5:50 pm    Room B408

This lab will focus on the many various monitors available in veterinary medicine today with emphasis on anesthesia monitors. We will discuss setting-up the monitors, maintaining them, troubleshooting problems and then the differences between each monitor workings, technologies, information supplied, and parameters each covers. There will also be in-depth discussions about the act of monitoring patients under anesthesia, including the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and blood gas analysis. We will also discuss the importance of monitoring to the anesthetist and patient. At the end of the lab, participants will be equipped to make informed decisions on what monitor(s) and monitoring techniques fit best with their client's needs.
Kristen Cooley
Fee: $175. Enrollment is limited to 30 registrants.

Small Ruminant Parasitology    ID# 9012
2:00 pm – 5:50 pm    Room B405

During this hands-on laboratory, participants will learn how to perform a McMaster’s fecal egg count, how to perform a quantitative fecal examination in your clinic, and how to identify small ruminant and camelid parasites and nonparasite artifacts. Additional information will include how to prepare and ship a fecal sample for specialized testing in an outside laboratory, vacuum packing samples for routine fecal analysis, and lectin staining for differentiating the Barberpole worm from other trichostrongyles. Proper FamACHA technique to correlate conjunctival pallor with anemia will also be demonstrated. 
Ray M Kaplan, Lisa H Williamson
Fee: $225. Enrollment limited to 24 attendees. — This veterinary Interactive Lab is open to veterinary technicians.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1

My Sediments Exactly: Urine Sediment Exam    ID# 8981
8:00 am - 9:50 am    Room B405

This course will cover both chemical and microscopic examination of urine samples. Participants will learn several means by which they may standardize methods in their own clinical labs. Microscope lighting adjustments, common pitfalls, and simple verification techniques will be emphasized. Methods for verifying clinical results will improve confidence in urinalysis results while shortening the amount of time necessary to perform the sediment exam.
Joel Pond
Fee: $175. Enrollment is limited to 30 registrants.

MONDAY, AUGUST 2

Do's and Don'ts of Puppy Behavior: Socialization and More!    ID# 9010
8:00 am – 11:50 am    Room B404

Participants will learn the age for socialization in puppies, proper evaluation of puppies, how to formulate a targeted treatment plan, proper socialization techniques, how to offer puppy socialization classes, and how to use puppy socialization as a practice builder. The lab will include lecture, and hands-on, practical training.
Lisa A Radosta 
Fee: $225. Enrollment limited to 24 registrants. — This veterinary Interactive Lab is open to veterinary technicians.

The Veterinary Technician Program is sponsored by Hill's