Lunch n Learn

Lunch 'N Learn sessions were developed in 2015 as a way to help busy MVMA members obtain CE credits without having to leave work. The free one-hour members-only sessions will be held monthly. Most Lunch 'n Learns will provide participants with two attendance options: 1) live in the MVMA conference room or 2) via webinar. The MVMA conference room provides space for 15-20 live attendees; and 24 webinar spaces are available. Space will be first come; first served. Specific attendance options are found with the details of each session listed below. The sessions are FREE and only available for MVMA members. Attendees typically receive 1 interactive CE credit.

Please contact the MVMA office at info@mvma.org or 651-645-7533 to register for the session you wish to attend.

Is there a topic you would like to see covered at a future Lunch 'n Learn session? – Please let us know!

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2017 Lunch 'n Learn

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Tuesday, July 11

Veterinary Radiation Therapy: Innovations and Indications

Dr. Jessica Lawrence, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota

Cancer is the leading natural cause of death in cats and dogs and the prevalence of cancer in pet animals is rising. Cancer is not simply one disease, but many different diseases with various biologic behaviors, standards of care and prognoses. There are many misconceptions about treatment options and the quality of life of companion animals living with cancer but it is our role as veterinarians to be compassionate and knowledgeable resources for our clients/patients. The primary purpose of radiation therapy (RT) has remained to provide local and/or loco-regional treatment, although half body or total body irradiation is occasionally administered. Depending on the clinical situation, the primary intent of treatment is either palliative or definitive (potentially curative) and is commonly used in conjunction with other therapies such as surgery and/or systemic therapy. RT has been available in a number of veterinary facilities for over 30 years and technology and availability is continually improving. The objective of this lecture is to provide a broad overview of indications for and expectations of radiation therapy for companion animals.

Learning Objectives:

Describe how radiation therapy kills cancer cells
Define the indications for radiation therapy
Explain the benefits and risks of radiation therapy and how to prepare clients generally for radiation therapy.

Jessica Lawrence, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology, DECVDI (Radiation Oncology) joined the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 as an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology. She earned her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College and completed advanced training in radiation and medical oncology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to joining the CVM, Dr. Lawrence spent 3 years as an Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Georgia before spending 3.5 years as the Head of Oncology at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Lawrence has a strong interest in comparative oncology, and she aims to provide exceptional quality of life for pets with cancer and their owners. Dr. Lawrence is particularly interested in tumor and normal tissue radiation sensitivity and developing methods to improve tumor control with radiation therapy while minimizing side effects.

Tuesday, August 8

What to Give and When – A Review of Current Vaccine Guidelines

Dr. Nathaneal Oster, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Dr. Oster graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS, Honors in German Language and Literature, and earned his MA in German Language and Literature from Vanderbilt University. He then achieved his VMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, compled an MBA from Fox School of Business at Temple University. Dr. Oster has 10 years of emergency, general, and industry experience, serving as a key technical resource to local veterinary practices and University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He was a Board Member for Morris Animal Refuge and Chair on their Adoptions and Programs Committee. He takes an interest in issues of feline medicine and Lyme disease, and leverages his experience to help practicing veterinarians. Dr. Oster has lectured and served as President of the University of Pennsylvania’s National Veterinary Business Association (VBMA), and was a member of the Penn Vet Dean’s Alumni Council.

Tuesday, September 12

Financial Basics Coming Out of Veterinary School and Preparing for Ownership

Heather Bantle, Financial Representative, Foster Klima | Rob Borcherding, Business Development Manager, Upper Midwest Market, Wells Fargo

Tuesday, October 10

Taking the Next Financial Step with your Practice and Preparing for Transition

Heather Bantle, Financial Representative, Foster Klima | Rob Borcherding, Business Development Manager, Upper Midwest Market, Wells Fargo

Tuesday, November 14

Grief & Loss – Working with Children

Colleen Crockford, MSW, LICSW, Crockford Consulting, LLC

Children experience the impact of grief and loss differently that adults. During the Lunch-n-Learn we will explore grief through each stage of developmental growth and the appropriate intervention and support strategies to address the child’s grief experience.

Colleen Crockford is a Veterinary Social Worker. Veterinary social work occurs at the intersection of veterinary medicine and social work and focuses on providing support,education and resources to the people in relationship with animals. Colleen has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota and is a Board Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She completed specialized training within the veterinary field in the areas of compassion fatigue and grief and loss through the University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Social Work Program; andis a Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator and Therapist through Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. She has over 15 years of experience in the social service fields creating motivated and collaborative teams that understand and support their organizational goals.

Tuesday, November 28 at 6:30 pm

Legacy & Estate Planning

Samuel S. Stalsberg, Sjoberg & Tebelius, P.A.

Tuesday, December 12

Backyard Chickens

Dr. John Baillie, Cedar Pet Clinic-Lake Elmo

Dr. Baillie, he says, is "still in his first job", Cedar Pet Clinic; he is the co-founder of Cedar Pet Clinic in south Minneapolis, and the founder of Cedar Pet Clinic Lake Elmo. Dr. Baillie has been the president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, and in 2015 was named the state Veterinarian of the Year. He is active in many professional organizations, and a supporter and mentor to young professionals. Dr. Baillie is a regular lecturer at the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine, for the Minnesota Medical Association, and other organizations. He provides free care for nursing home companion animals and is the kennel veterinarian for the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club. The Baillie family animals are Golden Retriever “Joso”, German Shorthaired Pointer “Ellie”, and cat named "Wheezy", a rescue who started life with respiratory problems, and now lives with the Baillie family.