| Cindy Adams MSW, PhD MSW (Master’s of Social Work, University of Calgary); PhD (Veterinary Epidemiology, Ontario Veterinary College) Dr. Adams is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Calgary, Veterinary Medicine. Her primary role includes directing the Clinical Communication Program across the first 3 years of the DVM program, and conducting research related to communication in small and large animal practice settings and research that has to do with veterinary education and human-animal interactions. She is called upon to assist schools (veterinary and animal health technology) across North America to design and deliver communication programs.
She consults nationally and internationally in veterinary medicine on all applications of communication in veterinary medicine. She is the founder and Chair of the International Conference on Communication in Veterinary Medicine, founder and Board member for the International Veterinary Communication Institute, Faculty member for the Institute for Healthcare Communication, New Haven Ct. Her most recent contribution to the profession is a handbook entitled: Skills for Communicating in Veterinary Medicine. This book was written for all members of the practice team as well as those responsible for training and coaching communication in a variety of settings.
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| Elpida Artemiou Dr. Artemiou is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Communication in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM). She began her professional career in counseling at RUSVM and continued to complete a PhD in Medical Education with an emphasis on novel teaching methodologies and outcome assessments. For the past couple of years, Dr. Artemiou has focused her career in exploring e-learning teaching, learning methods and in incorporating blended learning in the classroom. Dr. Artemiou has developed and implemented outcome assessments to assess students’ communication competence and established the role of simulated clients as raters. Through her teaching, Dr. Artemiou encourages compassionate care and mindful, reflective daily practice while promoting diversity and embracing inclusivity. Her interests include communication skills, teaching, learning and assessment, workplace learning, leadership development, human-animal interactions, wellness, and the One Health approach. | |
| 0 | Melanie Barham Dr. Melanie Barham is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. She practiced in equine sports medicine for 8 years in Canada and the US before joining the Animal Health Lab in Guelph. Currently Melanie coordinates the Ontario Animal Health Network, a collaborative surveillance network, which includes a health/disease focused social media feed and podcasts for veterinarians. Melanie is the current president of the Canadian Animal Health Laboratorian's Network and co-chair of Equestrian Canada'a Health and Welfare Committee. She is an FEI veterinary delegate for showjumping, acupuncturist, experienced speaker, and project management professional (PMP). Melanie maintains a blog interviewing veterinarians in non-primary care roles (thedvmproject.com), and lives on a small farm with her husband and young daughter. |
| 0 | Aaron Barth Aaron Barth is a strategic learning expert, an innovator in the field of instructional design, and a thought leader in applying the science of human reasoning to the workplace. He is passionate about merging science, design, and technology to help transform organizations and change the way people work. Aaron received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario. He spent five years as a University Professor, after which his insights into critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving led him to the field of workforce performance. The strong relationships Aaron established with his clients gave him a deep understanding of their challenges and led him to uncover gaps in the customary delivery of performance consulting services. With a vision to advance the field by providing full-spectrum transformational services, Aaron founded Dialectic in 2010. He led the development of a state-of-the-art process, merging scientific research, instructional design, and creative arts to translate knowledge into high-impact thinking solutions.
Aaron’s work has spanned the full spectrum of sectors and industries. From automotive giants to community hospitals, his contributions drive our success in helping organizations realize their greatest potential. |
| Dr. Melinda Bell Dr. Melinda Bell is a Lecturer in Small Animal Primary Care at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University. She graduated as a veterinarian from Murdoch University in 1993, and is a Member (by examination) of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Medicine of Cats). She worked as a small animal veterinarian in private practice for many years and then joined the General Practice Section (which is now known as Primary Care) within The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University in 2000. She teaches Small Animal Primary Care, coordinates and teaches the communication and consultation skills curriculum for the veterinary undergraduate program, and co-coordinates the Extramural Experience (WiL) program and Veterinary Professional Life program. In 2017 she was recognised as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, for excellence in tertiary teaching. Her doctoral thesis is defining the capabilities important to veterinary employability, and her teaching passions are student wellness, building employability capabilities and easing transition to practice. | |
| Beth Boynton D.V.M., FNAP Dr. Beth Boynton is a graduate of University of Minnesota’s CVM. Starting in private practice, she created the Community Practice at the U of M which served community, students, and as collaboration for the specialty sections. She lectured in in pediatrics, geriatrics, immunizations, pet selection, pet loss, teamwork, communications, interview skills and resumes. In 2003 she started at Western University of Health Sciences teaching first and second year students clinical preventive care and facilitating PBL. She was Communication trained in 2004 and directs the communication curriculum. Her primary research is in student empathy in health professions. She helps lead Interprofessional Education. Dr. Boynton received WesternU’s Pumerantz Leadership and Service Award in 2016. She is a Fellow in National Academies of Practice, served on AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines Task Force and Leadership Identification Committee; CVMA’s House of Delegates, and is a founding officer of Primary Care Veterinary Educators (PCVE). | |
| Bryan R. Brown DBA Bryan has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 20 years, 13 of those years in animal health. He has held roles in sales, training and management. He completed his doctor of business administration at Wilmington University in 2017. | |
| 0 | Julie Cary Dr. Julie Cary DVM, MS, DACVS-LA is the Director of the Clinical Communication Program and the Clinical Simulation Center at Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. A large animal surgeon, she spent time in both private practice and academic settings prior to a career transition to program development. Her primary focus now is using tools of simulation to help learners of all stages (students to practicing veterinarians) enhance their professional satisfaction and success. From basic surgical skills and communication skills to instructing how to teach in the moment and work effectively in teams, she leverages the safety of simulation to advance learners’ skill sets. She is particularly interested in integrating clinical reasoning and clinical communication training and in using communication skills to build stronger veterinary teams. As a student of medical education, she has found that there is a perspective that veterinary medicine can offer to human healthcare that may be of benefit in these turbulent and changing times. |
| Dr. Jim Clark DVM, MBA Dr. Jim Clark is an entrepreneur, multi-practice owner, and professor with over 30 years of experience in veterinary practice. He received his veterinary degree from U.C. Davis in 1988 and an MBA degree from the San Diego State College of Business Administration in 2002. Clark worked in general and emergency practice for many years. He is an owner of three emergency/specialty referral practices in the San Francisco Bay Area, employing a staff of approximately 150. Clark joined the faculty of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, assuming leadership of their Professional Skills curriculum. Clark currently provides instruction in communication, mental health, and business management skills. He received the 2016 Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award and the 2017 national SAVMA Teaching Excellence Award. His personal interests include volunteer work, travel, hiking, backpacking, skiing, wake surfing, target shooting, and sea kayaking. | |
| 0 | Dr. Jason Coe Dr. Jason Coe is an Associate Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College. After graduating from the College in 2001, he returned from mixed-animal practice to complete a PhD in the area of veterinary communications in 2008. In the same year, Jason joined the Ontario Veterinary College as a faculty member in the Department of Population Medicine where he has established an active research program examining the human-animal bond as well as the role of interpersonal communications on the outcomes of veterinary care. In his current role at the College, he coordinates the clinical-communication curriculum across all 4 years of the veterinary program and is involved in teaching students about the relationships that exist between people and animals. Over the past decade, Jason has established an international reputation for his leadership in veterinary communications, primary-care veterinary education and understanding the human-animal bond. Jason has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to several book chapters and is regularly invited to speak nationally and internationally at scientific and continuing-education conferences. From 2010 to 2015, Jason held the Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada Chair in Communications dedicated to improving the relationship between companion animals and people through research and education. |
| Louise Corah MRCVS Louise is a Veterinary Surgeon and PhD student from the United Kingdom. She graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012 and spent two years working in first opinion, small animal practice before completing a rotating small animal internship at the Royal Veterinary College. Following this, she spent nine months in a busy, inner-city charity practice before returning to Nottingham in 2016 to start her PhD. Her PhD thesis is entitled “Defining the “good” consultation: What is it and how could we measure it?” and is due for completion in April 2019. | |
| Prof. Dr. Annelies Decloedt DVM, PhD Annelies Decloedt graduated as an equine veterinarian in 2008 from Ghent University, Belgium. She completed a PhD fellowship at Ghent University funded by the Research Foundation Flanders in 2012, investigating new echocardiographic techniques for quantifying cardiac function in horses. Afterwards, she performed clinical research as a postdoctoral research fellow in the field of equine cardiology, ultrasound and exercise physiology. In 2015, she was appointed as associate professor in veterinary clinical and communicative skills at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University. She developed and launched the veterinary skills laboratory for teaching veterinary clinical skills at Ghent University, and is also responsible for the new communication skills training program. | |
| Alex German BVSc(Hons), PhD, CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, SFHEA, MRCVS Alex German holds the position of Royal Canin Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Liverpool. He is a 1994 graduate of the University of Bristol and, after spending two years in mixed practice, returned to Bristol to undertake a PhD in mucosal immunology, and then a residency in small animal internal medicine. He is a Diplomat of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Recognised Specialist in Internal Medicine, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His clinical and research interests include comparative obesity biology, ageing, preventing chronic disease, gastroenterology, and evidence-based veterinary medicine. For 12 years, he has run the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic at the University of Liverpool. This specialist clinic aims to improve the quality of life of all overweight pets through clinical excellence, research and education. | |
| Garth Graham Garth Graham has enjoyed a career in the Canadian and US animal health industry as a veterinarian, marketer, and business manager. He is president of PetLifePeople, a firm dedicated to the development of ideas and strategy that improve the pet experience and ensure alignment of pet focused services with current trends and technologies within the more general consumer landscape. In his primary role as director of Ontario Veterinary Telehealth Services, he seeks to increase pet parent accessibility to critical pet wellness information, and help to convey a strong value proposition for veterinary care. His belief is that a future key to veterinary wellness is creating a client base that truly appreciates the value of quality practice. Garth views the Canadian animal health market as ripe with opportunities for positive change and fresh ways of thinking, and looks forward to playing an on-going role in this exciting and fulfilling category. | |
| Emma Harris Emma Harris is the Founder and CEO of healthypets.io, Canada's premier provider of veterinary telemedicine. healthypets is an online marketplace connecting local veterinarians with pet parents on demand through video chat. Now supported by the CVO, telemedicine improves client relationships while increasing revenue, since 65% of telemedicine requires an in-clinic follow-up. Emma was previously employed by the biotechnology industry, but transitioned to pet healthcare in 2016. She holds an honours MSc from Glasgow Caledonian University and a BMOS degree from Western University. She resides in Burlington, Ontario with her fiancé, Nigel, and 2 year old yellow Labrador Retriever, Bo. | |
| 0 | Frank Insignares American of Colombian origin, Professor of Communication and Intercultural Management. 25 years of experience teaching Business Communication Englsh. Six years ago transitioned into teaching and coachiing veterinary students in communication skills. Two year training with Dr. Jane Shaw to implement Veterinary Communication Skills at ONIRIS France. Active member of NOVACS (National Unit for the Advancement of Veterinary Communication skills UK) |
| Jolanda Jansen Ir. Jolanda Jansen (1983) studied Animal Sciences at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, specialising in Animal Health Communication. In 2010, she obtained her PhD degree with a study on the impact of various communication strategies in achieving improved udder health in dairy cows. She investigated how to reach the 'hard-to reach' farmers and how to change behavior of both farmers and veterinarians. After obtaining her PhD degree Jolanda worked as communications advisor for the Livestock Research institute of Wageningen University. She is currently employed as communications advisor for St. Anna Advies, and works in particular on projects that aim to motivate behavioural change, knowledge development and innovation in the animal health industry. She supports students, veterinarians, policy makers and veterinary consultants in improving their communication skills and strategies, both in the Netherlands and internationally. | |
| Rachel Jensen BS, LVT Rachel L. Jensen, BS, LVT is the coordinator for the Clinical Communication Program at Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, Washington. Rachel began her career in veterinary medicine working as an assistant at a rural mixed animal practice in North Central Washington before coming to Pullman to obtain her bachelor’s degree in animal science. While attending WSU Rachel worked in equine surgery as an assistant before becoming the Emergency and Critical Care technician for the large animal hospital. During this time she became interested in the interpersonal interactions between the veterinary team and clients. Making a transition, 6 years ago, to coordinating for the communication program allowed Rachel to follow the dream of offering more training to fellow technicians. She is now involved in the planning and implementation of communication and simulation programs for veterinary technicians, interns, residents, and community practitioners. She spends her free time enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. This is usually spending time with her family, riding horses, traveling to barrel racing events and rodeos. | |
| Suzanne M. Kurtz PhD Suzanne M. Kurtz, PhD, is Professor Emerita, University of Calgary, Canada, where she served the Faculties of Education and Medicine (1976 through 2005), and directed the Faculty of Medicine’s communication program for twenty-eight years. In 2006, she became Nestlé Purina Professor of Clinical Communication (2006 – 2011) and founding director of the Clinical Communication Program (2006-2015) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University; late in 2017 she became Professor Emerita there. Focusing her career on improving communication and educational practices in the professions, she has developed and consulted widely on communication curricula and assessment, coaching techniques and teaching methods. Dr. Kurtz has worked with veterinarians and physicians across the specialties and with students, interns and residents, patients and clients, technicians and nurses, educators, administrators, industry partners, government agencies and professional organizations in both professions. Co-developer of Pfizer’s FRANK program, she also co-organized the eight International Conferences on Communication in Veterinary Medicine. Contributing across diverse cultural and disciplinary lines, she has collaborated on several health-related international development projects in Nepal, Thailand, the Philippines, and South Africa. Dr. Kurtz has been an invited visiting scholar at several universities and continues to consult nationally and internationally at all levels of veterinary and medical practice and education. | |
| Jill Macdonald DipAVN (surgical) RVN FHEA Jill has been a Veterinary Nurse for nearly 20 years, has worked as a head nurse, clinical coach and assessor, and in veterinary undergraduate and postgraduate education. Whilst at the University of Liverpool, working in postgraduate online teaching, she had involvement in the teaching /development of the professional and communication skills aspects of the undergraduate curriculum. Jill was a visiting lecturer at Ross University School of Veterinary medicine in 2013, and an associate teaching fellow at the University of Surrey’s Vet School 2014-2015.
She is a previous BVNA Council Member, is a representative for the BVA’s Animal Welfare Foundation, is a regular contributor to the veterinary press and is an active editorial board member for the Veterinary Nursing Journal.
Jill was recently awarded a place at the RCVS Inaugural Innovation Symposium (Sept 2017) for her work on providing innovative learning via ONCORE’s online platform.
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| Dr. Michelle McArthur Dr. Michelle McArthur BA (Psych) Hons, D (Clin) Psych is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide. She developed and leads the clinical communication and wellbeing program across the veterinary bioscience and DVM degrees. She is called upon nationally and internationally to provide skills-based communication workshops as well as mental health and wellbeing seminars in the veterinary medicine setting. Michelle is co-project lead on the Australian VetSet2Go resilience research project. She actively researches and publishes in the field of communication and wellbeing in veterinary medicine. She is also a practicing clinical psychologist. In her spare time, she loves being with her family, exploring new places and foods, coaching basketball and cooking. | |
| 0 | Michael McDermott BSc Michael McDermott has a BSc from Texas A&M University and an MSc from Cornell University and is currently in the process of completing the requirements for a PhD from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. He has pursued his PhD training as a part-time, distance postgraduate student living in the US. He has spent a career in life sciences communications and marketing, with most of his focus in animal health. The topic of his PhD is "veterinarian-client communication and training," and his research has been geared toward generating new learnings about the importance of, and factors contributing to, effective client communication and the dynamics of the veterinary consultation. He is on track for graduation from the University of Nottingham in July of 2018. |
| 0 | Frank O'Sullivan I am a veterinary practioner and food scientist in a multi vet practice and part time lecturer in food safety systems and the Dublin Institute of technology.I and involved in herd health management in vet practice including how to establish behaviour change on farm.I also assist Animal Health Ireland (AHI) in communicating some of their key messages around improving cell counts and calf health.I am designated vet to 'Teagasc grange' the beef research institute in Ireland.I am large animal continuing education editor of the 'Veterinary ireland Journal" and have been part of the local organising committee of the recent world buiatrics conference (2016) in Dublin Ireland. |
| Nicole Papageorgiou BA, LVT, CTE Instructor Nicole has been part of the veterinary medical field as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, a Veterinary Hospital Manager, a Veterinary Technology Instructor and a Veterinary Practice Consultant. She has over 28 years of experience in business administration, organizational development, employee training programs, team leadership, staff development, marketing and communications, including social media management and customer service. Nicole enjoys working to develop positive and proactive work environments that support high functioning teams. | |
| Dr. Jen Perret BScH DVM Dr. Jen Perret is a veterinarian and PhD candidate at the Ontario Veterinary College. She previously completed an undergraduate degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology at Queen's University. In 2009, she graduated from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at OVC and began work as a small animal veterinarian. She worked for 7 years as a locum and associate at a variety of clinics in both Southwestern Ontario and Oxford, England. In 2016, she returned to OVC as a graduate student to investigate the mental wellness of the veterinary profession as a student member of Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Research and Education (AWAR2E) group. Her graduate advisor is associate professor Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton. | |
| Dr. Alison Pyatt Dr Alison Pyatt is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science and Veterinary Pharmacy at the Department of Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences at Harper Adams University, UK. She works in collaboration with the University of Namibia to deliver postgraduate and CPD programmes in veterinary pharmacy in Namibia, supporting research and course teaching. Additionally, Dr Pyatt serves on the UK Veterinary Pharmacy Association committee. Current research interests are orientated around the provision of service (by veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals) and models of service quality in animal health care for the UK and internationally. | |
| 0 | Dr. Kriste Reyher Kristen Reyher is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol. She has worked in livestock veterinary practice in three countries, and holds a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in New York state as well as a PhD in veterinary epidemiology from the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Kristen currently leads an interdisciplinary research group (the AMR Force) focussed on antimicrobial resistance, with almost £4 million of funding from public sources as well as charities and industry. She also directs the first studies applying a counselling style called Motivational Interviewing to veterinarian-client communication. Kristen was the principal investigator for the Global Resource for Online Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM) Learning project which produced the widely used EBVM eLearning site ebvmlearning.org. Her past accomplishments include successfully organising the data collection platform for Canada’s largest livestock research effort through the Canadian Bovine Mastitis Research Network. She is interested in making research more accessible (and accomplish-able) to veterinary practitioners worldwide. |
| 0 | Dr. Ruth Serlin After qualifying as a veterinarian, I worked in primary care practice for 25yrs. This involved charity clinics, shelter medicine, an emergency clinic and general practice. I hold certificates in veterinary anaesthesia, Shelter medicine and education. I first started working for the Royal Veterinary College in the mid 1990s, teaching students in primary care practice. I moved back into charity practice in 2001 but came back to the RVC in 2009 as a clinician. More recently, I have become involved in teaching professional skills in the formal curriculum. In the last 5 years, I have been working with colleagues to improve communication skills teaching at the RVC which has involved more vertical and horizontal integration of topics, creation of more teaching opportunities and scenarios, developing and refining the examinations and planning for a sustainable and effective curriculum. I use my personal experiences together with evidence based teaching methods to create an authentic experience for students in experiential sessions to foster a relationship centred approach. My aim is to help students prepare themselves for life in the complex world of primary care with challenges relating to issues such as money, euthanasia, and clinical and professional reasoning. |
| 0 | Dr. Jane Shaw DVM, PhD Jane R. Shaw, DVM, PhD is a recognized expert in veterinarian-client-patient interactions. Her dissertation was the first scientific study of veterinarian-client-patient communication and her publications focus on the analysis of videotaped conversations between veterinarians and their clients and animal patients. Of interest is studying the relationship between communication and clinical outcomes for veterinarians, clients and patients, including satisfaction, adherence and patient health. Dr. Shaw is an Associate Professor of Veterinary Communication and leader of Veterinary Communication for Professional Excellence at Colorado State University. Dr. Shaw received her veterinary degree from Michigan State University in 1994 and received her PhD in Epidemiology at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada in 2004. Dr. Shaw was the recipient of the 2008 Bustad Award, recognizing her contributions to enhancing the relationship between people and their pets and the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award in 2011.
Dr. Shaw implements the communication curriculum at Colorado State University. Dr. Shaw is called upon internationally and nationally to conduct skills-based communication workshops at veterinary conferences and symposia. She consults with veterinary practices to enhance teamwork, continuity of care and client service.
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| Dr. Debbie Stoewen DVM, MSW, RSW, PhD Dr. Debbie Stoewen is a licensed veterinarian and registered social worker with a PhD specializing in veterinary medical communication. She is the Director of Veterinary Affairs for LifeLearn and the Director of Veterinary Services for Pets Plus Us. In these roles, she supports initiatives in veterinary continuing education across North America and provides a fully accredited, evidence-based veterinary continuing education program called The Social Side of Practice. The Social Side of Practice covers topics in the areas of veterinary wellness, veterinary-client-patient communication, teamwork, organizational culture, and leadership. Dr. Stoewen has published over 25 articles in veterinary and social work journals and newsmagazines, and given over 250 presentations internationally. She is an academic, entrepreneur, and facilitator, committed to advancing the health and welfare of people and animals at the intersections of industry, academia, and civic society. | |
| Dr. John Tait John Tait has been a private practitioner for 9 years, owned/managed 2 hospitals. He then was the Vice President of Veterinary Centers of America, the largest acquisition and consolidation Group in U. S. for 3 ½ years, where he was responsible for 40+ practices in US Midwest and the evaluation of and purchase planning and integration of new practices. He also worked as Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University during this time teaching business/financial planning and practice management to vet students. For a 5 year term, John was the Director of Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ontario Veterinary College, and the managing Partner, responsible for all mgt. portfolio of Ontario Veterinary Group, a practice acquisitions group with 7 practices and 155 staff, sold in 2014. Currently he is in practice management and a general consultant and speaker, specializing in practice and related or similar small business evaluations, feasibility studies, startups, transition planning and personal financial planning. John is also a part time Assistant Professor at Ontario Veterinary College, teaching personal financial, career planning and practice economics and mgt. to vet students. John is thewinner of 2016 CVMA Most Outstanding Teacher Award | |
| Dr. Jordan Tayce DVM Dr. Tayce received his DVM from Texas A&M University in 2008 and moved to Las Vegas to practice small animal medicine. He then returned to school to earn a Masters in Higher Education in London, England. Dr. Tayce accepted a position at Texas A&M in 2012 as an instructional assistant professor and the associate director of the Center for Educational Technologies. He has been active in the CVM curricular redesign, works with faculty to create novel learning content, and teaches communications in the curriculum. | |
| Becky Taylor MA, RVT Becky Taylor has been active in her career as an RVT for over 20 years. She worked in a mixed animal practice and then joined the teaching team at Olds College in the AHT Program. Becky holds a certificate in Veterinary Hospital Management and has completed extensive training in leadership and communication. Becky’s passion for working with people has led to her devoting much of her professional development to learning and teaching communication skills in an applied manner. She has been active on provincial and national veterinary organizations as well as on various committees at Olds College. Becky completed a Master of Arts in Professional Communication through Royal Roads University which included a final research paper on the communication practices of RVTs. An avid advocate for practicing communication skills within the veterinary profession, she teaches courses in communication which includes lecture and simulations to all students in the animal health programs at Olds College (AHT, VMR, VTA) as well as coaches & examines veterinary students at UCVM in simulated communication settings. She has spoken extensively on the topic of communication to various groups in the animal health industry and is well respected for her enthusiasm and knowledge in that area. | |
| Rachel Teichberg Rachel Teichberg graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Biology. While applying to veterinary school, Rachel was promoted to her first Practice Manager role, fell in love with the business side of the industry, and decided to pursue a career in veterinary management instead. With hands-on experience at all levels of veterinary practice, as well as management in both small animal/exotic and specialty practices, Rachel brings over a decade of industry experience to her current position as a Practice Coach with Veterinary Growth Partners. In her current role, Rachel works one on one with Practice Owners and Managers within a wide variety of practices from large to small corporate structures and newer ventures. By co-founding the South Florida Practice Managers Association and speaking on a national level, Rachel shares her passion for advising and guiding practices to reach their full potential. Through conflict competence and emotional intelligence training, she works with teams to improve the practice culture, promote team engagement, and improve communication. | |
| Dr. Jennifer Walinga As a Professor of Communication at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC, Dr. Jennifer Walinga’s areas of teaching and research include organizational communication, strategic planning, and decision-making grounded in theories of organizational and human performance, creative insight, and leadership. A Commonwealth, World and Olympic Champion rower, Walinga draws heavily upon her experience as an elite athlete when facilitating personal and organizational performance. She blends organizational, educational, and sport psychology in the development of interventions designed to penetrate barriers, confront the challenges of change, and unlock innovative solutions. She facilitates and researchers projects in both the public and private sectors. Walinga operates Integrated Focus Consulting, a performance consulting firm that prepares individuals and organizations for optimal performance. | |
| Dr. Sue Wedam DVM Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 1985, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman Washington Professional Activities: - Yakima Valley Community College Veterinary Technology Program Program Director, faculty Inception in August 1997 – present - Clinical Communications Program – Developer & Director, Coach Spring 2014 to present - AVMA CVTEA program accreditation reviews: initial 2000, full 2002, 2007, 2013 - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee: Chair 1997-present - Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Communications Program - Coach Spring semesters 2007, 2008, 2009; - Current adjunct Intervet-Schering Communications Program June 2009 - Prosser Animal Hospital, Prosser WA Veterinary Clinician 1985-1997 50% Partner 1987-present - Mid-Columbia Pet Emergency Service, Pasco WA Veterinary Clinician 1996-2000 Founder & Partner 1996-present - Yakima Pet Emergency Service, Yakima WA Founder & Partner 2005-2009 | |
| 0 | Kim Whittlestone Kim qualified from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 1989 and spent two years as a locum vet in a small animal practice near Bristol. Apart from this spell in practice, he has spent most of his career in veterinary and medical education, mainly involved in the design and delivery of new online and face-to-face courses for both undergraduates and postgraduates. He (re-) joined the RVC in May 2006 as Senior Lecturer in Independent Learning. Kim obtained a Masters degree in Medical Education from the University of Bedford in 2010, and now Co-Directs the RVC's MSc in Veterinary Education. He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy in 2014.
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| 0 | Jody Yelland DVM, PDDipVetEd, FHEA/MSc candidate RVC I graduated from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 and spent the subsequent 23 years as a small animal clinician in private practice. Communication in the clinical setting was an area I wanted to explore further leading me to a volunteer faculty position at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. This volunteer position led to a paid faculty position. In that capacity I served as co-leader for the communication/doctoring curriculum, working closely with students in all 4 years of the curriculum. I was involved in orchestrating and leading simulated clients labs, delivering didactic and experiential communication content, and leading communication rounds for the fourth year students. I also initiated and directed The Healer's Art program for first and second year students. Desiring to learn as much as I could about teaching and learning led to graduate studies for my MSc in Veterinary Education through the Royal Veterinary College. |
