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Title Protection? - New Legislation in Maryland

Veterinary Technicians will have a better understanding of the legal provisions that will be set into place differentiating jobs which a Registered Veterinary Technician can do versus a non-registered Veterinary Technician in the state of Maryland. These provisions will be put into effect in October of 2024. 

Be the Local Hero! - Local Anesthesia Pro Tips

Veterinary Technicians will be able to identify various types of local anesthetic blocks they can utilize to reduce their patients’ pain scores without having to administer higher doses of systemic pain medications. 

Effects of the Human Animal Bond on the Veterinary Professional

Veterinary Technicians will be able to identify the recognizable components of the human animal bond and how this bond can affect the veterinary professional. Learn what to do when someone is having trouble due to this bond whether it be yourself, a co-worker, or a client. 

Since 2007, Erin has been engulfed in the veterinary field. Erin has earned her A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology, her B.B.A. in Veterinary Services Administration, her MS in Management and Leadership, and also became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager through the VHMA. While Erin worked in both Ophthalmology and Emergency medicine for several years of her career, she decided to enter the higher education field in 2016. While working at the Community College of Baltimore County in the Veterinary Technology Program, Erin has developed partnerships with various rescues and groups to offer free or discounted services through the college’s animal health clinic which she manages. In the classroom setting, Erin thoroughly enjoys teaching Surgery and Anesthesia courses. Erin is RECOVER BLS/ALS, and Fear Free Certified. She also sits on the advisory board of Ashworth College’s Veterinary Technology Program. Outside of work, Erin spends time with her two daughters, two dogs, and one cat. Her hobbies include riding motorcycles, kayaking, and watching forensic files.

Area(s) of research or clinical special interest: Higher Education and Anesthesia

Award you are most proud of: Distinguished Veterinary Technician Award – MDVMA 2018

Current place of employment: Community College of Baltimore County 

Favorite pet(s): Blossom and Phil (Dogs), Clover (Cat)

Family/Children: 2 daughters

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Pain Protocols and How They Impact Anesthesia Before, During, and After 

This will talk about how to create a multimodal approach to anesthesia effectiveness. The use of NSAIDs, and Local blocks prior to surgery. How to choose Opioids for effectiveness and longevity. The use of Maropitant and the use of gabapentin for post operative pain.

Induction Agents and How They Impact Gas Anesthesia 

This session will discuss the benefits of using the various different types of induction agents and their relation to inhalant anesthesia. 

Monitoring Monitors: You are Seeing the Past. How to prep for the future.

In this session we will be going over anesthetic monitoring and the importance of reading and understanding the multi-parameter monitors. Knowing when to react and correct abnormalities during the anesthesia period.

Hello, my name is Kat, LVT. I have a Bachelors in Journalism and Biology from Old Dominion University. I started out working as a PR specialist for the Humane Society of the United States where I realized I really wanted to work hands-on with animals. In 2014, I started as a Veterinary assistant at a small exotic animal practice in Virginia Beach. Two years later, I decided to attend Northern Virginia Community College to further my career as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. I graduated with my Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2019 and have since enjoyed working with dogs, cats, and exotic animals. I have fallen in love with the emergency and urgent care sectors of the field as well as anesthesia and nutrition. I currently work full time in a small animal clinic in Virginia Beach, where I am continuously challenged and expanding my skills. I am ruled by two feline friends, Maggie and Minerva, as well as an Australian Shepard named Foster. Fun Facts about me: I love whale sharks. They just might be my absolute favorite animal in the world! I also enjoy reading in my spare time, and am currently reading Tower of Dawn by Sarah A. Maas. 

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The 3 S’s in Hiring – Savvy, Smart, and Secure

Will discuss how to be smart, savvy and secure in hiring, especially during a technician and veterinarian shortage.  Why and when you need to hire, where to look or advertise for potential employees.  We will discuss some tools to use when hiring and some ideas on how to keep them at the hospital.  What type of employee is best for the hospital and team – don’t just hire to hire.  Protecting your hospital and team members from toxic employees and how to deal with them.  We will discuss background checks, drug testing, and probationary periods. 

Tools/Resources Attendees will gain from this program:  

1. Where and when to look for a new employee
2. How to use social media to hire 
3. How to protect hospital and staff from toxic employees
4. Resources to use when hiring – background checks, drug testing, and probationary periods

De-escalation and Verbal Communication

Discuss how to identify an irate client or employee before the situation escalates.  Verbal de-escalation and effective communication is a type of communication intervention.  It can be used for people who may be at risk for aggressive or emotional behaviors.  By using a calm language, along with other communication techniques, to diffuse, re-direct, or de-escalate a conflict situation.  It is important for staff to have good communication skills and a strong sense of self-awareness to manage any personal provocation, emotional challenges and belittling that often accompany such emotionally charged encounters.  

Tools/Resources Attendees will gain from this program:  

1. Discuss and define the concept of verbal de-escalation.
2. Learn strategies to reduce the risk of situations becoming dangerous.
3. Apply verbal de-escalation techniques and resolution strategies by using effective communication skills. 
4. Help staff to recognize a situation before it becomes an issue and what to do about it.
5. Practice skill drills for fast pace environments to help deal with conflict.

Kim is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) with over 15 years of experience in the veterinary field. Starting as a receptionist, she worked her way up to Practice Manager. Alongside her veterinary career, she boasts 30 years of experience in the Criminal Justice field, where she recently retired. For 22 of those years, she served as a State Parole Supervisor, drawing on her insights to enhance safety and awareness in the veterinary world.

Kim attributes much of her success to her background in criminal justice, which provides her with a unique perspective in the veterinary field. Currently, she manages a farm, utilizing her skills in de-escalation to maintain peace among both humans and animals.

Education is a passion for Kim, who firmly believes in its role in fostering a positive work environment. She shares her knowledge by speaking at veterinary clinics, manager groups, and conferences on various topics close to her heart. Additionally, she serves as an Adjunct Professor at two local universities, bringing over a decade of teaching experience to the table. Since 2021, Kim has served as a Director on the CVPM Board of Directors.

Thanks to her diverse background, Kim has the expertise to address a wide range of subjects. She maintains a fulfilling work/life balance and is eager to continue sharing her knowledge, experiences, and techniques with the veterinary community.

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