Lunch n Learn

Lunch 'N Learn sessions were developed in 2013 as a way to help busy MVMA members obtain CE credits without having to leave work. The free online one-hour members-only sessions will be held monthly. Attendees receive 1 interactive CE credit.

WebEx meeting software is used to conduct the online Lunch 'n Learn series. Join a test meeting now to ensure your device is set-up properly.

2019 Lunch 'n Learn Schedule

Registration to Open Soon

Tuesday, January 8-Opioid Misuse in Minnesota: Veterinarians Need To Be A Part Of The Solution
Mary Olson, DVM, East Central Veterinarians
Jennifer Schurrer, DVM, MS, CCRP, East Central Veterinarians

Dr. Mary Olson received his veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota to dove into the trenches of mixed animal practice in rural Minnesota (East Central Veterinarians). Then she woke up one day and transitioned to a small animal practitioner. Dr. Olson is one of the founders of the Miracle of Birth Center at the Minnesota State fairs which allows her to enjoy all 12 days of the “Minnesota Great Get Together”.

Dr. Jennifer Schurrer received his veterinary and master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and joined a small animal practice before transitioning to teaching at a Veterinary Technology program. Dr. Schurrer combined her passion for teaching and veterinarian medicine into her new role as Practice Manager for East Central Veterinarians. Dr. Schurrer is currently the chair of the MVMA Small Animal Continuing Education committee.

Tuesday, February 12-Laser Therapy
Mike Nieuwsma, President, MDN Veterinary Technologies, LLC

Tuesday, March 12-Paraneoplastic Syndromes: Finding the Cancer
Briana Keller, DVM, Animal Emergency & Referral Center

Cancer doesn't always show itself as an obvious lump or bump. Sometimes cancer causes problems or clinical signs that are seemingly unrelated to the tumor itself. Learn about some of the most common and most unique paraneoplastic syndromes to know when your suspicion of an underlying cancer should be high.

Briana Keller, DVM, residency-trained in oncology, earned her veterinary degree in 2013 from the University of Minnesota. After a rotating internship in small animal medicine and oncology at North Carolina State University, she completed her oncology residency at the same school. She began working at Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota in September 2018. Dr. Keller originally wanted to pursue a career in wildlife medicine, but after traveling the world to work with exotic animals, she realized how much she missed getting to know her patients and building relationships with pet owners. Her interest in oncology grew in her final year of veterinary school, and by graduation she knew she wanted to focus her career on helping pets with cancer. Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, but Dr. Keller aims to provide compassionate and informative care to help pet owners make the best decisions for their furry family members regarding treatment.

Tuesday, April 9-MN Legislative Update
Cory Bennett, MVMA Lobbyist
Cullen Sheehan, MVMA Lobbyist

Join MVMA Lobbyists to learn about the status of various veterinary legislation.

Tuesday, May 14-The Longhorned Tick and Other Ticks of Concern in Minnesota: What Veterinarians Need to Know
Jenna Bjork, DVM, MPH
Stacey Schwabenalder, DVM, MPH

An overview of the primary ticks of human and animal concern in Minnesota, including their currently known distribution and potential for disease transmission. A discussion on the longhorned tick risk and current surveillance efforts will also be highlighted.

Dr. Jenna Bjork graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Iowa College of Public Health in 2011. She joined the Minnesota Department of Health Vectorborne Diseases Unit in 2013 and currently manages tick fieldwork activities, epidemiologic research studies on tickborne diseases, and vectorborne disease outreach efforts. Prior to joining MDH, she worked for ten years in various positions within the veterinary field as a veterinary assistant, research laboratory associate, and companion animal veterinarian. Her professional interests include exploring the interfaces between environmental, human, and animal health.

Dr. Stacey Schwabenlander graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Public Health in 2007. She spent two years in private practice in Green Bay, WI. She has been working at the Minnesota Board of Animal Health since 2010 and is currently overseeing the import/export division and working to advance animal disease traceability. She also directs cattle programs, the scrapie program in sheep and goats, ear tag distribution, and regulated animals.

Tuesday, June 11-Retirement Planning and Exit Strategies
Chandler MacLean, Business Banking Officer, Vice President, Bank of the West

Successful retirement and succession planning is an important issue to many small business owners, especially veterinary practice owners, to ensure a comfortable retirement and ongoing success of their business once they are gone. In today’s fast-paced and hectic business culture, it is also often an overlooked or neglected aspect of private practice business planning. In this conversation we will discuss strategies and tactics for addressing retirement planning, and important benchmarks to keep in mind along the way.

Chandler MacLean is a vice president and business banker at Bank of the West with more than 10 years of experience working with small business owners and private practices. He helps to facilitate successful private practice transitions across the Midwest, including succession and retirement planning with retiring veterinarians.

Tuesday, July 9-The State (of Minnesota) Companion Animal Rescues
Dr. Margaret Gordon, MVMA Chair, Animal Welfare Committee

Learn about the history of companion animal rescues, hear an overview on national efforts to involve veterinarians in the oversight of animal rescue efforts and to hear about where Minnesota stands in these efforts. This is a discussion format, so please bring your voice to share your knowledge, experiences and ideas on how Minnesota veterinarians can stay progressive, create standards of care for rescues and better support rescues.

Dr. Margaret Gordon graduated from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 with an award and grant in Small Animal Medicine. She practiced emergency medicine and primary care in Brooklyn, New York until 2008 and then moved to Minneapolis and practices them now in the Twin Cities. She has developed a passion to help bring more veterinary expertise to the animal rescue world and to make sure that the word “rescue” is always synonymous with less pain and a better future. Margaret currently sits on the board of MN SNAP and is the Chair of the MVMA Small Animal Welfare Committee.

Tuesday, August 13

Tuesday, September 10

Tuesday, October 8

Tuesday, November 12

Tuesday, December 10

2018 Lunch 'n Learn Archives

NOTE: The archived 2018 Lunch 'n Learn session are not eligible for CE credit.

Tuesday, December 11

Disaster Preparation and Triage for Horses

Dr. Leslie Easterwood, MA, DVM, Clinical Assistant Professor of Equine Community Practice, Texas A&M University

Dr. Leslie Easterwood holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science and Veterinary Science, in addition to a Master of Agriculture in Animal Science. She received her D.V.M. degree from Texas A&M University in 1995, and then completed a one year private practice internship at Las Colinas Veterinary Clinic in Irving, Texas. After 10 years in private equine practice she returned to Texas A&M to begin a Residency in Large Animal Medicine in July 2005. After completion of her residency in July 2008, she has remained at Texas A&M as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Large Animal Clinic at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She also serves as one of the two official show veterinarians for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each year. She has been a member of the show’s Veterinary Committee since 1996. She is there to provide for the veterinary needs of the approximately 18,000 animals that enter the show grounds during the 24 days of the show. She also provides oversight for the committee members charged with checking animal health entrance requirements for the show. Additionally, she has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Alvin Youth Livestock and Arena Association, is a current member of the Texas Equine Veterinary Association Board of Directors, current member of the AAEP Foundation Advisory Council and the TAMU Veterinary Emergency Response team.

Thursday, November 15

Income Tax Planning

Join Mr. Badger as he'll walk you through some tax planning ideas that will minimize your tax burden for 2018 and beyond. He will also provide an update on the new tax law and how it may impact your business.

Casey Badger, CPA, MBT, Prinicpal, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Tuesday, November 13

Financial & Growth Strategies for Veterinarians at Any Career Stage

Learn from industry experts regarding insurances, financing programs for ownership and other considerations.

Heather Bantle, Financial Representative, Foster Klima

Rob Borcherding, Business Development Manager, Upper Midwest Market, Wells Fargo

Ms. Heather Bantle is passionate about helping her clients build wealth on their balance sheet along with strengthening their financial knowledge so they are empowered to take control of their financial future. Heather has been with Foster Lima as a Financial Advisor for 8 years. Previously, as a School Social Worker, she developed and supervised 3 alternative high school programs based in Restorative Practices. Heather takes from those years the passion to make people’s lives better into her current position. She works extensively in and understands the Veterinarian’s world.

Mr. Borcherding is the Business Development Manager at Wells Fargo Practice Finance. With 19 years at Wells Fargo, he has held positions in Business Banking, Consumer Banking, Personal Loans & Lines Divisions and other Business Focused Departments. As a Business Development Manager, his role is to support and be a resource for any veterinarian looking for financial guidance with any practice-related transactions. The Practice Finance Division brings a unique perspective to the veterinarian industry as they support doctors with combining capital investment with business planning tools and professional resources to help practitioners acquire, build, equip, start and refinance their practices. They focus exclusively on private healthcare practices, which gives them a deep understanding of the business of building a successful practice. With over 2 decades of experience, they have continued to develop the products and resources practitioners need to meet their professional goals.

Tuesday, October 9

Program of Veterinary Care for Minnesota Licensed Commercial Breeders and Kennels

Courtney Wheeler, Senior Veterinarian, Minnesota Board of Animal Health

An overview and discussion of a veterinarian’s responsibility in establishing and maintaining a written program of veterinary care/veterinary protocol with commercial breeders and kennels will be presented.

Dr. Courtney Wheeler graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Upon graduation, she served as an officer in the United States Army Veterinary Corps for three years then resigned her commission to move back to Minnesota. She then worked as a Veterinary Medical Officer with USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services for two years before accepting a position with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health in 2017 as a senior veterinarian responsible for Companion Animal programs.

Tuesday, September 11

Questions Every Veterinarian Must Know to Ensure Your Practice is Protected

Bill Butler, CIC, CISR, Butler & Associates Insurance Agency

Whether you are just starting your practice or have been in business for 20 years, insuring your practice from loss should be one of your top priorities. Unfortunately insurance is a complicated topic that often times leaves people with more questions than answers. Because there is so much riding on your insurance you owe it to yourself, your employees, and clients to have the best protection possible for when the unexpected happens.

In this presentation you will discover:
1. If you are working with a insurance agent or Veterinary Insurance Professional 2. The essential insurance questions you must ask to protect your practice from the unexpected 3. Simple steps to take back to your practice to make sure you don't lose what you have worked so hard for.

Bill Butler has been with Butler & Associates Insurance Agency since 2004 when he started his insurance career after 12 years of service with the Minnesota Army National Guard and U.S. Army. Since entering the insurance industry, Bill has focused on education and has attained both his Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designations. Bill uses the knowledge he has gained, along with his insurance company relationships to work with each one of his clients on an individual basis to make sure that everything that they have worked so hard for is protected.

Tuesday, August 14

Veterinary Town Hall Forum on Opioids in MN with State Senator Rosen

Senator Julie A. Rosen (R) District 23

Senator Rosen is the Chair of the Finance committee and a member of the Energy and Utilities Fiance and Policy; Health and Human Services Fiance and Policy; and Human Services Reform Finance and Policy committees. Of special concern to her is health care, jobs/taxes, workforce training, agriculture, drug abuse and treatment, child protection.

Tuesday, July 10

What's New (and tried and true) in the Emergency and Chronic Treatment of Seizures

Dr. Ned Patterson, DVM, PhD, Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota

Tuesday, June 12

Suicide Awareness: Intervention & Prevention

Death by suicide is a challenging situation for any veterinary clinic, and it can often times be prevented. During this training you will learn how to identify the warning signs of suicide, the strategies you can use to intervene with others, and resources to refer to for additional help.

Ms. Colleen Crockford, MSW, LICSW, Crockford Consulting, LLC

Colleen received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota and is Board Certified Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Colleen has a passion for the intersection of people and animals and she specializes in the areas of compassion fatigue, grief & loss, program and staff development. With over 15 years experience working in small and large organizations Colleen has provided direct services to clients, motivated staff, and built successful programs. Colleen's experience includes the areas of veterinary clinics, mental health, program development, community engagement, youth mentoring, family violence, advocacy, early childhood education and community corrections.

Tuesday, May 8

Certificates of Veterinary Inspection – What Accredited Veterinarians Need to Know

Dr. Stacey Schwabenlander, DVM, MPH, Minnesota Board of Animal Health

An overview of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) for Minnesota accredited veterinarians. Requirements to issue CVIs, paper and electronic CVI options, and general need to know information will be discussed.

Tuesday, April 10

Flea and Tick Prevention

Dr. Chris Adolph, DVM, MS, DACVM (Parasitology), Zoetis

Fleas and ticks are biologically diverse organisms. Knowing the differences in biology and ecology will allow veterinary team members to address client pushback in a way that leads to improved compliance with year-round flea and tick control. During this session we will discuss the differences, how to have a conversation with clients, and new improved methods to achieve maximum flea, tick control and vector-borne pathogen transmission control.

Dr. Adolph received his D.V.M. degree in 1996 from Oklahoma State University. After a year as an associate veterinarian, Dr. Adolph owned a small animal practice for 16 years. During his time as a practice owner, he developed a special interest in parasitology and practice management. In blending these two areas of focus, Dr. Adolph attended advanced parasitology and practice management continuing education events, became informed of the most current information available, and developed practice protocols based in sound science that were readily accepted by pet owners.

Tuesday, March 13

Heavy Metal Toxicities in Livestock: Farm Case Studies and Implications for Food Safety

Dr. Nicole Neeser, DVM, MPH, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Did you know that when an animal is exposed to a heavy metal such as lead or arsenic, it is considered a reportable disease in Minnesota? Each year, a handful of heavy metal exposure cases are identified and investigated, some with devastating consequences to entire herds or flocks of animals. The safety of the meat, milk or eggs from these animals is carefully assessed prior to allowing exposed animals or animal products to be marketed for human food. This session will review these cases and the role private practitioners can play in assisting and responding appropriately when such an incident occurs.

Dr. Nicole Neeser is currently the Division Director for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Dairy and Meat Inspection Division. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and her Master’s of Public Health from the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health in 2004 after completing a residency in Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health, with a focus on Food Safety and Biosecurity. She has been with the MDA for over 13 years working in the Dairy and Meat Inspection Program areas as a Program Manager in both areas. In her current position, she routinely works with dairy producers and processors, and meat, poultry and egg processors in preventing foodborne disease through implementation of both pre and post harvest food safety systems.

Tuesday, February 13

Genetic Testing for Heart Disease in Cats and Dogs

Dr. Robert George, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC)

Over the years several tests for genetic heart diseases have become available for cats and dogs. We will briefly review the process of discovering genetic mutations, what genetic tests are currently available, when to use these tests, and what to do with the results.

Robert S. George, DVM, earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2010 from University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. After an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Texas A & M University, he completed a cardiology residency at MedVet in Columbus, Ohio in 2017. He earned board certification in summer of 2017.

Thursday, February 1

Tax Reform Impact on You and Your Business (Recording)

Mr. Casey Badger, CPA, MBT, Principal, Health Care, CliftonLarsonAllen LLC

This session will provide you with an overview of the new tax law. We will dive into law changes that will impact how taxable income is derived for businesses and individuals. We will discuss the applicability to veterinarians of the reduced rates for corporations and 20% deduction for flow through businesses. We will discuss what entity structures make sense moving forward. In addition we will provide you with some planning ideas of what you could do differently moving forward to take advantage of the new law.

Casey Badger, a tax principal in the health care group is experienced in serving Physician Groups and Senior Living organizations. He provides financial consulting, tax compliance, tax planning, and tax defense services in the health care field. Casey has more than 11 years of experience serving clients in the health care industry. His services to physician groups includes assisting leadership in managing cash in conjunction with taxable income, physician buy-ins and buy-outs and other long term tax or business needs. He has successfully helped many health care clients buy, sell, and merge. His services to senior living clients include capital management, investor buy-in and buy-outs and managing business owner deferred tax liabilities. He has experience with employment and real estate tax credits.

Tuesday, January 9

Intestinal Parasite Prevalence: Dog Parks (Recording)

Dr. Matt Eberts, Elanco

This session provides an updated review on common intestinal parasites and diagnostic tests. Then we will dive into the results of a recent study looking at intestinal parasites in dog parks. This study evaluates prevalence, compares different diagnostic tests, and looks into how monthly parasite preventives impact worm infections.

Matt Eberts D.V.M. is an Elanco regional consulting veterinarian for companion animals. He received his D.V.M. in 1999 from Ohio State University and completed an internship at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After the internship, he moved to Brainerd, Minnesota to work at Lakeland Veterinary Hospital, becoming medical director and co-owner. During that time he was involved in research and publications regarding managing and diagnosing tick borne infections. In 2016 he joined Elanco Animal Health.