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. Lunch 'n' Learns are open to all veterinary professionals! These one-hour sessions are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 12–1 p.m. (central). Attendees receive 1 interactive CE credit.

Pricing: 
MVMA Members: FREE
Non-Member MN Licensed Veterinarian: $45/per session
CVTs, VTs, VAs: $20/per session
Non-MN Licensed Veterinarian: $20/per session


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

2024–2025 LUNCH 'N' LEARN SCHEDULE


Tuesday, Oct. 8: MRI: Breaking Down the Love of the MRI from a Neurologist's Perspective
Melissa Carpentier, DVM, DACVIM, Owner, Minnesota Veterinary Neurology

The goal of this session is to give a general background on MRI and its importance in the successful diagnosis and management of neurologic patients. By the end of the session you will be able to understand how the MRI formulates an image, know the most common sequences that we use, and the information that the sequences are able to provide to help us best care for our patients. 

Dr. Missy Carpentier, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) has been practicing in the Twin Cities for 8 years. Her love of neurology has led her down the path of practice ownership, and she is currently in the process of opening Minnesota Veterinary Neurology in Columbus, MN, a specialty hospital specifically designed for the neurologic patient. Dr. Missy Carpentier graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Following veterinary school, she completed a rotating internship in Connecticut at VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center. As her interest in neurology peaked during the internship, she then completed a one-year post doctoral fellowship in the Comparative Neurology Program at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Carpentier stayed in Missouri to pursue a three-year neurology/neurosurgery residency that was jointly performed at The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Specialty Services in St. Louis. Outside of neurology, Dr. Carpentier enjoys spending her time with her husband, her two children, their Alaskan Husky kennel of competitive sled dogs, their numerous house dogs (Aidni is by far the best), and her two off the track thoroughbred mares.

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Tuesday, Nov. 12: Pyoderma: Effective Treatment Options 
Bethany Frank, DVM, MS, cVMA, CCRT, Technical Services Veterinarian, Vetoquinol

This presentation will review the diagnosis of pyoderma, common predisposing factors and effective treatment options, including a novel approach of Fluorescent Light Therapy.

Dr. Frank’s passion for veterinary medicine shines through her extensive clinical experience in both equine and small animal practices. Her commitment to advancing the field is evident in her specialized interest in sports medicine and integrative medicine, particularly focusing on rehabilitation and pain management. She holds certifications in veterinary medical acupuncture and canine rehabilitation and is pursuing certification as a veterinary pain practitioner. 

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Tuesday, Dec. 10: Recent Employment Law Changes in Minnesota
Michael Salchert, JD, Shareholder, Larkin Hofffman 

A summary of the Employment law changes in Minnesota since 2023 including upcoming Paid Family Leave effective in 2026. Several important changes have occurred in Minnesota State law that impact business including the Crown Act, elimination of Non-compete Agreements, Pregnancy and Parenting Leave, and Earned Sick and Safe Time.

Michael J. Salchert advises dentists, veterinarians, and optometrists in corporate, business, real estate and transactional matters. He primarily works with these professionals on the sale or purchase of professional practices, providing general business advice including employment and other business contractual and real estate matters. For more than 35 years, Michael has worked with health care professionals mostly in the dental industry. He also has extensive experience in the veterinary and optometry industries. Michael leverages his longtime business experience in counseling his clients on a wide range of business and legal issues.

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Tuesday, Jan. 14: Structuring Your Exit: Understanding & Creating a Favorable Retirement
Bret Halishak, Total Practice Solutions Group

Retiring on your own timeline after decades of working while providing for yourself and the others in your life is of the utmost importance for most veterinarians. We will discuss the available exit strategies based on the ideal type, whether through an associate, an acquisition, or a corporate group. Understanding and maximizing the terms of your agreement is sometimes more important than the sticker price. Together, we will review how employment agreements are shaped so you can get favorable terms and how payout structure can vary and be expansive depending on the offer you are trying to achieve.

Bret has been in the veterinary industry for over 15 years and has worked within practice management since the beginning. Being through the industry in multiple different roles, Bret has broadened his acumen to help practice owners and key staff members make crucial decisions to help impact the patients, clients, colleagues, and practice. Given his extensive background in change and practice management, Bret has the knowledge to assist practice owners with increasing their profitability while preparing to sell their practice in their preferred timeframe.

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Tuesday, Feb. 11: Better Care Starts with Insured Clients!
Heather Huwe, Territory Partner, Trupanion

Dive into the world of pet medical insurance and discover how it’s revolutionizing the way hospital teams care for their patients. Topics to be covered include: What is pet medical insurance?; Key differences between the uninsured and insured patient experience; The Stop Treatment Threshold: what is it and how does it impact your team?; How to educate and empower your clients and team.

Heather has over a decade of diverse experience in the veterinary industry. She has worn multiple hats, from practice manager to outside sales, and is now a licensed insurance producer serving as a Territory Partner for Trupanion. Heather's passion lies in empowering clients and veterinarians with the insights to navigate medical insurance seamlessly, ensuring pets receive optimal healthcare.

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Tuesday, March 11: Money Matters: Let's Talk About What Vet School Didn't Teach You About Your Personal & Practice Financials
Tristyn Gies, Regional Business Development Officer, Veterinary Division, Bank of America Practice Solutions

Ever wondered what in the world banks are doing in Animal Health? They seem to pop out of every corner! The secret’s out and the veterinary industry is quickly becoming one of the most pursued fields by financial intuitions. Aside from the overwhelming love and need that our pets provide, veterinarians are highly sought after due to the stability and a “recession-proof” industry. What does that mean for you as a provider? Join Bank of America veterinary-banking specialist, Tristyn Gies, as she walks through the financial implications of practice ownership, why your money matters, and what you didn’t learn in school. Whether you’re thinking about practice ownership or already own a practice, all are welcome and encouraged to apply as we continue to break down barriers and eliminate some of the fear and stress associated with practice financials.

Hi, I’m Tristyn! I’m your Midwest veterinary banking partner. I work for Bank of America Practice Solutions, a boutique department of BOFA that focuses exclusively on private healthcare and works to champion and rally behind private practice ownership. My role is to provide custom financing solutions for every aspiring and current practice owners for the majority of their big financial needs. I’ve been with BOFA since 2020 and have worked with over 100 healthcare clients. While the bank has been lending for over 25 years in this space, I believe in data, accessible education and creating a smart, supportive network to make sure all my clients and partners feel equipped and empowered to pursue their dreams.

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Tuesday, April 8 - TBA


Tuesday, May 13 - TBA


Tuesday, June 10 - Nutrition
Hill's Pet Nutrition


Tuesday, July 8 - TBA