Schedule at a Glance

Presenter: Lauren Forsythe, PharmD, MBA, DICVP

CEC: VML

Description:

Controlled substance security is essential for veterinary practices, and recordkeeping is key to meeting all DEA requirements. A single recordkeeping violation can result in a fine of up to $10,000, with those fines adding up for each additional violation. Therefore, all members of a veterinary practice must be well-versed in controlled drug security requirements including recordkeeping.

This session will provide examples of why recordkeeping is a necessary component of controlled drug security, compare electronic versus paper drug logs, and discuss several recordkeeping suggestions to incorporate into different practice settings. Step-by-step directions for auditing controlled drug records and resolving discrepancies will also be covered.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. Lauren Forsythe is an assistant professor at the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy and a diplomat of the International College of Veterinary Pharmacists. She graduated from the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy in 2015 and completed her veterinary pharmacy residency at Purdue’s VTH. She earned her MBA in 2024 from the University of Illinois. Dr. Forsythe was a clinical pharmacist at the UC Davis VTH followed by an assistant professor and pharmacy service head at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She provides consulting services to veterinary practices through her company Foresight Pharma Solutions.

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Presenter: Dennis Wichern – Retired DEA Special Agent

CEC: ML/VML

Description: 

This course of instruction will link the DEA’s role in the practice of medicine as it relates to hospitals, providers, pharmacies, and veterinary practices.

Attendees will be taught the latest and most up-to-date information on DEA’s authority and background, recordkeeping and security requirements, registration, drug diversion, and telemedicine, along with learning simple risk mitigation strategies and best practices that will safeguard their healthcare organizations.

The instructor is a former DEA Special Agent with over 30 years of experience.

Learning objectives
1. Understand DEA’s role in healthcare and their controlled substance recordkeeping and security requirements.
2. Recognize important and recurring opioid risk areas by a review of multiple case studies involving hospitals, pharmacies and prescribers.
3. Learn practical strategies and tips to reduce opioid risk at your medical organization while complying with federal law.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dennis A. Wichern is a partner with Prescription Drug Consulting (PDC) where he focuses his efforts on DEA compliance initiatives to protect healthcare organizations, providers, pharmacies and veterinary practices nationwide. Prior to joining PDC, Mr. Wichern completed 30 years of public service as a DEA Special Agent, last serving as the Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division where he directed all criminal enforcement and diversion control operations in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota with a team of approximately 550 employees.

Dennis has been a guest lecturer on medical prescriber safeguards to medical students, residents and prescribers at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Illinois State Medical Society, Chicago, IL; Illinois Surgical Quality Improvement Collaborative, Chicago, IL; Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; and several additional schools and hospital groups. Dennis has also lectured with the American Bar Association Health Law Section; the American Health Lawyers Association; Indiana University McKinney Law School, and at the DEA Training Center in Quantico, VA.

Presenters: Lauren Baldwin, MBA; Kayla Dunlap, CVHDP

CEC: TT/VTT

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Presenter: Jennifer Yankopolus

CEC: TT/VTT

Description:  

Do you spend hours correcting the same types of errors in your documents? What if you could fix common issues like erroneous capitalization, incorrect punctuation, and misspellings with just a keystroke?

In this webinar, you’ll discover powerful automation tools called macros that can speed up your editing process in Microsoft Word. These free tools can help you:

• Look up words and medical terms online, such as in Google, dictionaries, and searchable databases, instantly.
• Correct capitalization errors with a single keystroke.
• Format numbers consistently (for example, changing “three” to “3”).
• Add or remove punctuation marks without precise mouse clicking.
• Highlight commonly confused and misused terms so they catch your eye while editing.
• Correct frequently misspelled medical terms and other words with just one keystroke.

You’ll see live demonstrations of these time-saving techniques and learn how to access over 1,200 free editing tools. Additionally, you’ll receive information on how to get started using these tools.

This session is perfect for transcriptionists, editors, and anyone who regularly edits text in Microsoft Word and wants to work more efficiently while reducing repetitive strain from constant mouse clicking.

Note: These tools work with the PC and Mac desktop versions of Microsoft Word only (not the online version).

Learning objectives
1. Understand how Word automation tools can make routine editing tasks more efficient and less physically demanding
2. Learn how automation tools can help identify and correct common transcription more efficiently
3. Explore how using keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse clicks can reduce physical strain while editing

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jennifer Yankopolus has been editing in the architecture and design field for over 25 years and is an instructor in the University of California, San Diego, Copyediting Certificate Program. Since 2020, she has taught editors worldwide how to use macros to increase their productivity through webinars, courses, and the Macro of the Month newsletter.

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Presenter: Georgia Green, MEd, MBA, RHIA, CCS, CCP, CHDS, AHDI-F

CEC: TT/VTT

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Presenter: Nancy Carlisi 

CEC: CoM/VCoM 

Description: 

This session will cover the use of therapy dogs within the healthcare setting. It will cover the different types of certifications, the requirements of both the handler and the therapy dog, and examples of how therapy dogs make a difference for patients, families, and team members.

Learning objectives
1. The difference between different types of certifications for dogs and their uses
2. Requirements for the dog handler and the health certification for the dog
3. Different uses of therapy dogs
4. Benefits of therapy dogs
5. Training and temperament

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Nancy Carlisi has been responsible for volunteer programs in healthcare for more than 30 years and has worked extensively with volunteers, therapy dogs, and therapy dog organizations.

Presenter: Kelly Alock 

CEC: CM/VCM

Description:

Equine-assisted therapy improves sensory and motor skills necessary for coordination, balance, and posture. It combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with concepts of physical, occupational, and social/emotional therapies.

Learning objectives
1. Learn what therapeutic riding is and what makes therapy horses so special.
2. Hear about who can benefit from therapeutic riding and how.
3. Hear Christian’s story.
5. Learn about available education and credentialing through PATH International.
6. Discover ways in which the cost of therapeutic riding can be covered.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Kelly Alcock is the client program coordinator at the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding in Rockford, MI, where she has worked since 2003. Kelly is a Certified Instructor with PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International). She also coordinates the center’s internship program and Summer Horsemanship Day Camp.

Presenter: Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, Esq

CEC: PD/VPD

Description:

In our fast-paced world, where stress levels soar and tempers flare, the ability to communicate mindfully can transform chaos into clarity. This program explores how speaking the right words—or sometimes choosing not to speak at all—can create pathways to understanding and peace in our professional lives. Through the practical STOP-DROP-ROLL methodology, participants will discover how to navigate difficult conversations, reduce workplace stress, and build stronger relationships. By embracing mindfulness and dignity in our daily interactions, we can create an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued.

Learning objectives
1. Transform challenging workplace interactions by mastering the art of mindful pausing and active listening, creating space for genuine understanding rather than reactive responses.
2. Apply the STOP-DROP-ROLL methodology to navigate difficult conversations with confidence, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for connection and growth.
3. Practice the powerful skill of “speaking the right words”—or choosing silence—to build trust and maintain dignity in professional relationships, even during high-stress situations.
4. Create a more peaceful and productive workplace environment by implementing practical mindfulness techniques that help everyone feel heard, respected, and valued.
5. Develop personal resilience through mindful self-awareness, learning to let criticism roll off your back while maintaining professional composure in even the most challenging situations

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ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Debra Hamilton is the principal at Hamilton Law and Mediation, PLLC, (HLM).

HLM uses understanding-based alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methodologies to transform disagreements over animals in divorce and beyond. Debra facilitates discussions among the parties, allowing them to actively listen and choose a more peaceful way to communicate, thus avoiding litigation when deciding issues involving a pet.

Debra holds Board and Advisory Board positions on the American Veterinary Medical Law Association (president 2018-2019; 2023-24), Not One More Vet, NYSBA Women in the Law Section (Chair Equity in the Profession), Society of Veterinary Ethics, NYSave, Irish Setter Club of America (2010-present), and Center for Understanding (2018-2023).

Debra is an international speaker and best-selling author of “Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation to Resolve Conflicts over Animals.” She co-authored “Onward and Upward: A Guide For Getting Through New York Divorce & Family Law Issues.” She has an internationally received podcast, “Why Do Pets Matter” and holds an international pet planning community call, The MAAP Plan, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 PM US-ET. The MAAP Plan helps community members navigate their pet’s journey when they can’t care for it.

She is the go-to person for information regarding the use of mediation in disagreements involving animal mediation and MAAPing pet care plans for the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Huffington Post, and US News and World Report.

She breeds, owns, and shows Irish Setters. Long-haired standard Dachshunds and English Cocker Spaniels under the prefix, Rumraisin.

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Presenter: Kirsten Hunt-Grass, BSN, RN, CEN, SANE-A

CEC: CM

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Presenter: Emily Krebsbach, MSN, RN, CBRN

CEC: CM

Description:

This session will illuminate how burn patients are cared for and highlight exciting advancements in treatment. Attendees will learn key concepts of burn care and the varied resources available to patients. Additionally, attendees will learn about some of the key burn care treatments and procedures that they may encounter in their field.

Learning objectives
1. Discuss key pathophysiology of burn injury.
2. Identify benefits to care at a burn center.
3. Highlight key surgical treatments in the care of burn patients.
4. Learn about new treatments emerging in the field of burn care.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Emily has over a decade of experience as a nurse in the field of burn care. She is the burn program coordinator for Corewell Health in Michigan and a founding member of the Burn Program Leaders Collaborative-a nationwide initiative to provide networking and resources for program leaders. Additionally, Emily holds a board certification as a burn nurse through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nurses (BCEN).

Presenter: Evan Berger, MD 

CEC: CM

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Presenter: Patt King, CHDS, CHDP, AHDI-F 

CEC: PD

Description: 

A new role for healthcare documentation specialists (HDSs) involves using our intimate knowledge of healthcare documentation, surgical procedures, anatomy, medical/surgical conditions, etc., as well as clinician-created documentation auditing, to determine whether a surgical case or procedure meets the medically necessity requirements of the patient’s specific insurance payor. This role requires additional extensive and intensive learning, including insurance payor policies/guidelines and common procedural terminology (CPT) codes, as well as direct communication with physicians. The purpose is to ascertain that appropriate documentation is completed by the provider prior to scheduled procedures to support financial clearance and payment to the hospital.

Learning objectives
1. Learn how this proof-of-concept role began at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, AZ.
2. Learn about “medical necessity”—what it is and why it is so important for patients, physicians, and facilities.
3. Learn why the HDS is the perfect candidate to fill this role.
4. Learn about a typical day for a medical necessity analyst (MNA).

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Patt King, CHDS, CHDP, AHDI-F, is AHDI’s current immediate past president and is now a revenue cycle manager at Tucson Medical Center (TMC) in Tucson, AZ, managing the Medical Necessity – Pre-Services department. Patt has worked in medicine for over 50 years, having served in a variety of back office and front office roles until 1985, when she began a career in medical transcription. In Patt’s tenure at TMC, she started as the manager of HIM – Transcription Manager. She transitioned to HIM – Document Integrity manager as her team transitioned to healthcare documentation integrity auditing because front-end speech recognition supplanted medical transcription. With her strong belief in self-reinvention, Patt jumped at the chance to transition the team once again to the new role of Medical Necessity Analyst, moving everyone from the realm of HIM to that of Patient Access in the Revenue Cycle doing work only nurses had done up to that point.

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