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.

Presenter: Andrew Simpson, DVM, MS, DACVD

CEC: VCM

Description:

Allergic skin disease is among the most common reasons for owners to present their dogs to the veterinarian. The three main categories of canine allergic skin disease include flea bite hypersensitivity, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies). Determining a definitive diagnosis within allergic dermatitis involves a process of ruling out other causes of itchiness (pruritus), as a simple, rapid, and reliable diagnostic test does not exist to establish a diagnosis of allergic dermatitis, let alone a specific type of allergy. Understanding key historical descriptions by the owner, recognizing clinical signs consistent with allergic dermatitis, as well as performing an appropriate allergy diagnostic workup is essential for arriving at a diagnosis. In cases of atopic dermatitis, long-term management with one or more therapies is needed for the life of the canine patient.

Learning objectives
1. Understand the clinical presentation and terminology used to describe cutaneous lesions of canine allergic dermatitis.
2. Understand the diagnostic work-up involved in determining a definitive diagnosis of flea bite allergy, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis.
3. Understand the main treatments recommended for dogs with atopic dermatitis.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Andrew has 16 years of clinical experience and 8 years as a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. Andrew has over 20 publications in veterinary literature, including the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, Veterinary Dermatology journal, the Journal of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Compendium Education, Veterinary Clinics of North America, and Trends Magazine. He also has 12 years of experience as a speaker at both local and national veterinary meetings and virtual seminars including the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum, AAHA Con (Conference of the American Animal Hospital Association), the American Veterinary Medical Association Conference, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association Conference, and multiple Zoetis-sponsored speaking events.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Hosts: Stacy Lehto, CHDS, AHDI-F and Sheila Guston, CHDS, CHDP-A, CHDP-S, AHDI-F

Description:

Thanks for joining us for an inspiring and insightful Day 1 of our virtual conference! We’ve covered a lot of ground, shared great vet med education topics, and sparked great conversations. As we wrap up, we’d love to see your faces! If you’re comfortable, please turn on your webcams so we can end the day with a bit more connection and community.

We can’t wait to continue the journey with you tomorrow!

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

Description:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming documentation processes, making workflows more efficient and reducing time spent on repetitive tasks. This session will explore three key AI-powered tools—ChatGPT, Goblin Tools, and Grammarly—that can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and workflow automation. Attendees will learn how to integrate these tools into their daily processes, optimize their use, and explore additional AI-powered resources that complement existing systems.

Learning objectives
1. Identify key AI tools that can optimize documentation and workflow efficiency.
2. Demonstrate how AI-powered applications can enhance clarity and organization in healthcare records.
3. Explore real-world use cases of AI assisting in repetitive or tedious tasks.
4. Discuss best practices for integrating AI tools into daily responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
5. Empower attendees with strategies to confidently adopt AI in their professional roles.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Lauren Baldwin, MBA, is the operations manager of Scribe Pro at VCA, overseeing the strategic development and implementation of medical documentation solutions. With extensive experience in healthcare operations and AI integration, Lauren brings expertise in optimizing workflow efficiencies and supporting professionals in leveraging technology.

Kayla Dunlap, CVHDP, is the supervisor of Doctor Onboarding & Engagement for Scribe Pro at VCA. With a strong background in training and workflow optimization, Kayla specializes in helping doctors and documentation professionals maximize the benefits of AI tools while ensuring high-quality medical records. Her experience in both human and veterinary medicine makes her uniquely suited to discuss AI’s role in documentation.

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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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Presenter: Ann Campbell

Description: 

Join us for a brief history of sound, how sound is used in healing, and its benefits. A portion of this activity will include immersing attendees in soothing and transformative sounds where waves of healing vibration wash over you, dissolving stress and releasing tension. The sound vibration of the gongs, crystal bowls, and other instruments promote relaxation, stress relief, and healing. Let go of your daily worries and allow the gong frequencies to balance your mind, body, and spirit, leaving you feeling refreshed and grounded.

Learning objectives include
1. The history of sound therapy.
2. How sound therapy works.
3. The benefits of sound.
4. What sound “looks” like.
5. The research and science behind sound sessions.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Ann has been a sound practitioner and Yoga teacher for over 5 years. She is a graduate of The Sound Healing Academy and an International Sound Therapy Association (ISTA) Certified Therapeutic Sound Practitioner. She has conducted numerous sound sessions for large and small groups, private sessions and corporate events, and has participated in numerous retreats. Recently she provided sound sessions to over 160 healthcare workers in local hospitals.

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

CEC: TT/VTT

Description:

A patient portal is a secure website that provides 24-hour access to personal health information. A wide variety of information can be made available through a patient portal, including visit notes, laboratory testing, medication lists, immunization, and much more. Some portals may include access to services such as messaging a provider, requesting prescription refills, and appointment scheduling. By knowing where to find patient portals that contain your protected health information and which specific information can be found there, you can use that information in a variety of ways to improve your own healthcare outcomes.

At the completion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Name common features of patient portals.
2. Give examples of utilizing a patient portal to impact your own health outcomes.
3. Identify the differences between a commercial personal health record and a patient portal.
4. Explain federal law as it applies to information that must be made available via patient portal.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Georgia Green is the Director of Health Information Management for the northwest market of a major national health system. She has nearly 40 years in the health information field, having begun her career as healthcare documentation specialist. Over her career, she has also held roles as an HIM educator and as a writer and editor of HIM educational and reference materials, including coding manuals. In her current role, she oversees transcription services, release of information, data quality, scanning, off-site chart management, chart deficiencies, birth/death certificate filings, amendments, and disclosure accounting, as well as co-chairing two regional committees. She maintains expertise on privacy and disclosure laws at the state and federal level. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity and the Washington State Health Information Management Association.

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.

Presenter: Mary Susan Timion

Description:

Sourdough for the Soul was born from the ashes of survival—my own healing journey after enduring the deep wounds of a narcissistic mother.

What started as a loaf became a lifeline, and now, a movement for anyone seeking deeper meaning in the simple, sacred act of baking bread.

Whether you’re a first-time baker learning to care for your starter or a seasoned artisan craving fresh inspiration, this experience is for you. It’s for the person healing from emotional abuse, the weary caregiver needing rest, the empty nester rediscovering her rhythm, or the creative soul searching for joy in her hands again.

In every lesson, I teach the spiritual rhythm that lives inside sourdough: how building a starter mirrors rebuilding trust… how patience, rest, and timing become sacred… how setting boundaries in fermentation teaches you to hold space for your own worth. And how the stretch, fold, and rise all whisper back to you: you are being nourished, too.

This isn’t just bread. It’s therapy in a bowl. It’s growth you can taste. It’s the holy art of feeding your soul—one rise at a time.

Learning objectives
1. Understand the spiritual symbolism in the sourdough process: Learners will connect each step of sourdough-making—feeding, resting, fermenting, shaping—to spiritual and emotional healing, including themes like patience, letting go, boundaries, and consistency.
2. Develop foundational sourdough skills: Learners will confidently create and maintain a sourdough starter, understand hydration and flour ratios, and master the basic stretch, fold, ferment, and bake techniques.
3. Explore personal growth through hands-on practice: Learners will reflect on their own healing journey while actively participating in the sourdough-making process, journaling their emotional and spiritual insights along the way.
4. Cultivate rest, nourishment, and sacred rhythms: Learners will internalize the importance of rest cycles, intentional slowness, and self-nourishment as they align with the natural timing of fermentation and baking.
5. Build confidence and community in the kitchen: Learners will leave empowered to trust their instincts, create beautiful loaves from scratch, and possibly share their bread and breakthroughs with others—creating ripple effects of healing and connection.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Although I’m not a professional baker, I am a professional teacher—with decades of experience guiding, empowering, and encouraging others to become their best. As a former Director of Education overseeing 4,000 employees and having personally taught over 650 sourdough students, I’ve built a life around helping people grow in skill and confidence. I’ve also catered events in the past, blending creativity with nourishment. In my sunset years, I’ve chosen to pour that same teaching heart into sourdough. My classes are less about perfection and more about purpose—combining the science of fermentation with the soulwork of healing, patience, and joy. I even keep a hotline open for students who need extra encouragement. Whether you’re brand new or looking to deepen your skills, I’ll meet you right where you are—with warmth, wisdom, and maybe a little flour on my hands.

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

CEC: CM

Description: 

This session will discuss the broad definition of the forensic nurse, with a closer look at a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), what their role is in patient care, trauma-informed care, the special considerations during the care of patients, and how this all links with the mission of forensic nurses.

At the conclusion of this session, the audience will:
1. Understand what a forensic nurse is.
2. Learn about the role of a SANE.
3. Understand trauma-informed care and the mission of MFE/SANEs.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Kirsten has worked as an RN for 17 years and has been a practicing SANE for over 10. She has a degree in criminal justice (Delta College), nursing (Delta College and Grand Canyon State University, where she graduated magna cum laude), including training as a sexual assault nurse examiner in both adult/adolescent and pediatric/adolescent (University of Michigan-Flint). Kirsten is a nationally board-certified emergency nurse (CEN) and SANE-A (sexual assault nurse examiner-adult/adolescent).

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

Description:

This session will provide a summary of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) for healthcare professionals and those involved in documentation. This will be an up-to-date review to include some major updates in ARMD terminology and treatment.

Learning objectives
1. Understand ARMD.
2. Understand the clinical features of both dry and wet (neovascular) ARMD.
3. Obtain an overview of the treatment options available for dry and wet (neovascular) ARMD.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Evan Berger is an ophthalmologist who specializes in retinal care and vitreoretinal surgery. He is currently in private practice at Wagner Kapoor Institute in Norfolk, Virginia, and serves as a community faculty member at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

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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