2023 Speakers

Dr. Wilkie was born in Toronto, Canada and obtained his D.V.M. degree in 1984 from the University of Guelph, Canada. He spent one year at the University of Pennsylvania as an intern and in 1985 came to The Ohio State University to begin a 3-year residency and Masters degree in comparative ophthalmology. He received both his Masters degree (MS) and ophthalmology specialty boards (ACVO) in 1988. He was hired in 1988 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University, was promoted to Associate Professor and then to Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology. He served as the Department Chair of Veterinary Clinical Sciences from 2015-2018. In addition, Dr. Wilkie served a Professor in the College of Medicine at The Ohio State University. He is currently Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University.
 
Dr. Wilkie has trained 21 residents who are Board Certified in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists or the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and 3 Diplomates in Japanese Comparative Ophthalmology. In addition, Dr. Wilkie has provided advanced training in ophthalmology to 20 graduate students and over 34 veterinarian ophthalmologists from 12 countries.
 
Dr. Wilkie is author of 105 articles, 104 abstracts and 49 textbook chapters, and serves as a research consultant to numerous national and international research facilities. He has served as an editor of several textbooks and is currently a reviewer for 25 Veterinary and Human ophthalmology and research journals and serves on the Editorial Board of 9 Veterinary and Human ophthalmology and research journals. He is the past chairperson of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, Examination Committee and Past-President for the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Dr. Wilkie currently serves on the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology Foundation board. In addition, Dr. Wilkie has served on the Editorial Review Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology since 2003 and as the Editor-in-Chief for the journal of Veterinary Ophthalmology for past 15 years. He is an international speaker having presented seminars in the USA, Canada, Japan, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Great Britain, Russia, Slovenia, Finland, Ireland, Taiwan, Thailand, China, Portugal, Switzerland, Israel, Slovakia, Hungary, South Korea and the Czech Republic. Dr. Wilkie is a respected teacher both at the University and internationally. He has twice been nominated for the Norden Distinguished Teacher Award and for the Merck/AgVet Award for Creativity in Teaching. He received the Omega Tau Sigma Alumni Gamma Award in 2000, the Dr. Charles W. Fox Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2012, and the National Gamma Award for Distinguished Service in 2014 at Ohio State University. He was awarded the North American Veterinary Conference - Equine Speaker of the Year Award in 2013. He has been twice nominated for the AAVC Faculty Achievement Award (2016/2017) and received this award in 2017. He received the Ohio State Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society Recognition Award (2019) and the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award (2021). He was awarded Emeritus Diplomate, ACVO status in 2022.
 
Dr. Wilkie's areas of interest include ocular surgery, inflammatory diseases of the eye, ocular pharmacology, cataract surgery, intraocular lens implantation, glaucoma, and comparative ophthalmology. He is married to Dr. Susan Johnson, also Professor Emeritus, and they have 2 children who are now both physicians. In addition to work, Dr. Wilkie plays hockey and enjoys downhill skiing, wilderness whitewater canoeing, windsurfing, scuba diving and life at the cottage in Canada.

Bio for Étienne: Native of Montreal, DVM from Cornell many years ago, board-certified in Cardiology and Small Animal Internal Medicine, and teacher and cardiologist at the Atlantic Veterinary College-UPEI in Charlottetown for... actually, it will be 20 years during APVC (April 21, 2003 start date)! Editor of Clinical Veterinary Advisor textbook and co-editor of the current and forthcoming editions of Ettinger's Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

I graduated from the DVM program at AVC, UPEI in 1998, then completed a one-year Small Animal Rotating Internship at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, followed by a three-year clinical residency and graduate degree (Doctor of Veterinary Science) in Veterinary Cardiology also at the University of Guelph. I became board-certified in Cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2003. I was a faculty member at the University of Guelph for 15 years before moving back East and joining the AVC faculty in 2018.

Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien is the managing DVM of two feline only practices in Hamilton, Ontario, where she continues as a practitioner and a passionate advocate for the welfare of cats. She received her veterinary degree in 1985 from the Ontario Veterinary College. She became a Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in feline practice in 1999. Dr Liz was the recipient of the prestigious CVMA Small Animal Practitioner of the Year Award for 2014 as well as numerous awards for her contribution to well-being of shelter and street cats.

Dr. Boothe graduated from Texas A&M University (TAMU) in 1977 and 78 (BS), and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. After an internship at Auburn University, she returned to TAMU to complete an MS in Physiology , a residency in small animal internal medicine (becoming board certified in 1985), and a PhrMA Fellowship and PhD in Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology (1989). She is among the first class of diplomates in the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology (1991). In 1990, she joined TAMU in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, reaching Professor in 2003. She then joined the departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine as Professor. At Auburn University, Dr. Boothe directed the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, serving over 4000 national and international veterinary practices. She actively taught in the 1st through 4th veterinary students, and has mentored over 31 graduate students or Clinical Pharmacology Residents. Dr. Boothe has received over $1.7M research funding as principle investigator, has authored or coauthored over 125 peer-reviewed scientific publications, 2 text books and over 60 book chapters. Major awards include a University Achievement Award in Teaching at Texas A&M University, the Jack Mara Scientific Achievement Award for Scientific Achievement (national), and at AU, graduate student mentor awards (University and College level) and the Zoetis Award for Excellence in Research. She recently was recognized by Auburn University with an Alumni Professorship and the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology with a Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Boothe is married to Harry W. Boothe (MSU'71, MS, Diplomate ACVS; recently retired), and they currently make their home, along with a pair of pugs, an Aussie, and a herd of cats in Auburn, AL. Their children are Ashley (married to Austin Tidwell), both public school teachers, and Matthew (AU-CVM'15), DACVIM (Cardiology) (married to Hannah Findley, veterinary dentistry resident; AU-CVM'15). COVID19 brought the Boothe's a grandson, granddaughter and an Airstream!

Dr. Bersenas is an Associate Professor in Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, Canada, where she is the Chief of the Emergency & Critical Care Service since 2008.
 
Dr. Bersenas is a graduate of the OVC. She completed an internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College University of PEI and practiced in Toronto before returning to academia where she completed a residency in Emergency & Critical Care. She has actively trained DVM and graduate students for nearly 20 years. She enjoys mentoring all levels of trainees and participating in continuing education nationally and internationally. Dr. Bersenas’ clinical interests include fluid delivery and respiratory medicine specifically supporting small animal patients in respiratory distress. She has a fondness for feline medicine and promoting patient-centered care. Her pets include a quirky orange tabby cat and a very geriatric Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Tasha is a Certified Veterinary Technician form Glenside, PA. She is also a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and works closely with the IVAPM to educate the public about animal pain awareness. Tasha became a veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia in 2015. Tasha loves to lecture on various anesthesia and pain management topics around the globe. Tasha travels across the U.S. to consult with veterinary hospitals on best anesthesia practices. Tasha has authored numerous articles on anesthesia and analgesia topics for veterinary professionals and pet parents. In her spare time Tasha enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and son, and recording the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Podcast.

Karen is originally from the East Coast of Canada. She graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College's Animal Health Technology program in 1994. In 1997, after working for several years in general practice, she accepted a position with the newly opened Metro Animal Emergency Clinic in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the first after hours veterinary emergency hospital to open in Atlantic Canada.
 
In 2000, she completed a one-year Veterinary Technician Internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. It was here that a keen interest in anesthesia, and emergency and critical care medicine began. After completing the internship, she returned to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic, and eventually began working towards becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency/Critical Care. She completed this designation in 2013, and in June 2014, left her native Canada and made the move to New Jersey. After 4 years at NorthStar Vets, she decided to make a change in her career and became the ICU Training Mentor at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in September 2018.

Erin is a CVT from New England. Early on she developed an interest in emergency medicine and went on to earn her VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialty) in Emergency and Critical Care in 2011. After finding a passion for education and training of future veterinary professionals, she earned her Master’s in Adult Education. Erin’s career has brought a variety of opportunities and roles from management, to teaching in a veterinary technology program, to running field clinics in under-served communities on Native American reservations. In 2019, Erin started her own business which provides training to veterinary practices on a variety of topics and consultation on team utilization and in 2021 joined the Veterinary Emergency Group as their Director of Veterinary Nursing Development. Erin has lecture throughout the US and has published articles and a book chapter. Erin is highly involved in the Veterinary Technology community. She is a Past President of both the Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. She is the Treasurer for PrideVMC and the current President for the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses.

David Liss is a distinguished veterinary business leader holding an MBA, the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and Professional in Human Resources certifications. David has served as the hospital manager of two different 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary practices. In a past life, David was a veterinary technician specialist working on the floor as an ER-ICU Technician for more than 10 years. Winner of the Speaker of the Year award at WVC and the RVT of the Year Award from the Southern California Vet Medical Association, David enjoys presenting to veterinary teams and has done so internationally since 2009. David currently is the Director of West Coast Operations for VEG and resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Bash is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, a certified veterinary practice manager and a licensed veterinary technician. As a veterinary business advisor and a veteran practice manager with more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Halow has helped dozens of veterinary hospitals understand how to build stronger teams and responsibly and ethically grow their businesses. He is a frequent contributor to Vetted, DVM 360 and is a member of the editorial advisory board for the Fetch360 veterinary conferences. He has been an invited speaker at all the major U.S. veterinary conferences including AVMA, AAHA, VMX, Western, Midwest, CVC, IVECCS; state associations, and international conferences like APVC, OVMA, the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and addressed the Veterinary Management Association at the House of Lords, London, in June 2018. He is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, the PVMA, founder and member of the New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Management Association, founder of the Big Apple Veterinary Management Association in New York City, and proud member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Mr. Halow was the 2013 recipient of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association's President's Award for management education in the state of Pennsylvania. He resides in New York City.

Bash is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, a certified veterinary practice manager and a licensed veterinary technician. As a veterinary business advisor and a veteran practice manager with more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Halow has helped dozens of veterinary hospitals understand how to build stronger teams and responsibly and ethically grow their businesses. He is a frequent contributor to Vetted, DVM 360 and is a member of the editorial advisory board for the Fetch360 veterinary conferences. He has been an invited speaker at all the major U.S. veterinary conferences including AVMA, AAHA, VMX, Western, Midwest, CVC, IVECCS; state associations, and international conferences like APVC, OVMA, the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and addressed the Veterinary Management Association at the House of Lords, London, in June 2018. He is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, the PVMA, founder and member of the New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Management Association, founder of the Big Apple Veterinary Management Association in New York City, and proud member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Mr. Halow was the 2013 recipient of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association's President's Award for management education in the state of Pennsylvania. He resides in New York City.

Erin is a CVT from New England. Early on she developed an interest in emergency medicine and went on to earn her VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialty) in Emergency and Critical Care in 2011. After finding a passion for education and training of future veterinary professionals, she earned her Master’s in Adult Education. Erin’s career has brought a variety of opportunities and roles from management, to teaching in a veterinary technology program, to running field clinics in under-served communities on Native American reservations. In 2019, Erin started her own business which provides training to veterinary practices on a variety of topics and consultation on team utilization and in 2021 joined the Veterinary Emergency Group as their Director of Veterinary Nursing Development. Erin has lecture throughout the US and has published articles and a book chapter. Erin is highly involved in the Veterinary Technology community. She is a Past President of both the Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. She is the Treasurer for PrideVMC and the current President for the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses.

David Liss is a distinguished veterinary business leader holding an MBA, the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and Professional in Human Resources certifications. David has served as the hospital manager of two different 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary practices. In a past life, David was a veterinary technician specialist working on the floor as an ER-ICU Technician for more than 10 years. Winner of the Speaker of the Year award at WVC and the RVT of the Year Award from the Southern California Vet Medical Association, David enjoys presenting to veterinary teams and has done so internationally since 2009. David currently is the Director of West Coast Operations for VEG and resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Juanita is a career-long educator who currently works as a Scientific Communications Specialist with Royal Canin Canada.  She relishes teaching both the home-dwelling humans who are owned by dogs and cats, as well as the veterinary professionals that keep the animal masters healthy.  Much like the cat that came back, after several years in private, small animal practice she returned to her alma mater, the Atlantic Veterinary College as a clinical faculty member.  In 2010, Juanita transitioned to teaching in Industry and works for Royal Canin. She now shares healthful, practical, and accessible pet nutrition recommendations with all who serve the pet masters.  Juanita is currently owned by an imperious mini, wirehaired Dachshund as well as an alien overlord that masquerades as a cat.

Bash is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, a certified veterinary practice manager and a licensed veterinary technician. As a veterinary business advisor and a veteran practice manager with more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Halow has helped dozens of veterinary hospitals understand how to build stronger teams and responsibly and ethically grow their businesses. He is a frequent contributor to Vetted, DVM 360 and is a member of the editorial advisory board for the Fetch360 veterinary conferences. He has been an invited speaker at all the major U.S. veterinary conferences including AVMA, AAHA, VMX, Western, Midwest, CVC, IVECCS; state associations, and international conferences like APVC, OVMA, the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and addressed the Veterinary Management Association at the House of Lords, London, in June 2018. He is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, the PVMA, founder and member of the New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Management Association, founder of the Big Apple Veterinary Management Association in New York City, and proud member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Mr. Halow was the 2013 recipient of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association's President's Award for management education in the state of Pennsylvania. He resides in New York City.

Erin is a CVT from New England. Early on she developed an interest in emergency medicine and went on to earn her VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialty) in Emergency and Critical Care in 2011. After finding a passion for education and training of future veterinary professionals, she earned her Master’s in Adult Education. Erin’s career has brought a variety of opportunities and roles from management, to teaching in a veterinary technology program, to running field clinics in under-served communities on Native American reservations. In 2019, Erin started her own business which provides training to veterinary practices on a variety of topics and consultation on team utilization and in 2021 joined the Veterinary Emergency Group as their Director of Veterinary Nursing Development. Erin has lecture throughout the US and has published articles and a book chapter. Erin is highly involved in the Veterinary Technology community. She is a Past President of both the Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. She is the Treasurer for PrideVMC and the current President for the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses.