Presenters

*KEYNOTE SPEAKER*
Theresa W. Fossum, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS
Assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Energy
Theresa W. Fossum, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D., DACVS was elected to the AZBio Board of Directors in November of 2015.

Dr. Fossum is the Vice President of Research and Strategic Initiatives and a Professor of Veterinary Surgery at Midwestern University. Dr. Fossum is responsible for overseeing the development of the Midwestern University Institute for Healthcare Innovation (IHI) including but not limited to clinical trials, new research funding programs and related work that impacts the One Health philosophy of Midwestern University.

Dr. Fossum was formally Chancellor for Global and Corporate Partnerships for the Texas A&M University System. She is the founder and former Director and Executive Director of the Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies (TIPS), a 60 million dollar venture at TAMU which promotes public-private partnerships to speed the development of medical devices and drugs. Dr. Fossum’s leadership was integral in conceptualizing and funding the Institute.

Dr. Fossum is a world renowned veterinary surgeon and served as the Clinical Director for Cardiothoracic Surgery and Biomedical Devices in the Michael E. DeBakey Institute at TAMU. Dr. Fossum holds an honorary chair from Swansea University in the UK

Dr. Fossum has authored or co-authored 100 manuscripts in referred journals and is the author of Small Animal Surgery, which is in its 5th edition. She was named a Distinguished Alumnus at The Ohio State University in 2007 and received the Texas A&M University System Innovator of the Year Award in 2008. Dr. Fossum was a member of the Board of Directors of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute for 15 years and is a member of the Board of Governors for the Foundation for Biomedical Research. She is the former chair of that Board. Dr. Fossum is a previous recipient of the Wiley Distinguished Professor of Veterinary Medicine Award and the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award at Texas A&M University.

In 2004, Dr. Fossum received the Texas Society for Biomedical Research Award in recognition and appreciation for her many years of dedicated service to the science, research and medical communities in the State of Texas. She, along with Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, founded the CARE Foundation in 2004 in order to provide an infrastructure for veterinary medicine to perform research using animals with naturally occurring disease. She serves as President of the organization and founded the Texas Veterinary Cancer Registry in 2011.

Dr. Fossum received her D.V.M. degree in 1982 from Washington State University, completed a surgical residency and Master of Science degree in 1986 from the Ohio State University and received a Ph.D. in Veterinary Immunology from Texas A&M University in 1992. She received Board Certification in Veterinary Surgery in 1987.

Midwestern University (MWU) is a graduate degree granting health sciences education institution with two campuses located in Glendale, AZ and Downers Grove, IL. Midwestern’s academic programs include osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine.

Rainier Ko, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVIM
Born in Montreal, Canada, Dr. Rainier Ko completed his biology undergraduate degree at McGill University. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2000 from the University of Montreal. Following his internship at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, Dr. Ko returned to his veterinary college in Montreal as a laboratory instructor in small animal anatomy and applied surgical anatomy.

He then completed a residency in small animal surgery and a three-year Master of Science degree at Purdue University, Indiana in 2005. Dr. Ko spent three years as a staff surgeon at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital and starred on Animal Planet’s popular television series “E-Vet Interns”.

Dr. Ko received board certification in small animal veterinary surgery in 2007.  Following this, he returned to Purdue University in 2008 as an assistant professor in small animal orthopedics and neurosurgery.

Dr. Ko went on to complete a joint neurology residency at Colorado State University and Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, obtaining board certification in neurology in 2014.

This formidable accomplishment distinguishes Rainier as one of only seven individuals worldwide with double-boarded certification in veterinary neurosurgery. His expertise, thoroughness, and strong bond with his patients-clients have earned him numerous teaching and clinical awards, including CSU specialty resident of the year, as well as CVTA’s “Colorado Veterinarian of the Year” in 2012.

Currently Dr. Ko works at Powers Pet Emergency and Specialty Services in Colorado Springs. He continues his passion for teaching neurosurgery as a faculty instructor for both AO Vet North America Advanced Spinal Neurosurgery Course, and the ACVIM Advanced Neurosurgery Course.

Philip Bergman, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM
Dr. Bergman is the Director of Clinical Studies for VCA. He is the principal veterinary investigator for the recently fully licensed canine melanoma vaccine (Oncept). Dr. Bergman is an adjunct faculty member of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Prior to Dr. Bergman joining VCA, he served as the Chief Medical Officer for BrightHeart Veterinary Centers from July 2007 to August 2011; from 1999 to June 2007 he was the head of the Donaldson-Atwood Cancer Center at AMC. After finishing veterinary school from Colorado State in 1990, he was an intern at Kansas State (90-91) and returned to CSU for his medical oncology residency (91-94) and then completed a PhD Fellowship in human cancer biology from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston (94-99). He was previously Chair of the ACVIM Board of Regents and President of the Veterinary Cancer Society.

Dr. Bergman has been an veterinary oncologist at Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center since 2007.

Scott Schatzberg, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Dr. Schatzberg is an internationally recognized authority in the field of veterinary neurology. Dr. Schatzberg completed his veterinary studies and PhD at North Carolina State University and his neurology residency at Cornell University. Dr. Schatzberg has worked for the past 15 years in both specialty practice and academia, conducting field-changing research and publishing over 100 manuscripts and book chapters.

In addition to his current position as CEO/CMO at The ANIC, Dr. Schatzberg is National Director of Neurology for Pathway Partners. Dr. Schatzberg routinely lectures both nationally and internationally to general practitioners and veterinary specialists to increase knowledge and awareness of veterinary neurology.

In his spare time, he enjoys the great outdoors with his wife Dr. Katherine Cutter and their kids Zander (12) and Zachary (10) and Zoe (1)

Barbara Kitchell, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Dr. Barbara E. Kitchell graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. Dr. Kitchell completed an internship at the University of Minnesota, then residencies in Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at UC Davis from 1981-1985. She started an Oncology referral practice at Special Veterinary Services, Berkeley, California in 1985, and continued to manage that practice on a full time basis until 1989, when she embarked upon her graduate studies while continuing to work part time as a clinical oncologist. She received her Ph.D. degree (emphasis in Cancer Biology) from the Department of Comparative Pathology at UC Davis in 1994. In addition, Dr. Kitchell completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford Medical School from 1990-1994. She returned to academic medicine in 1994 as Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine, where she rose to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. Dr. Kitchell joined the faculty of Michigan State University in 2004 as Full Professor and Director of the Center for Comparative Oncology, and held this post until joining VCA Vet Care in August, 2013. Dr. Kitchell is an ACVIM Diplomate in the specialties of Internal Medicine and Oncology. She has received numerous awards including the National Cancer Institute Physician Scientist Award, the Dean's Postdoctoral Fellowship Award at Stanford, and the Gaines Cycle "Golden Fido" award for Veterinarian of the Year at the American Animal Hospital Association Annual Conference in 1993. Dr. Kitchell has served veterinary and comparative medicine in many capacities, including committee membership on the Morris Animal Foundation Scientific Advisory Board, the Nestle Purina Nutrition Council, NCI-F Manpower and Training Study Section of NCI, the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium, and is a consultant and key opinion leader for several veterinary pharmaceutical companies. She is past president of the Veterinary Cancer Society and was elected Vice-President and Member of the Board of Regent of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2013. Dr. Kitchell is the author of over 100 scientific publications, abstracts, proceedings, book chapters, handbooks in her field of veterinary and comparative oncology. Like most veterinarians, she has a menagerie of dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Dr. Kitchell also keeps busy as a single mom of 5 wonderful young people, and has been active in adoption, foster care and Transition to Independence for foster adolescents in Lansing, Michigan.

Nancy McLean, DVM, DACVO
Dr. McLean obtained her veterinary degree from Purdue University in 2002. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine followed by two years as a general practice vet in Albuquerque, NM. In 2008 Dr. McLean completed a comparative veterinary ophthalmology residency at the University of Tennessee and became certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2008. Her areas of interest include cataract surgery, glaucoma and systemic diseases that affect the eye. Dr. McLean has been treating pet eye diseases at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico since 2008.

Kris Bannon, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC
Kris Bannon, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC received her veterinary medical degree from Texas A&M University in 1998. She worked in a small animal hospital in Santa Fe, NM for ten years before starting the first veterinary practice in New Mexico dedicated to the oral health needs of our companion animals.

In 2008, she was the first veterinarian in the state of New Mexico to earn the title Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry (FAVD). She became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (DAVDC) in 2010. As a Diplomate of the AVDC, Dr. Bannon became the first and only board-certified veterinary dentist in the state of New Mexico!

She is the Past-President of the American Veterinary Dental Society, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry. In her free time, Dr. Bannon enjoys volunteering with the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation, using her advanced dental skills to benefit disadvantaged and captive wildlife in sanctuaries across the country. Dr. Bannon enjoys teaching other veterinarians about quality dental care, and offers classes and training presentations frequently within New Mexico and nationwide.

Dr. Bannon is very enthusiastic about dentistry, and wants to share with everyone the positive effects that good dental health and oral hygiene can have on the quality of life for our beloved furry friends.

Christopher Paige, MS, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Dr. Paige graduated from University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science (1996). He received a Master of Science in Epidemiology & Community Health (1998), and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (2003) from Louisiana State University. In 2007, he completed a combined Master/Cardiology Residency from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. His residency project determined the prevalence of cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats. Dr. Paige is board-certified in Cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). After his residency, he joined two large veterinary specialty hospitals in Mesa and Phoenix, AZ. In 2012, Dr. Paige was recruited into cardiovascular research at a world-renowned human medical device company W.L. Gore & Associates and collaborated with physicians in pre-clinical FDA research. In 2014, he founded Veterinary Specialists of Northern Arizona to provide veterinary cardiology services to Flagstaff and Sedona. He opened Valley Veterinary Cardiology in August 2016 to offer Phoenix’s first cardiology specific practice dedicated to patient, client, and primary care veterinarian support. Since May 2017, Dr. Paige has been working with VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center to provide cardiology services to Albuquerque, NM and surrounding areas.

Christa Bernhard, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Christa Bernhard graduated from Xavier University in 2005 with a major in biology. She then worked as a veterinary technician in the critical care unit at Colorado State University prior to attending veterinary school. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2012. After graduation, Dr. Bernhard completed a small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, FL. In 2016, Dr. Bernhard completed a three-year residency in emergency and critical care at the University of Missouri, where she also earned her Master's degree in biomedical sciences. Dr. Bernhard enjoys all aspects of critical care medicine and is dedicated to training veterinary staff and interns. She has a particular interest in respiratory disease, mechanical ventilation and management of shock. Her research experience includes the use of ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics and computed tomography in the assessment of respiratory disease.

Glen Bonin, DVM, DACVS-SA
Dr. Glen Bonin is a 2008 graduate of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to entering veterinary school, Dr. Bonin was a paramedic in New Orleans for over 13 years. Following graduation, he completed a rotating internship at the University of Tennessee followed by a surgical internship at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center. Dr. Bonin was awarded the "resident of the year" for his outstanding efforts in both orthopedic surgical research and surgical patient care.

Greg Kuhlman, DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Kuhlman earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin. Following an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the VCA Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Arizona, he completed a residency in internal medicine at Texas A&M University. Dr. Kuhlman enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, but he has a special interest in gastrointestinal and infectious diseases. He has a passion for the treatment and management of the canine athlete and has been competing in and judging Spaniel field trials and hunt tests for almost 20 years. This special interest in the canine athlete includes reproductive health and management.

Diane Schrempp, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Dr. Diane Schrempp graduated from Kansas State University in 2007 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She then went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in 2008. In 2008 - 2009, Dr. Schrempp completed a one year oncology clinical trials internship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following that, she headed to Purdue University where she completed a three year comparative oncology residency. Dr. Schrempp became board certified through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2012. She joined the team at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico in August 2012.

Her professional interests include diagnosing and treating a variety of canine and feline cancers, using new and cutting edge treatments for cancer (Palladia and metronomic chemotherapy) as well as applying a thorough knowledge of standard of care options (surgery and chemotherapy). She approaches cancer in a way that focuses on the patient's overall well-being and quality of life. Dr. Schrempp also has an interest in treating with localized radiation therapy (strontium) for cats diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. When she's not taking care of cancer patients, Dr. Schrempp enjoys exploring her new home state with her West Highland White Terrier, Sam.

Michelle Tensley, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Dr. Michelle Tensley joined The Animal Neurology and Imaging Center as an associate neurologist in 2017, after completing her neurology residency at The ANIC and obtaining board certification through the American College of Internal Medicine (Neurology).

Dr. Tensley grew up in Ohio and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from The Ohio State University. This was followed by a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University. Her love of neurology led her to pursue advanced training including a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the Ohio State Veterinary Teaching Hospital and a neurology internship at the VCA Animal Specialty Center in Columbia, SC.

In her spare time, Dr. Tensley enjoys exploring the outdoors and watching Buckeye football with her husband and son. They also share their home with a Great Dane, 2 cats, 2 turtles and a milk snake.

Heather Prendergast, BS, AS, RVT, CVPM
Heather Prendergast has spent over 25 years in the veterinary industry, with 20 years in small animal practice. She has taught several years for both veterinary technology and assistance programs and has authored the book “Front Office Management for the Veterinary Team”, now in it’s 2nd edition.

Heather is well known and lectures nationally and internationally, and has authored several articles and participated in published roundtable discussions with the goal of increasing team communication and client compliance within the veterinary practice.
Currently, Heather is an Education Development Specialist for Patterson Veterinary University. Heather serves on several advisory boards, including the Western Veterinary Conference Board of Directors, Pet Nutrition Alliance, and the Fear Free Advisory Board. Heather also serves as Co-Chair for the NAVTA Veterinary Nurse Initiative and is the Editor in Chief of the NAVTA Journal. In addition, Heather was named the 2014 Veterinary Technician of the Year, and Western Veterinary Conference 2016 and 2017 Speaker of the Year. Most recently, Heather obtained her SHPR (Senior Professional Human Resources) Certification.

Amy Rossi, DVM
Dr. Rossi comes to VDOSNM from Seattle, where she was in general practice for 10 years. She started a full-time residency with Dr. Bannon in May of 2015. Her interest in dentistry developed after seeing how her patients benefited from dental care. Her main dental interests are tooth development including genetic and congenital malformations, resorption and periodontal disease. She currently has two dogs and only one cat (for now).

Anna L. Dickey, AAS, RVT
Anna received her Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2011 from the Bel-Rea Institute in Denver, CO. She and her husband, Adam, relocated to New Mexico in 2012 where she began working in neurology and neurosurgery. Among her passions within the field, Anna has a particular love for anesthesia and the surgical process, as well as supporting others in their own learning and understanding of these specialties. Anna strongly believes in the concept of “family centered care” with a focus on client communication in addition to the more traditional ideas of patient centered care. In her free time Anna operates an independent bakery and enjoys hiking and backpacking with her husband and their cattledog, Nanuk

Rhonda Ochoa, BA, RVT
Rhonda Ochoa has spent over 17 years as a critical care veterinary technician. She obtained her Associates in Veterinary Technology at Sanford Brown College in St. Peters Missouri. Rhonda then went on to obtain a Bachelors in Business Administration from The University of Missouri. Rhonda was an ICU technician at the University of Missouri where she had the pleasure of teaching 3rd and 4th year veterinary students about emergency and critical care. Rhonda has had multiple cases published and has spoken at the national level. Rhonda has a true passion for critical care and plans to obtain her VTS in ECC next year. Rhonda and her family relocated to Albuquerque New Mexico, where she is the ER/ICU/Specialty Technical Supervisor at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center.

Rhonda and her husband George enjoy hiking and being out doors in their spare time. Any day now Rhonda and George are expecting their first grandchild. They have a 4 year old Bull mastiff Titan, an Olde English bulldog Lucy who is 13, and two cats Steve and Queen Bea.

Dawn Nolan, DVM, Medical Director

Dr. Nolan is a graduate of Texas A & M University. She has performed the duties of General Practice Medical Director and full time small animal clinician at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center since 2007.

Dr. Nolan sees all dogs and cats for General Practice care. She enjoys the diversity of the species and is, not only the Feline Advocate for the practice, but she also works with Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico and other rescue groups in the area.

In January 2016, Dr. Nolan started the Radioactive Iodine (I 131) treatment program at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center. This has provided the surrounding communities with a gold standard option for treatment of hyperthyroid cats.

Dr. Nolan’s passion is for the feline species. In 2013, she obtained the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) “Gold Certified” Feline Friendly practice designation for VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center. This involves meeting a high standard of care for the feline species that makes them less stressed and lets owners feel more welcome during potentially emotional visits.

Dr. Nolan also enjoys providing AAHA-standard (American Animal Hospital Association) dentistry services for our clients. She has obtained over 200 hours of small animal dentistry continuing education over the past 3 years and continues to attend the National Annual Dental Forum to obtain new skills and knowledge.

Dr. Nolan looks forward to meeting you and your pet and providing you with a stress-free, personalized experience. Her current schedule allows for both scheduled appointments and surgery/dentistry procedure days.

Diane Marshall, DVM, MBA
Dr. Diane Marshall joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition in 2007. She is a Professional Consulting Veterinarian in the Pacific Northwest, and PCV Team Leader for the US West and Upper Midwest states. Dr. Marshall is responsible for developing Hill’s relationships with veterinarians, veterinary specialists, veterinary students and veterinary technician students. She also plays a role in developing and delivering technical training to the Hill’s field sales team.

Before joining Hill’s, Dr. Marshall worked in small animal practice, and with an international veterinary non-profit organization. Dr. Marshall earned a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University, and a Leadership MBA from the University of Washington.

Oded "Odie" Marcovici, DVM

Dr. Oded “Odie” Marcovici graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1994 and since then has had experience in almost every conceivable small-animal practice type. He has opened, managed and operated multiple hospitals including emergency, single, multi-doctor practices, a specialty hospital and an adoption center.

Ten years ago he developed the Recruiting & Professional Relations Director role for VCA and has been recruiting every type of veterinary professional since then.

Having interviewed thousands of candidates at schools and at hospitals, he has tried to affect positive change in the profession one hire at a time. He is passionate about finding that perfect long-term hire and reducing the risk of hiring the wrong person.

With over a decade of recruiting, Dr. Odie has experienced the changes in the profession and can speak both retrospectively and prospectively about the future of recruiting. He coaches, trains and leads communication workshops across the US and Canada and speaks about improving the odds when hiring, employee engagement, managing Millennials and creating a better hospital culture.

Rob Best, CVPM, Regional Training Director, VCA

Educated in Organizational Communication and Business (CSU, Chico), Rob has been in the VCA family since 2009, and is their first Regional Training Director. With over 17 years experience in coaching and developing professional teams & their leaders, his presentation and training content is becoming a standard for VCA’s best practices.

When not exploring other countries or reliving his hoop dreams, Rob enjoys surfing, paddle boarding, running, biking, hiking, or really any simple pleasure found in an athletic, outdoor adventure!

Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition)

Vicky received her technician degree in 1983. She served in private practice for 18 years in California, and then 16 years ago began a new career with Hill’s Pet Nutrition. In 2007, she completed a Bachelor of Science and in 2008, she completed a Masters in 2008, both in Business Administration.

Vicky obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in nutrition in June 2013 and serves as secretary for the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians. She is also the Secretary/Treasurer for the Kansas Veterinary Technician Association. She is a life member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), and was the 2014 president of NAVTA. Currently she serves as the CE Committee chair for NAVTA.
Vicky speaks nationally and internationally and is a published author.

Amy Anderson, DVM
Amy Anderson, DVM is a Regional Consulting Veterinarian for Elanco. Dr. Anderson obtained her BS in Biology (Ecology, Behavior and Evolution) from UCLA and her DVM from UC Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine. After a one-year rotating medicine/surgical internship at Animal Medical Center in New York, New York, Dr. Anderson moved to sunny San Diego to work as a general practitioner in clinical practice for the next 8 years. She joined Royal Canin as a field veterinarian prior to Elanco. As a field veterinarian, Dr. Anderson has found a perfect way to combine her love of veterinary medicine, teaching, and travel! She has given numerous presentations to veterinarians and their staff on topics ranging from nutrition, parasitology, infectious disease, practice management, dermatology, and pain management. Dr. Anderson continues to practice medicine as a relief veterinarian. In her free time, Dr. Anderson and her husband enjoy traveling, running, and exploring the outdoors.

Janet Blair-Wells, DVM
Dr. Blair-Wells grew up near Memphis, Tennessee, in Germantown. She is married with 5 dogs - all Norwegian Elkhounds from elkhoundrescue.org. She moved to Albuquerque from Knoxville, TN. Dr. Blair-Wells in a graduate of Auburn University, received her DVM degree from the University of Tennessee and did her internship at New England Animal Medical Center in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. She also worked at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in Knoxville TN for 7 years as an ER veterinarian.

Dr. Blair-Wells is still active in elkhound rescue, both here and in Tennessee.