Education
Pre-Conference Workshop
Thursday, September 24 – 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This year, we offer two excellent concurrent sessions that will last the duration of the morning. The first session is limited, but the second is not. Please make your selection during registration.
Sponsored by Auracare
Applied Medical Improv as a Means to Enhance Interpersonal Interactions
(LIMITED TO 20 ATTENDEES)
Presented by Drs. Ruthanne Chun and Laura Garrett
Synopsis: Improv is a fun and low-risk way to practice interacting with others. This workshop will consist of improv exercises and debriefs after each exercise to bring out learning points that can be applied in your work setting. The discussion tends to be as active and engaging as the exercises themselves. Past attendees have found this format to be practical, fun, and meaningful.
About the Presenters: Dr. Ruthanne Chun earned her DVM from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship at Cornell and a residency in Medical Oncology at Purdue University. She has been faculty at K-State and the University of Wisconsin. She has taught communication and other professional skills for many years and firmly believes that attention to these skills can minimize burn-out and improve resilience.
Dr. Laura Garrett is a Clinical Professor in Oncology, Coordinator of Communication Training, head of the Oncology Service, and the Khan Family Chair of Veterinary Clinical Oncology at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Her interests include clinical service, student and house officer instruction, and communication in the medical setting.
Sponsored by MedVet
8:00 am – 9:45 am — The Conversation You Dread
10:15 am – 12:00 pm — What We Know, What We Don’t, and How to Say That
Workshop Designer/Facilitator & Presenter: Chris Carlson, President NarrativePros
Synopsis: Veterinary oncologists train for years to deliver difficult news with precision. But precision isn’t what most owners are looking for in those moments — and it isn’t always what colleagues need either. Chris is a communication coach and attorney who works with experts in high-stakes fields on the conversations that matter most — the ones about uncertainty, loss, money, and changed plans. His approach blends performance training with cognitive science. In this session, he’ll help you navigate the conversations you dread with more clarity, more honesty, and less cost to you.