Conference Proceedings

2018 OVMA Conference 376 CONFErENCE SPEAKEr BIOS Patrick J. Meyers, BSc, DVM, MSc, Diplomate, American College of Theriogenologists Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario Dr. Patrick Meyers graduated with a BSc (Agr.) degree in Animal Science. He worked for Farm Credit Corporation for 3 years before returning to Veterinary school. He graduated from OVC in 1984 and completed a Masters degree in Reproductive Endocrinology in Biomedical Sciences at OVC in 1985. He practiced veterinary medicine in mixed animal practices for two years with an interest in Dairy Herd Health Management. He completed a residency program at Texas A&M University in Large Animal Theriogenology which began a keen interest in Equine Theriogenology. Dr. Meyers worked at the Equine Research Centre, University of Guelph from 1988 – 1992 as Reproductive Research Coordinator and Acting Director. He successfully completed all requirements for Board Certification in the American College of Theriogenologists in 1989 and then worked as Resident Farm Veterinarian and Assistant Farm Manager at a large standardbred horse farm near London, Ontario for 3 breeding seasons from 1992 – 1994. Dr. Meyers returned to Central Ontario to begin his own practice, starting out as an equine mobile practice, and then becoming a practice specializing in Equine Theriogenology in conjuction with a horse breeding farm known as Emerald Ridge Farm, owned and operated with his wife for almost 20 years. Dr. Meyers worked for Merck Animal Health as an Equine Technician Services Veterinarian from 2013 – 2014. He was hired in 2016 as an Assistant Faculty to teach and coordinate the teaching of the Theriogenology course to 2nd and 4th year students in the DVM program at OVC. Laurent Viel, DVM, MSc, PhD. University Professor Emeritus, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario Dr. Viel was a Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. He recently retired and in June 2017 was conferred the University Professor Emeritus. Dr. Viel received his DVM from the University of Montreal and is renowned internationally for his exceptional contribution in the understanding of equine horse asthma and equine inflammatory disease. Dr. Viel pioneered the development of bronchoalveolar lavage in the horse and the use of inhaled medication along the equine Aeromask. He has pursued research on the roles of allergens and respiratory viruses in the pathophysiology of equine small airway disease better known as IAD. In recent years, his lab has undertaken the study of infectious respiratory outbreaks in Ontario, and later, broader Canada and the US which lead to the recognition of high prevalence and significance of Rhinitis virus. The latter lead to the development of a vaccine. In July 2017, Dr. Viel co-organized and attended the World Equine Airway Society held in Copenhagen, Denmark. PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: Chris Doherty, DVM Economic Analyst, Ontario Veterinary Medical Association Dr. Chris Doherty completed his BSc at the University of Guelph and his DVM at the Ontario Veterinary College. After a few years in companion animal practice, he began working as an economic analyst for the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, involved in the research and analysis of veterinary economics, practice management and business development. While his primary role is the business of veterinary medicine, he continues the practice of veterinary medicine, primarily through voluntary veterinary work, as well as locum veterinary work. Bashore Halow, BA, CVPM, LVT Owner, Halow Consulting Bash is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, A Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and a Licensed Veterinary Technician. As an owner of Halow consulting and a veteran practice manager with more than 17 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 Veterinary Economics and DVM 360 and is a member of the editorial advisory board for Firstline Veterinary Management Magazine. His blog, found on www.halowtassava.com, reaches a worldwide audience. He is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association and the PVMA. He is the founder and member of the New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Management Association, founder of the Big Apple Veterinary Management Association in New York City, and a member of the VHMA. Mr. Halow was the 2013 recipient of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association's President's Award for management education in the state of Pennsylvania. As owner of Halow Consulting, Bash travels internationally to lecture and privately assist veterinary practices with hiring, digital marketing, website and growth goals.

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