The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association

 

Is pleased to announce the program for the  2025 Scientific Seminar,  to be held at the Newport Marriott on Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4.

Join us for two days of lectures and networking opportunities in this scenic, historic coastal location. The Seminar will offer two full days of Veterinary Scientific and Technician programs, plus a full day Equine program and a full day Small Animal Surgical Lab.

 

Seminar Schedule  Meet Our Speakers  Lecture Descriptions

 

 

Register Now

  

About This Event

 

Wednesday, December 3

Dr. Henry E. Childers, Jr. Memorial Veterinarian Scientific Program 

Canine Geroscience and Geriatric Medicine

Monica Tarantino, DVM, MBA

 

Equine Program 

Clinical Pathology

Danielle Gordon, DVM, MS, DACVP with Kate Echeverria, DVM, MS, DACVIM- LAIM 

 

Small Animal Wet Lab 

Canine and Feline Soft Tissue Surgical Lab

Raymond Kudej, DVM, PhD, DACVS

Space is limited to 16 participants (veterinarian only)

 

Technician Program:

Contemporary Topics for Veterinary Technicians

Molly Ellis, RVT, FFCP, CFVP, PVFR (Instructor), CVHDP  

 

 

Thursday, December 4

Dr. Henry E. Childers, Jr. Memorial Veterinarian Scientific Program 

Small Animal Respiratory Topics

Carol Reinero, DVM, DACVIM, PhD

 

Veterinary Technician Program 

Canine and Feline topics in Geriatric Medicine for Technicians 

Monica Tarantino, DVM, MBA

 

Lunch & Learn Lectures  (Optional)

Wednesday, December 3

Saying Goodbye: Euthanasia Tips and Techniques

Jane Linden, DVM

Michelle Sylvester, CAETA certified technician

Limited to 100 attendees

A well-delivered euthanasia will bond a client to your practice for their entire pet-owning journey. This Lunch and Learn will explore how to create a thoughtful euthanasia plan using clear, empathetic communication with pet owners. The session will cover best practices for medication selection and administration; strategies for overcoming common challenges; and approaches to ensure that each goodbye is as gentle and stress-free as possible. The session will conclude with a review of aftercare options to support clients as they complete their pet’s journey with dignity.

SPONSORED BY

  

Thursday, December 4

Nutritional Management of Canine and Feline Gastrointestinal Conditions

Martha Cline, DVM, DACVIM

Limited to 100 attendees

The gastrointestinal tract is a complex system susceptible to many different disease processes that may improve with the appropriate dietary management. The objective of this presentation is to give an overview of the complexity of the gastrointestinal system, the different diseases that affect it, and the dietary intervention that is best suited for each case. The presentation focuses on diarrhea as a common symptom of GI disease and the key nutrients that are of interest in GI diets including dietary fat, carbohydrates, fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, colostrum, and protein.  

SPONSORED BY   

 

Cocktails in Newport

Join RIVMA for our annual gathering, Cocktails in Newport, on Wednesday, December 3 from 5:30–7:00pm at Stoneacre Garden. This relaxed evening, is focused on reconnecting with - and meeting new - friends and colleagues, while enjoying delicious light fare and a cash bar.  

A brief speaking program will include an awards presentation and an update from AVMA President, Dr. Michael Bailey. This event is complimentary, and all are welcome to attend, but registration is required. Please be sure to select "cocktail party tickets" when registering for the Seminar. Up to 4 tickets may be reserved per Seminar registration. Stoneacre Garden is located just steps from the Newport Marriott. Free Parking is available.

Did you forget to register when signing up for the Seminar or would you like to bring a guest or two? Please CLICK HERE to register for the Cocktails in Newport gathering or register to bring additional guests. 

 

Register Now

 Online registration closes Monday, November 24th.

Walk-ins will be welcome for lectures only.

 

 Register Now

    

 

Registration:  Having trouble with the online process? Call the RIVMA at 401-751-0944.

CE Credits: This program is pending RACE approval for a total of 36 available CE credit hours. Full participation in the Seminar provides 14 CE credit hours. This approval is valid in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE; however, participants are responsible for ascertaining each board’s CE requirements.

Refund Policy: Cancellations received on or prior to Monday, November 24th will be refunded in full. Cancellations received after Monday, November 24th will be charged the full amount.

Late Fee: An additional $50 registration fee will be assessed after Wednesday, November 19th.

Lunch: Seminar attendees have several lunch options. Register for a Lunch & Learn CE Program or explore one of the many eating establishments in downtown Newport. There are also several restaurants located in the Marriott hotel.

Proceedings: Printed proceedings are not distributed or sold at the RIVMA Scientific Seminar. You will receive an email link to a PDF of the program and proceedings for download or printing.

Accommodations: The RIVMA has a block of rooms at the Newport Marriott. To reserve your room at the Marriott at a discounted RIVMA rate of $154 /night (plus taxes/fees), CLICK HERE or call 1-800- 228-9290 (reference RIVMA Room Block). Reservations must be made by Friday, October 31, 2025 to receive the group discount rate.

Parking: There is free parking available in the Newport Gateway Center lot, located at 23 America's Cup Avenue (next to the Marriott). The lot is open 24 hours/ day, 7 days a week. For additional information about public parking while visiting Newport, please CLICK HERE.