Kick off 2024 with a Fetch dvm360® conference in Charlotte

Our Fetch dvm360 conference is headed back to the Queen City from March 15 to 17, 2024, to kick off another exciting year of veterinary education. If you have not yet registered, make sure to secure your spot before it’s too late. In the meantime, here is a closer look at our scheduled keynote presenters, Shawn McVey, MA, MSW; Marty Becker, DVM; Temple Grandin, PhD, MS; and Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT.

Shawn McVey, MA, MSW

Shawn McVey, MA, MSW

Shawn McVey, MA, MSW, is the chief team development officer at Veterinary Growth Partners, a management services organization that specializes in empowering veterinary professionals to reach their practice’s full potential. McVey’s education and experience in psychology, social work, and therapy have allowed him to tap into the root of practice conflict and bring it to the surface. His expertise gives participants the tools to acknowledge and solve these problems, creating a culture of belonging, inclusion, and safety. He is also the founder and owner of Veterinary Specialists in Private Practice and served as the first non-DVM board member of the American Animal Hospital Association.

Marty Becker, DVM; and Temple Grandin, PhD, MS

Marty Becker, DVM, is the founder of Fear Free, LLC, which works to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating those who care for them. Temple Grandin, PhD, MS, is a designer of livestock handling facilities, a professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, and the author of multiple books. She has designed facilities all over the world, from the United States to Canada, Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

Marty Becker, DVM

Temple Grandin, PhD, MS

Becker and Grandin will copresent “If You’re Not Looking After the Emotional Wellbeing of Animals, You’re Not Practicing Best Medicine,” which will focus on being in tune with a patient’s behavior and stress level. Becker and Grandin will discuss recommended protocols for clinics to not only look after the physical and emotional well-being of animals but also point to the importance of creating enrichment activities.

Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT

Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT

Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT, who is known as “America’s Pet Advocate,” is an internationally recognized, award-winning veterinarian. He is well known for his work in the areas of general small animal practice, pet obesity and nutrition, life extension and longevity, practice management and leadership, and the special needs of senior dogs and cats. Ward is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and a certified veterinary food therapist, dedicated to preserving health, extending longevity, and improving quality of life through better nutrition. He has authored 3 books: The Clean Pet Food Revolution: How Better Pet Food Will Change the World; Better You, Better Dog, Better Life: 30 Days to Happiness with Your Best Friend; and Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter and a Vet’s Plan to Save Their Lives. Ward was also the resident veterinarian for the Rachael Ray Show from 2007 to 2014.