Meet our keynote faculty speakers

(Photo courtesy of Nicole Matino).

We are excited to announce that our 2021 Fetch dvm360^® San Diego conference is officially underway with compelling new sessions and speakers from a variety of veterinary backgrounds. Through December 5, 2021, conference attendees have the unique opportunity to engage in live continuing education sessions, learn from faculty, network with colleagues, tour the exhibit hall, and enjoy San Diego, California.

Each morning, attendees will start their day with an inspiring or motivating keynote address. All keynote sessions will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Ballroom 20 CD. Our keynote speakers will provide insight on a wide variety of industry topics and discussions. The following is a look at the speakers and what to expect from each of the 4 keynote sessions.

Thursday, December 2

Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, medical director of Veterinary Surgical Centers, presents “Multimodal Approach to Veterinary Mobility Issues—What the COVID-19 Pandemic Taught Me.” Sponsored by Multi Radiance Medical, this session delves into Brunke’s personal triumphs. He not only survived the rapid increase in caseloads brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he also was able to thrive and grow his department.

A native of New York, New York, Brunke received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University in 2000 and his veterinarian degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 4 years later. In 2008, he was certified in rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner Program, and he now teaches for the program.

Additionally, Brunke completed the practice experience pathway for the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2017 and passed ACVSMR boards the following year. Brunke prefers using a practical approach that looks at the picture, and he has an affinity for orthopedic and neurological cases.

Friday, December 3

Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), presents “Rekindling the Spark: Sustaining Passion and Purpose From the Heart,” a talk that explores the sustainability of passion and purpose within the veterinary sector. The session is sponsored by Pathway.

Cairns earned her veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University in 2004. Upon graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in 2005 and a small animal internal medicine residency at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, where she attained diplomate status. Cairns pursued a rewarding clinical practice as an internist and medical director of a multispecialty/emergency department hospital until 2018, when she left to join the Thrive Pet Healthcare team, where she is vice president of medical excellence and education for more than 400 pet hospitals.

A resident of the Chicago area, Cairns enjoys spending time with her 3 children, husband, 2 cats and a very sweet (but poorly) mannered Great Dane/Lab mix dog.

Saturday, December 4

Mark Goldstein, DVM, and Marty Becker, DVM, present “I Wouldn’t Change a Thing.” The pair will recount their many triumphs and heartbreaks in the veterinary industry as well as their approach to achieving a happy and balanced life.

Goldstein has dedicated more than 4 decades to treating, advocating, and fighting for the welfare of animals. He received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University in 1974 and his veterinary degree from Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. He served as a senior staff clinician in the medicine department at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and was the head of the Boston MetroPark Zoo before heading to the West Coast with his family. Goldstein led the Los Angeles Zoo as executive director and president. It was there that he got involved with 1 of the most successful release programs, the reintroduction of the California Condor back into the wild.

Goldstein then followed his heart and took the helm at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, where he oversaw the design, development, and completion of the "San Diego Campus for Animal Care." Most recently, Health Communications Inc. published his book, Lions, Tigers, and Hamsters: What Animals Large and Small Taught Me About Life, Love, and Humanity. Following his talk, Goldstein will be in the Exhibit Hall, where attendees can purchase a copy of his book which he would be honored to sign.

Although he is officially retired, Goldstein has a passion for educating and mentoring young adults considering a career in animal welfare.

Becker earned his veterinary degree from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He is the founder and CEO of Fear Free, LLC, which aims to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating those who care for them. Becker has always had a deep love of animals and continues to practice veterinary medicine at the VCA North Idaho Animal Hospital.

As a former contributor to Good Morning America for 17 years and a member of the board of directors of American Humane, as well as its chief veterinary correspondent, Becker has paved a long career in the industry. His passion and advocacy for the human-animal bond led him to serve as an adjunct professor at the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

Sunday, December 5

Stephen Cital, RVT, SRA, RLAT, VCC, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Research Anesthesia), presents “Taking Back Our Career and Breaking Glass Ceilings.” In his talk, Cital will be candid about his experiences in nearly every facet of the veterinary sector with the goal of imparting inspiration and encouragement that many technicians and assistants may need to break glass ceilings in the industry.

Cital is a registered veterinary technician who became certified as a surgical research anesthetist (SRA) and registered laboratory animal technician (RLAT) through the Academy of Surgical Research and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Cital is one of the country's top veterinary cannabis experts within the United States, educating veterinary professionals on safe and effective use of cannabinoids in the clinical settings. He is also a certified veterinary pain practitioner (CVPP).

Cital is the executive director of the Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses and has a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in laboratory animal medicine and works as a private consultant.

Cital also writes book chapters and delivers award-winning international lectures. He is an advisory board member for local veterinary colleges, a board member for multiple veterinary organizations and industry partners, a key opinion leader for several pharmaceutical/device companies, and chief operating officer (COO) for the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds and Veterinary Cannabis Academy Facebook and webpages.