We Need Your Input! Help Us Develop a Strategic Plan for VOS!

Dear VOS Members,

The VOS Board of Directors met during ACVS in Seattle, and I’m excited to share a few updates with you. First and foremost, Big Sky 2026 is coming together beautifully! The team is working hard to make it an unforgettable meeting. Registration is open, and rooms are going quickly, so if you haven’t yet secured your spot, now’s the time!

While Big Sky will no doubt be another incredible VOS gathering, I want to use this month’s message to highlight something even more foundational for our organization’s future: the development of a Strategic Plan for VOS.

The Board agreed that it’s time to step back, take stock, and define who we are and where we are going as an organization. Many of our decisions over the years have been made based on “what’s always been done” or what feels right in the moment — and while that has served us well, we’ve reached a crossroads. As the veterinary profession, orthopedic surgery, and VOS continue to evolve, we must be deliberate in preserving what makes the VOS meeting unique while also ensuring the organization remains relevant within an ever-changing continuing education landscape.

To help guide this process, the Board has engaged Emily Selbe, a business and communications consultant with extensive experience in strategic planning for organizations in the veterinary and human healthcare fields. Emily will work closely with the Board and other members engaged as part of a Strategic Plan Working Group. But most importantly, we need input from YOU, our members. This plan must reflect your needs, your priorities, and your vision for the future of VOS.

In the next week, you will be receiving a membership survey to gather your feedback. Please take the time to participate — this is your opportunity to shape the future of the VOS! Even if you don’t plan to attend the meeting in Big Sky and/or haven’t been to a VOS meeting in years, please fill out the survey! In fact, if you fall into this category, your feedback is extremely important so that we can understand how best to serve members that don’t routinely make it to the annual meeting. And yes, we plan to bribe you with opportunities to win prizes if you fill out the survey. 😊

Here are just a few of the big-picture questions we’ll be exploring together:

• Is the VOS simply a world-class ski and CE meeting each year, or are we an organization that provides more to members, year round? (I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer here — but the answer is important to how the organization evolves, so we need to hear what YOU want VOS to be.)
• How do we preserve the “VOS Family” feel while navigating growth and rising costs? (Another way to put this is: Do we want the membership and meeting to grow? Or are we prepared to cap registration if needed in the future based on venue size and availability? And, do we want to explore new meeting venues if it means the meeting must be smaller?)
• How should we adapt to new generations of veterinarians and evolving CE formats? (Example: Do we offer recordings of the VOS scientific sessions for purchase or regular webinars or virtual rounds throughout the year?)

Over the winter we will be working on the early phases of the Plan, specifically data collection, and will share preliminary findings in Big Sky. Emily Selbe will be on site in Big Sky to chat with as many people as possible while also taking in the VOS vibe. The full Strategic Plan will take shape over 2026, with the goal of having a guiding document ready for presentation at the 2027 VOS meeting.

This process represents an exciting and important moment for VOS. Together, we can create a plan that honors our traditions, reflects our shared values, and positions our society for continued success in the years ahead.

Thank you for being part of this community. I can’t wait to see many of you in Big Sky, and I look forward to hearing your voices as we chart the future of VOS together.

Warm regards,

Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS (SA), DACVSMR

VOS President

kristinkirkby@gmail.com

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Contact Andrew Jackson for ad specifications and details.

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Classified ads are free for VOS members and available for a fee to non-members.

See details above or contact Heidi DeCamp, Executive Secretary, to submit your ad.

BLOOMBERG MINUTES

Thank you to our endowed Bloomberg Award sponsors. Please see below to catch up on what they are working on and the CE opportunities they have for you.

AO VET North America

May 13-15: Principles of Small Animal Fracture Management, Cary, NC

May 13-15: Advanced Techniques in Small Animal Fracture Management with Wet Lab, Cary, NC

May 13-15: Principles of Equine Fracture Management, Cary, NC

Visit the website for additional information: AOFoundation.org/vet.

Arthrex Vet Systems

Advanced Surgeon Courses: 

Feb. 19-21: Stifle Evolutions: Controversies and Solutions, Naples, FL

TBD: VOS No Charge Lab Rotation Sessions, Big Sky, MT – Registration Opening Soon

May 18-20^: Comprehensive Elbow and Shoulder Forum, Naples, FL

Resident and Early Career Courses: 

Nov. 21-22: Arthroscopy Revisited, Fort Collins, CO – One Spot Left!

March 9-10: Bone Plating 201, Fort Collins, CO

March 11-12: TPLO 201, Fort Collins, CO

June 22-24: Resident Arthroscopy I: Foundations, Naples, FL

June 25-27: Resident Fracture I: Fundamentals, Naples, FL

June 29-July 1: Resident Arthroscopy II: Next Level, Naples, FL

Visit website for additional information: ArthrexVetSystems.com

Boehringer Ingelheim

Please visit the website to learn about Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to sustainable development and sustainable health solutions. Thanks for making the world a better place BI!
Visit website for additional information: BI-vetmedica.com

New Generation Devices

Check out information on NGDs latest technologies including New Evolution TPLO plate, Semi Cylindrical Recession Trochleoplasty and Citrate-based Resorbable Biomimetic Polymer/ HA composite.

Visit website for more information: NGDvet.com

Orthomed

Orthomed has launched its online academy! These courses allow you to learn the theory before the course and offer optional hands-on wet lab and virtual reality experience so you can focus more on the surgical side and less on the theoretical.

Visit website for upcoming workshop links: Orthomed.co.uk/us

Securos

Since our founding, we’ve helped veterinarians build their skills through quality hands-on learning experiences. Whether in one of our hands-on labs or through an online course, our dynamic faculty will share practical insights to help expand your surgical knowledge.

Visit website for additional information and upcoming CE schedule: Securos.com

Full / Associate / Assistant Professor in Orthopedic Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville

Here is your chance to join a vibrant, dynamic, academic Orthopedic surgery service. We have opportunities in 3D printing, minimally invasive surgery, research and teaching. While enjoying all that sunny Florida has to offer.

All applicants must apply online through Careers at UF to be considered. To view the position and apply, visit: UF Vet Ortho and contact: Dr. Matt Johnson, Search Committee Chair.

See online job description for full list of requirements. Apply by December 31, 2025.

The University of Florida is An Equal Employment Opportunity Institution.

Tenure-Track or Clinical Track Open Rank Professor in Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery, Full-time, 100% (12-month basis), University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Yearning to wear more than a surgeon's cap? As a faculty member at University of Illinois you have the opportunity to wear multiple hats – as surgeon, mentor, educator, researcher and more. Not only do we have state of the art, new surgical suites, onsite 3D printers and a diverse caseload but our interns, residents and students will benefit from your experience and mentorship. Apply by September 30, 2025. To view the position and submit an application, visit: https://jobs.illinois.edu/. Direct inquiries to Dr. Heidi Phillips, at philli@illinois.edu.

Small Animal Surgeon, Omaha, Nebraska

Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center is seeking a 3rd Small Animal Surgeon.

Join the Midwest’s premier orthopedic-only hospital! We’re looking for a full-time small animal surgeon but will also consider part-time or locum opportunities.

Practice cutting-edge veterinary orthopedics in a purpose-built, 10,000 sq ft surgical facility.

• Enjoy no emergency or weekend shifts
• A collaborative team environment
• Advanced imaging
• Arthroscopy and THR equipment

We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a focus solely on orthopedics. Protect your work-life balance while advancing your career with a high-performing surgical team.

Apply with CV and cover letter to chorstman@siriusvet.com. More info at www.siriusvet.com.

Veterinary Surgeon, Fairfield, California

Solano-Napa Pet Specialty Clinic (SPEC) in Fairfield, CA, is seeking a veterinary surgeon to join our dynamic 24/7 hospital. Conveniently located near San Francisco, Napa Valley, Davis, and Sacramento, SPEC has served the community for 20 years and is expanding with new specialty services in 2026. Enjoy a balanced work-life with no on-call duties and base compensation starting at $250k plus production. Shape your surgical department by selecting equipment and workflow. Our positive, supportive team fosters professional growth. We offer advanced diagnostic tools, competitive compensation, and extensive benefits. Nestled near Napa Wine Country, SPEC provides a vibrant lifestyle beyond work. To apply, email your CV and cover letter to amy.morgan@unitedvetcare.com.

Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon, Austin, Texas

Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital in Austin, TX, is seeking a board-certified Veterinary Surgeon to join their surgical team. The ideal candidate thrives on arthroscopy, minimally invasive surgery, 3D printing, and complex orthopedic cases. New arthroscopy-laparoscopy tower! Compensation ranges from $275k to up to $305K plus production (paid monthly, no negative accruals), depending on experience. Benefits include a comprehensive package, 401K with a company match, EAP, and AVMA liability insurance. No non-competes. To apply, send your CV and cover letter to ann.schramm@unitedvetcare.com.

Small Animal Surgeon, Orchard Park, NY

Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (OPVMC) is seeking a full-time Small Animal Surgeon to join our dynamic and collaborative team!

OPVMC is a privately owned Emergency, Referral/Specialty, and General Practice comprised of approximately 30 veterinarians and 160 support staff. Our facility is equipped with on-site MRI and CT, and we are proud to now have a board-certified Anesthesiologist who works closely with our surgical team to provide advanced perioperative care and support.

We offer a generous benefits package including health, vision, dental, and disability insurance, matching 401(k), sign-on bonuses, student loan reimbursement, and paid time off.

The Western New York area offers a thriving and active community with numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a great quality of life.

For more information, visit www.opvmc.com or email Maria Pickering at mpickering@opvmc.net.

Veterinary Surgeons, Ethos Veterinary Health, Multiple Locations - Nationwide and Canada

Explore the world of opportunities Ethos Veterinary Health (comprised of NVA Compassion-First, SAGE, and Ethos hospitals) offers at hospitals across the US and Canada. Why not take a look at available Surgeon positions or reach out directly so we can connect! With so many outstanding locations with supportive leadership, I’m confident that we can find a great fit for you. Our network of premiere Specialty and Emergency hospitals means more shared experiences, resources, and opportunities for collaboration. To learn more about our amazing opportunities, contact Beth Bardell at Beth.Bardell@ethosvet.com or 910-710-3423.

Veterinary Surgery Specialists at BluePearl Pet Hospitals

BluePearl Pet Hospitals are seeking board-certified surgeons or individuals who have completed surgery residency training. FT/PT, Locum, and Traveling Veterinarian opportunities are available. BluePearl has a sole focus on specialty and emergency care and is one of the largest private employers of veterinary specialists. With more than 100 hospitals stretching from the redwoods of the Pacific Northwest to the skyscrapers of the Northeast to the sandy beaches in the Florida coast, we have an opportunity where you want to be!

For more information, please email Aly Mitton at alysha.mitton@bluepearlvet.com.

For more details, please visit: https://careers.bluepearlvet.com/us/en/c/specialty-veterinarian-jobs.