53rd Annual Veterinary Orthopedic Society Conference

March 14-21, 2026, Big Sky, Montana

SUBMIT ABSTRACTS BY NOVEMBER 1ST DEADLINE

by Mike Karlin and Liz Collar

Scientific Program Chair and Assistant Scientific Program Chair

We invite practitioners, students, interns, residents, academicians, and researchers interested in large animal, small animal, and exotic species, to submit abstracts of novel studies in practical and scientific topics related to veterinary orthopedics and traumatology, diversity in the veterinary surgical field, business and ethics topics relating to veterinary surgery, and environmental topics relating to veterinary surgery. Preference will be given to abstracts that have clinical relevance. Papers addressing results of controlled retrospective and prospective clinical studies are strongly encouraged. Clinician investigators should also consider submitting innovative surgical techniques, or case reports describing unusual or difficult cases as these will be reviewed separate from the scientific abstracts. Presentations will be limited to 10 minutes and followed by 5 minutes of questions/discussion. Posters must fit within the 4’ (height) x 4’ (width) area provided.

The call for papers is now open and will close on Nov 1, 2025 (no extension will be granted), for both podium presentations and posters. Please see the links below for Abstract Format Guidelines and abstract templates.

VOS Abstract Format Guidelines (PDF)

Abstract Templates (Word documents)

• Clinical Research or Basic Science Short Abstract Template
• Clinical Research or Basic Science Long Abstract Template
• Case Report Short Abstract Template
• Case Report Long Abstract Template

Please see the Abstract Submission portal for full details of abstract submission, formatting and regulations.

Submission categories will be:

• Clinical/Scientific Studies
• Case reports: a maximum of three novel or interesting cases

The Mark S. Bloomberg Memorial Resident Research Award (MSBMRRA) was established to recognize outstanding resident abstract submissions to the scientific program. At least one recipient and up to seven recipients per year will be awarded up to $2,000.00 towards expenses to attend and present their abstract at our annual meeting. Only individuals currently in a residency training program or within 2 years of completion of a formal residency program are eligible. The abstract submission may only be of studies conducted during the residency program. All abstracts being submitted for consideration of this award must indicate so on the online submission form.

The Gretchen Flo Student/Intern Research Award (GFSIRA) was established to recognize outstanding student or intern abstract submissions to the scientific program. Up to six recipients will be awarded (depending on abstract quality) up to $2,000.00 towards expenses to attend and present their abstract at our annual meeting. Only individuals currently in a DVM or Intern training program or within 1 year of completion of a formal internship or DVM program are eligible. The work must be performed as a student or intern. All abstracts being submitted for consideration of this award must indicate so on the online submission form.

The Randy Boudrieau International Rising Star Award is newly established to recognize an outstanding student, intern or resident abstract submission for the scientific program from locations outside of the United States. One recipient will be awarded (depending on abstract quality) up to $2,500.00 towards expenses to attend and present their abstract at our annual meeting. Only individuals that have applied from the Mark S. Bloomberg or Gretchen Flo Student/Intern award will be considered. Selection criteria is subject to submissions received and may be adjusted by the selection committee.

Only one award per recipient will be awarded.

For more information, please contact:

Mike Karlin, VOS Scientific Program Chair

mike.karlin@tufts.edu

Elizabeth Collar, VOS Assistant Program Chair

collarvet@gmail.com

THE VOS GRANT SUBMISSION PORTAL IS NOW OPEN FOR THE HOHN-JOHNSON AND WADE O. BRINKER RESEARCH AWARDS

by Sarah Malek

Research Chair

Grant application submission is now open for the VOS Hohn-Johnson and Wade O. Brinker Research Awards.

Description: The VOS Hohn-Johnson and Wade O. Brinker Research Awards are grants funding research in musculoskeletal conditions in animals. The one Hohn-Johnson award is limited to $40,000. The two Wade O. Brinker Resident awards are limited to $6,000 per resident. The Wade O. Brinker award is an excellent opportunity for rapid funding of projects for small and large animal surgery residents.

Wade O. Brinker Awards:

DEADLINE: September 1st, 2025, 11:59 pm EDT

Announcement of results: The awards’ recipients will be notified on September 30th, 2025.

Hohn-Johnson Award:

DEADLINE: October 1st, 2025, 11:59 pm EDT

Announcement of results: The recipient will be announced during the 2026 – 53rd Annual Conference, Veterinary Orthopedic Society in Big Sky, Montana, March 14-21, 2026.

Submission Guidelines can be found on the Hohn-Johnson/Wade O. Brinker Research Awards page of the VOS website once the submission portal opens for accepting applications or by contacting the VOS office at secretary@vosdvm.org.

If you have any submission questions, please contact:

Sarah Malek, DVM, PhD, DACVS-SA, VOS Research Chair

Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine

Email: maleks@purdue.edu