CVMA's Official Monthly Newsletter | | Note from Michele Cohen, Executive Director | | |
Hello, all: Happy autumn. Organization leadership and staff have been working to bring new programs to our members. The 2026 in-person continuing education courses are in place—chosen specifically by the CVMA Continuing Education Committee for you. Further, we have created an Online Education Program with the inaugural course being offered in April 2026. This is just the beginning! Current articles, CVMA value-added member benefits may be found in your member portal. We hope you will tap into all that the organization offers.
Enjoy our second VETConnectChicago monthly newsletter. If you have written an article, created a presentation, have an idea for a blog, or have other information to share, please let me know at mcohen@chicagovma.org. Happy Halloween. --Michele
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Dr. Stephanie Suchy is a partner at Hinsdale Animal Hospital. Hinsdale Animal Hospital collaborates with the Hinsdale Humane Society to provide spay and neuter services as well as occasional wellness and sick exams. Her favorite aspects of Veterinary Medicine include oncology, shelter medicine, and soft tissue surgery.
Dr. Suchy is currently serving as a Board Member of the CVMA and is a Continuing Education Committee Chair. In 2025, she was instrumental in working with subject-matter experts on bringing relevant topics and content to CVMA’s education programming. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys attending continuing education events. She is also USDA-APHIS accredited and Fear Free certified. CVMA thanks Dr. Stephanie Suchy for all she does.
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Member Spotlight Nominations
CVMA recognizes members who have made and continue to make outstanding contributions to Animal Welfare. Nominate a member who through clinical work, research, rescue, rehabilitation, shelter medicine, community outreach and/or public education has had an impact on animals and the people who care for them.
| | CVMA’s 2026 In-Person Course Schedule Has Arrived | | |
Not only have the in-person courses arrived…but registration has started. Advance your expertise while earning six (6) CE hours per successful completion of each course.
2026 In-Person Courses
March 11, 2026 – Surgery Unleashed: Tips and Tricks for Successful Outcomes
Presenter: Philippa Pavia, VMD, DACVS-SA with Lisa Mason DVM, CCRT, CVA, CVPP
May 6, 2026 – Parasitology
Presenter: Andy Moorhead, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM
June 17, 2026 – Toxicology
Presenter: Renee D. Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT
September 16, 2026 – Chronic Enteropathies
Presenter: Kasey Mabry, DVM, MS, DACVIM-SA
November 11, 2026 – Oncology
Presenter: Timothy M. Fan, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
December 16, 2026 – Radiology
Presenter: Marc Lee, DVM, DACVR
Members receive deep discounts on these best-in-class courses presented by
renowned subject-matter experts in the field of animal care.
CE courses are tax deductible as allowed by the law.
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2025 In-Person Courses
You still have time to attend CVMA Continuing Education courses in 2025:
November 12 , 2025 – Nutrition
Presenter: Valerie J. Parker, DVM, DACVIM
December 10, 2025 – Dermatology
Presenter: Lara Tomich, DVM, MS, DACVD
Register now.
If you have questions regarding the CE courses and registration, please contact Marcy at cvma@chicagovma.org or call 630.325.1231.
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NEW FOR YOU: CVMA's Online Education Program
We are excited to announce that CVMA is launching its Online Education Program in April 2026. You will have the option to take courses specifically designed for the online learning format. Virtual real-time, synchronous, instructor-led virtual presentations will be given with opportunities for students to ask questions. Only a computer and a high-speed internet connection are needed.
The inaugural Online Course, ECC Topics for the General Practitioner, facilitated in April by Caroline Tonozzi, DVM, DACVECC will provide an engaging, case-based approach to emergency and critical care essentials that every veterinarian can apply in practice. This course is worth six (6) RACE credit hours.
Registration will be active in November. Keep an eye open for more information about this exciting initiative.
If you have questions, please contact Marcy or Michele at cvma@chicagovma.org.
Note: The online courses cover different topics than the in-person courses. We have a format for everyone. Pick the delivery style that suits your schedule and learning style.
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CVMA held its first Canine Dental Wet Lab. The course was filled with Veterinarians from around the Chicago and surrounding areas. Students were provided with pre-course information to prepare them for the program. The instructors started the program with a lecture and then, the class moved to the lab to get hands on experience. Students received one-on-one instruction from the instructors and left with new skills and dental tools. The experience was exceptional.
Thank you to Midwestern University for hosting the event. Thank you, too, to Dr. Bryan Ernsting, Board Treasurer and Continuing Education Committee Member, for coordinating the program.
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Join us for CVMA’s Annual Meeting. The 2026 slate of officers will be sworn in and the CVMA Awards will be presented. Lunch will be available.
When: December 10, 2025
Where: Brookfield Zoo - Discovery Center
Address: 8601 Rockefeller Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
If you will be attending, RSVP by November 24, 2025. Send your name with “I will attend” to Marcy at cvma@chicagovma.org. This is a members-only event.
| | | | The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) wishes all a safe Halloween. Costumes, masks, decorations, and strangers coming to your door can cause pet anxiety and illness. You can protect your pets by taking steps to reduce the risk of them being hurt, poisoned, anxious, or lost. Feel free to share these preventative steps with clients to protect pets from harm. | | | |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pruritus in Cats Algorithm
Clinicians must consider differentials such as parasites, infections, and allergies.
Bailey Brame, DVM, DACVD
Feline patients with pruritus typically present with 1 or more of 4 cutaneous reaction patterns: head and neck pruritus, self-induced alopecia, eosinophilic granuloma complex, and miliary dermatitis. These patterns can be seen with any pruritic condition and are not restricted to cats with feline atopic syndrome. More.
Anesthetic Strategies for the Dental Patient
Brook A. Niemiec, DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC, FAVD
Stephanie Hon, DVM, DACVAA
Dental care for small animal veterinary patients requires high-quality anesthesia and pain management. Dental patients often have significant comorbidities along with their need for dental care, continuing into the geriatric period. More.
October is National Pet Wellness Month
A Timely Reminder to Reinforce Preventive Care with Clients
National Pet Wellness Month offers veterinary professionals an excellent opportunity to refocus client conversations on the importance of proactive, preventive care. With increasing demands on clinic time and rising client expectations, this annual observance serves as a valuable touchpoint to engage pet owners in the long-term health of their animals.
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CVMA has additional relevant articles for members. Take a look. If you would like to submit an article for consideration to be shared with our membership, contact Michele at mcohen@chicagovma.org or call 630.325.1231.
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Inspiring Youth Through Animal Science
A True Story
Years ago, my daughter and I attended an Open House at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Champaign, an event that profoundly influenced my daughter's career goals. The professional demonstrations and interactive learning opportunities sparked a passion in my daughter that led her from an early interest in law enforcement to a commitment to veterinary medicine. She is now a college graduate preparing to apply to veterinary school—proof of the lasting impact that meaningful educational experiences can have on youth.
You make a difference. To have an impact on youth and the community, consider being a volunteer for our Public Education Program. To learn more, contact Marcy at cvma@chicagovma.org.
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Hello, current members,
Friendly reminder: It is that time of year. If you have submitted your dues for 2026, thank you. If you have not done so yet, please submit them today.
Dues go toward providing what is needed to bring the mission of CVMA to a reality--to advance the veterinary profession through advocacy, engagement, and enrichment while protecting animal welfare and public health.
If you prefer to submit payment via the phone, contact Marcy at 630.325.1231. Thank you for your commitment to animal care.
Another friendly reminder: Take advantage of course discounts and the value-added benefits which members receive. Renew today.
Dues are tax deductible as allowed by the law.
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We look forward to bringing all in the field of animal care what is needed to shine. Take a look at our new ABOUT CVMA information sheet. Many of our benefits are available to members only. If you are not currently a member, become one today. You will have access to all benefits and receive two extra months of membership. | | | | Featured Value-Added Benefit for Members | | |
Personalized Mental Health Care Connection
This service is contracted by CVMA and is a benefit for members and their families. The program is designed to reduce the stress and time it often takes to find appropriate professional mental health care. Participants receive confidential and personalized assistance navigating in-person and virtual care options that align with their preferences, insurance, and availability.
CVMA added members are not charged any additional fees from the providers. More.
| | Volunteers Make a Difference | | |
Volunteers make a difference. You make a difference. CVMA welcomes our members to apply to be on committees covering Continuing Education, Governmental Relations, Membership, and Public Education. Other areas for volunteering include social media development, assistance at the 130th CVMA anniversary event, and the Pet Loss Helpline. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Michele at mcohen@chicagovma.org.
| | Chicago Department of Public Health has announced that registration is open for its Disease Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Conference on Thursday, November 20 and Friday, November 21 at UIC Student Center in Chicago. More. | |
Our Mission:
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization that advances the veterinary profession through advocacy, engagement, and enrichment while protecting animal welfare and public health.
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