May Römer-Bartels
May started working in veterinary physiotherapy in 1984, before the profession existed in the Netherlands. She was one of the founders of the Dutch professional vet physio association (NVFD) and one of the founders of the IAVRPT. She was involved in getting the legal status for vet physiotherapy in her country (in 1992) and was involved in setting up the education wich made it possible for physiotherapist to become a veterinary physiotherapist with a legal status. She also taught small animal physiotherapy for years. After working alongside vets for years she and her husband (a vet) built their own practice, wich included behavioural therapy and a grooming salon. She has written numerous articles on all facets of vet physiotherapy in popular magazines and has lectured for vet nurses for years. Although she is now retired, she still strives passionately for the advancement of veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation worldwide.
Topic title 1: Creating Unity; report back
Topic title 2: Building a dream team: Interdisciplinary roles
Ané Lloyd
Ané Lloyd is a Veterinary physiotherapist in South Africa. She has a passion for equine rehabilitation and the role of movement integration and therapeutic exercise for optimum function of our horses. A mother and wife, Ané is a forever student who focuses her time on providing continuing education, support, and a safe community to Vetrehabbers around the world through Onlinepethealth. Together with the team, Onlinepethealth is passionate about increasing global awareness of veterinary rehabilitation, promoting unity and a team approach, and continuing to improve the quality of service that all Vetrehabbers provide to their patients.
Topic title: A Global Perspective: Unveiling Trends, Challenges and Directions of Change in Veterinary Rehabilitation
Dr. Ionuț Alexandru
Ionuț Alexandru Ciupercă
DVM, MSc, CCRP
VetPhysioCenter, Romania
Phone: 0040 723 390 300
E.mail: ionut@vetcenter.ro ; ionut.ciup@gmail.com
Web: www.fiziovet.ro
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/FizioterapieAcupuncturaAnimale/
Born at May 24th, 1982 in Bucharest, România. Graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of Bucharest in 2006 and completed a Master in Clinical Science within the same Faculty in 2008. In 2006, dr. Ciupercă opened a small animal general practice, VetCenter Otopeni.
During the year 2013 Ionuț Ciupercă completed two certifications: a certificate in canine rehabilitation (CCRP) with the University of Tennessee and a certificate in veterinary acupuncture (CVA) with IVAS.
In his own country, Ionuț Ciupercă has numerous podium presentations and lectures, spreading the news and latest research regarding rehabilitation. He also has two podium presentations with VEPRA (Veterinary European Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Association), in Gdansk 2015 and Lisbon 2017 and a breakfast roundtable at IAVRPT 10th Symposium in Knoxville 2018, together with Darryl Millis and David Levine: “What I tell referring DVM about the proof of rehab?”.
In 2015 dr. Ciupercă was a co-writer of Darryl Millis for “Evidence for Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy” chapter in the Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, volume 45, Issue 1, pages 1-27.
Ionuț Ciupercă is also a co-writer of several chapters in the “Essential facts of physiotherapy in dogs and cats” by Barbara Bockstahler, David Levine and Darryl Millis, second edition.
Since 2017 he is a faculty member of the CCRP course (Canine Certification Rehabilitation Practitioner) and since 2023 a key faculty of the CCRP course and the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning.
Ionuț Ciupercă is a member of the International Association for Veterinary Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (IAVRPT) since 2012. He started as a volunteer for the Association in 2018, working on the newsletter, and in 2020, Ionuț Ciupercă became a Board Member for the IAVRPT. Since 2022, Ionuț Ciupercă was elected President Elect of the IAVRPT and he will become Active President after the 2024 International Symposium in Cape Town, South Africa.
Ionut Ciuperca is married with Karla and together they have two children: an 8 years old son, Filip, and a 5 years old daughter, Medeea. Their family is completed by Minnie (the naked cat), Tom (the cat), Skoda (the Giant Schnauzer) and Sonic (a Malinois). With Sonic, dr. Ciupercă started training for Mondioring competition.
Topic title: Building a Dream Team (together with May Romer-Bartels)
Marinette Teeling
Marinette Teeling qualified as a physiotherapist in the medical field in 2004, from there she completed her MS in Animal Physiotherapy. She started her career in private practise and in 2012 joined Equine-Librium College to develop the BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy degree. She is currently the principal of ELC and mainly lectures on the undergraduate programme. She has completed further studies in Higher Education and enjoys being able to build into young persons careers and growing the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy. She has a keen interest in the competition canine and enjoys spending her free time doing dog stuff!
Topic title 1: Canine Conformation and how it relates to gait
Topic tittle 2: Veterinary Physiotherapy as a regulated profession In SA
Sarah Cruickshank
Sarah is a qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist and Board Registered ‘human’ Physiotherapist (NZ & UK), Director and Principal Physiotherapist at Vetphysio Limited & Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa (VSA) Physio in Auckland, New Zealand. Sarah graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 2003 and she was the first New Zealander to qualify as a Vet Physio and graduated top of her class with a Masters of Science (Distinction) from the Royal Veterinary College of London in 2007. Sarah was awarded joint first place and the project prize for her thesis on the musculoskeletal structure and function of the thoracic limb of the racing camel, and has built on her experience in the UK since returning to NZ late 2008. Sarah founded Vetphysio Limited in early 2009, the first full time Veterinary Physiotherapy business in New Zealand, and this has grown from strength to strength, with a mobile and clinic based equine service covering greater Auckland and the Waikato, and a small animal clinic based from The Strand Veterinarian in Parnell. Sarah loves the challenge and variety of mixed practice.
In 2016, Sarah founded VSA Physio as part of the Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa Sylvia Park hospital, with outpatient and inpatient physiotherapy, rehabilitation and hydrotherapy services, and this has expanded to now provide physiotherapy services by her highly qualified team at all three VSA hospitals nationwide (Sylvia Park, Auckland West and Christchurch). Sarah has attended two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 & London 2012) as accredited physiotherapist for horse and rider with Vittoria Panizzon (ITA), has been the official Event Physiotherapist at Blenheim International Horse Trials (UK), and worked with her elite clients (as rider physio and equine physio) not only at the Olympics but also in the UK at Badminton, Burghley, Blenheim, Weston Park, Gatcombe Park, Chepstow Horse Trials, in Australia at the Adelaide International 3 Day Event, and New Zealand at Puhinui 3DE, the NZ National 3 Day Event at Taupo, National Championships (Eventing, Dressage & Show Jumping) and the Horse of The Year Show annually (2009-2024). Sarah has travelled to Australia multiple times to treat Group 1 winning racehorses such as Silent Achiever during their Australian campaigns, and as Team Physio for the Paw Blacks (NZ Dog Agility Team) competing at the Australian Agility Nationals. Sarah was appointed as the New Zealand Eventing Physiotherapist in 2019 and travelled to the Adelaide 3DE and to Puhinui 3DE to treat both horses and riders. Sarah has both attended and spoken as guest lecturer at a number of international conferences and is an FEI Permitted Therapist and Clinical Educator for PGDip/MSc level international Veterinary Physiotherapy students. Sarah founded NZAVPA (New Zealand Animal & Veterinary Physiotherapy Association) in 2007, and is currently the Chairperson, and was a founder of ANZAVPA and is currently on the executive committee. Sarah lives on a small farm in rural Auckland with her four horses, retired racing greyhounds, two miniature horses, chickens & sheep. She has recently got back into riding & competing after a long break with her horse Ballahowe Osprey (James Junior) and is loving being back in the saddle again after so many years on the ground observing and assessing her horse & rider clients.
Topic title 1: Equine Asymmetry – what does the research tell us?
Topic title 2: Moving with the times – embracing & utilising technology in equine rehabilitation
Dr. Constanza Gomez Alvarez
Constanza graduated in Chile as Doctor in Veterinary Medicine in 1998. She was awarded with a PhD in Equine Biomechanics at Utrecht University in The Netherlands in 2007. She is a Certified Animal Acupuncturist (IVAS) and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT). She has worked in academia and veterinary practice since the year 2000. She became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) in the United Kingdom in 2011 after sitting the statutory examinations. She was a Lecturer in Musculoskeletal Biology in the University of Surrey where she established a biomechanics laboratory. She is currently Visiting Fellow in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge and Associate Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal in Musculoskeletal Science & Orthopaedics. Her research area is applied animal biomechanics, particularly in species prone to lameness.
Topic title 1: Standing posture-analysis in the rehabilitation of dogs
Topic title 2: Current objective gait analysis devices: what do they do and how can we use them for rehabilitating horses and canines
Morgan Lashley
Morgan is an equine veterinarian, European specialist in veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation, and certified equine chiropractor. Since graduating in 2009, she has gained extensive experience in equine practices both in the Netherlands and internationally. Throughout her career, Morgan has maintained a focus on addressing orthopedic issues in sport horses and facilitating their rehabilitation journeys. With a personal background as an international dressage rider, Morgan possesses a unique ability to empathize with riders’ perspectives. At times, she even takes to the saddle herself, further enriching her understanding of the challenges faced by equestrians.
Morgan has been the proprietor of an equine rehabilitation center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an underwater treadmill and a dry treadmill, giving her a lot of experience in the practical challenges of equine rehabilitation. Since 2023, Morgan has served as both a clinician and lecturer at the University of Utrecht, where she recently started her doctoral research focusing on equine rehabilitation.
Topic title 1: Measuring rehabilitation: objective monitoring of equine rehabilitation
Topic title 2: Timing of footfalls in the walk on the underwater treadmill
Topic title 3: Telemedicine in equine rehabilitation
Diane Messum
MCSP, HCPC, BSc(Hons), MSc VetPhysio, ACPAT Cat A, RAMP
Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion, Herts, UK
Diane has been a Chartered Physiotherapist for over 20 years, qualifying from the University of Birmingham in 2002. She went on to specialise in musculoskeletal outpatients and hand therapy where she developed knowledge and skills that were key to her current practice within the small animal field.
Diane completed her Masters Degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy in 2007, awarded by the Royal Veterinary College, London, when she started her owner private practice for equine and small animals. After dividing her time between both human and animal species, she went on to specialise in small animals, joining Davies Veterinary Specialists to head up and develop the Therapy Services in 2011. This came with the fantastic opportunity to work alongside the Orthopaedic and Neurology services, just two of the many specialists’ services at Davies Veterinary Specialists, one of the largest and most diverse small animal referrals hospitals in Europe. Growth of the service led to the launch of the Davies Therapy and Fitness Centre in January 2017 where services now include Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy, Splinting and Orthotics and a Pain Management Clinic including Acupuncture.
Diane has a special interest in the use of splinting and orthotics for the post-operative and conservative management of musculoskeletal injuries. Diane continues to share her own passion for the work she does by lecturing locally, nationally and internationally and being an active clinical educator for the Masters/Post Graduate Veterinary Physiotherapy Programmes in the UK and is a board member for the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.
Topic title: Enhancing clinical outcomes with Orthotics and/or Low Temperature Thermoplastic (LTTP) Splints
Elin Hernlund
Elin Hernlund, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVSMR
Elin is an Associate Professor from the Swedish vet school in Uppsala were she is the head of the clinical animal locomotion laboratory and leads a research group together with Ass. Prof Marie Rhodin. The research team focuses on biomechanics and pain behaviour and develops digital tools that can help to detect orthopaedic disease at early stages in horses and cows.
After graduating from SLU as a vet in 2008, Elin has worked in biomechanics research and equine practice. She defended her thesis on sport surfaces for show jumping in 2016, which led to the development of objective testing standards for international FEI competition surfaces. Since then, her equine research has focused on lameness in horses, lameness versus laterality, visual perception of lameness, detailed patterns of hind limb lameness and horse-rider interaction. Her interest in the complexity of motion patterns, led her to work with new AI methods for motion analysis.
Collaborating with engineers at UCDavis, the Max Planck institute in Tübingen and KTH in Stockholm she has explored how AI can help to assist in diagnosing lameness in animals.
In 2020 Elin founded the company Sleip, that develops a smart phone application for gait analysis in horses. Sleip is currently used by around 500 equine veterinary practices world wide.
In her spare time Elin spends her time with the family, including a bunch of humans and horses. Her passion is positive horse training based on classical dressage principles.
Topic title 1: The biomechanics of lameness in horses -is it lameness or asymmetry?
Topic title 2: Classical dressage – in-hand exercises for therapeutic purposes.
Dr. Anne Selven Kallerud
Anne S. Kallerud was born in Norway in 1986 and obtained her veterinary degree in 2014 from the Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Germany. In the following years, she completed two 12-month internships in Dubai, UAE, and California, USA. During her stay in the US, she obtained a certificate in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation (CERP) through the University of Tennessee. In 2016 she was employed as a clinician at the Equine Teaching Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Norway. Her interest in equine orthopaedics led to a PhD-degree, looking at asymmetric movement and lameness in trotting Standardbred racehorses (2017-2021). Since 2021 she has been a postdoctoral fellow at NMBU, splitting her time between clinical examinations of lame horses and research.
Topic title: Variation of movement asymmetry and longitudinal monitoring of horses.
Dr. Kirsten Häusler
Dr. Kirsten Häusler is a distinguished authority in objective gait analysis and pet rehabilitation, with a focus on dogs. She has a wealth of experience in gathering and analyzing data,primarily from kinetic measurements, but also kinematic. Holding a PhD in animal science and certified as a CCRP, Dr. Häusler was honored with a research fellowship in 2022 by the IAVRPT. She is an integral member of the scientific team behind the Study GangWerkEntwicklung, an extensive puppy study.
Dr. Häusler’s expertise in animal health and rehabilitation sciences enables her to interpret analytical results within a clinical framework, significantly improving the understanding of dog injuries and gait disorders. Her rigorous, data-based analyses are vital in enhancing the well-being of pets and delivering thorough insights to veterinarians and pet owners. Committed to her field, Dr. Häusler actively furthers her knowledge and contributes to the progression of clinical research and professional education in pet rehabilitation.
Topic title: Comprehensive Analysis of Canine Gait Development from Puppyhood to Adulthood
Ansi van der Walt
Ansi graduated as physiotherapist from the University of Pretoria in 2001, and began working in animal practice immediately. In 2008 was awarded an MSc for her research into cruciate ligament injuries in dogs, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Pain Management through UCT. Ansi runs a busy Small Animal Physiotherapy practice in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has served on various animal physiotherapy committees since 2000 including APGSA, IAPTAP and SAVC, and was a founding member of SAAPRA.
Topic title 1: Cognition and pain in the human-dog dyad
Topic title 2: The development of an intervention to improve client self-efficacy and treatment outcomes in the management of chronic canine osteoarthritis pain.
Dr. Bronwyn Desfontaines
Bronwyn graduated as a veterinarian in 2011 from Onderstepoort (OP), RSA. She decided to stay on at OP to do an internship in equine medicine and surgery in conjunction with her Masters degree. An equine referral hospital in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN, RSA) kept her busy for 10 years after leaving OP. In 2022- she joined Equine-Librium College based in the beautiful garden route of SA as senior lecturer and veterinary partner in an equine lameness clinic on campus. Equine-librium college has founded a 4 year bachelors degree for veterinary physiotherapists that is registered under the South African Veterinary Council as a para-profession in RSA.
Topic title: Bridging the gap between veterinary and veterinary physiotherapeutic approaches to the equine lameness case
Dr. David Levine
Dr. Levine is a professor and the Walter M. Cline Chair of Excellence in Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, and an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He has been working and conducting research in animal physical rehabilitation since 1993 and started the University of Tennessee’s certificate program in canine rehabilitation with Dr. Darryl Millis. Dr. Levine is the co-editor of multiple books, including Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Essential Facts of Physiotherapy in Dogs and Cats, and Gait Analysis: An Introduction. He has presented at over 100 conferences and has lectured in more than a dozen countries. His research on canine rehabilitation has yielded over 60 peer reviewed articles that have contributed to current knowledge in the field. He also participates in equine rehabilitation with 10 plus published studies in this area. Clinically he works at a multi-specialty clinic with a team of four people in rehabilitation that see patients in all specialty areas. He is passionate about this field and has made it a priority in his professional life to promote and elevate the field.
Topic title: Ten Things We Don’t Know in Veterinary Rehabilitation: Uncharted Territories
Dr Lesley Goff
Dr Lesley Goff is a Musculoskeletal and Animal Physiotherapist, practising in Queensland, Australia and has completed masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Exercise and Sports Science and Animal Physiotherapy as well as PhD on the Kinematics and Morphology of the Equine Sacroiliac Joint. She also holds position as Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland.
Lesley has published her research in scientific journals, contributed to an Equine Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation textbooks, and is co-editor of an Animal Physiotherapy textbook, and is on the editorial board of Journal of Equine Rehabilitation. Lesley’s special areas of interest in clinical practice are the equine lumbo-pelvic region and the integration of horse and rider in performance.
Lesley lectures to animal rehabilitation practitioners within Australia and internationally, and mentors and tutors Australian physiotherapists in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. In addition, she teaches equine physiotherapy into the Veterinary Physiotherapy programme through the University of Liverpool, UK, and is on the board of directors of the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT).
In her spare time Lesley enjoys learning Italian, cycling, and spending time with her dogs and her family.
Topic title: Ten Things We Don’t Know in Veterinary Rehabilitation: Uncharted Territories
Dr. Arielle Pechette Markley
Dr. Arielle Pechette Markley is an Assistant Professor of Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. She graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, during which time she also became certified in veterinary acupuncture. After graduation she worked in emergency medicine and general practice where she developed a passion for pain management and rehabilitation.
Dr. Pechette Markley went on to complete her Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner certification through IVAPM and her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist certification through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She then started a sports medicine and rehabilitation practice in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In 2018 Dr. Pechette Markley began working at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center and helped to start their Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program. In 2022 she completed a residency in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation through ACVSMR and became board certified. Her passion is sports medicine research, particularly risk factors for injury development, sport safety, and injury prevention.
Her primary field of research is canine agility, and she has received grant funding for research on agility biomechanics, workload monitoring, and sensor development for quantification of agility activity. When not reading and writing journal articles, she can be found doing agility with her dog Jax, running, rock climbing and doing yoga.
Topic title 1: Development of novel technology for canine movement analysis
Topic title 2: Utilizing gait and movement technology in rehabilitation therapy practice
Topic title 3: Common Injuries in Sporting Dogs
Dr Gillian Tabor
Dr Gillian Tabor is a Chartered Physiotherapist who has been working as an ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist in the UK for over 20 years. Experience as a guest lecturer led to a part time role, teaching Rider Performance, at Duchy College in Cornwall. Gillian then joined Hartpury University as a lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy in 2013. Having progressed to a Reader in Veterinary Physiotherapy from Senior Lecturer position and becoming the Programme Manager for the MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy course, Gillian now has additional roles within Hartpury’s research knowledge and exchange community. In 2020 she completed her doctorate, the first for Hartpury University new postgraduate research programme, entitled ‘The use of objective measurement in Veterinary Physiotherapy’. As well as teaching students Gillian, continues to undertake research in this thematic area both in her own equine projects and via supervising students at doctoral and masters level.
Topic title: Should Vet Rehab Professionals use AI to objectively measure gait?
Dr. Tanya Grantham
A qualified Veterinarian (Bsc (Hons), BVSc), with nearly 30 years’ experience in Private Veterinary Practice, Tanya Grantham is passionate about making a difference in the lives of physically compromised animal companions. She is a member of the Complementary Veterinary Medicine Group where she is registered as an acupuncturist and veterinary rehabilitation practitioner.
In 2009 Dr. Tanya opened her first Animal Health and Hydro branch, a facility dedicated to physical rehabilitation and pain management in dogs and cats. Since having done so, she has opened another two branches: one in Pretoria and one in Fourways. However, since opening Fourways, this branch was purchased outright by her then business partner, owing to the great success of the business.
Aside from a burning desire to enhance the quality of life of her animal patients, Dr. Tanya also loves to share her knowledge with veterinary professionals, pet owners and anyone that is interested in enhancing their life (and the lives of their companions) through information and skills. Her wildly improbable goal is to establish a foundation that supports all veterinary professionals on every level – be it physical, emotional, spiritual, personal or through business education, financial aid and learning skills that enhance our hands-on abilities.
Dr. Tanya is a member of a joint initiative between in South African Veterinary Council and South African Veterinary Association, whereby she serves as a mentor to newly qualified veterinarians. Mentees are in their first year of practice, working as Compulsory Community Service (CCS) veterinarians serving disadvantaged communities.
In 2016 Animal Health and Hydro was a finalist in a national radio station’s annual, small business competition. In 2016 Animal Health and Hydro was the winner of the “Most Innovative Business” award at the Business Excellence Forum South Africa.
Dr. Tanya has also compiled an online course for veterinarians through the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) – Certificate in Clinical Integrative Canine Rehabilitation – for which she is the tutor and mentor. She has been involved in examining final year veterinary physiotherapy students for the preceding six years and took up a post as part-time lecturer at EquineLibrium College in South Africa, 2019 to 2022.
In 2021 Dr. Tanya made the decision to franchise her successful Animal Health and Hydro business model as she desires to bring physical rehabilitation to animals who need it, where they need it. Having been a young business owner herself, Dr. Tanya realises the value of having a strong mentor and business coach. Franchisees will benefit from a proven business model, professional and business coaching and ongoing support from Dr. Tanya and her team.
Topic title: Conscious Business in the Rehabilitation Space
Dr. Megan Kelly
Dr. Megan Kelly, a veterinarian with 23 years of experience, took a break from her practice in 2014 to explore online veterinary education. She founded Onlinepethealth, a platform that offers continuing education for veterinary rehabilitation therapists worldwide. Through webinars and online conferences, she provides innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences. Dr. Kelly’s passion lies in pushing the boundaries of professional education and empowering veterinarians to succeed in the digital era.
Topic title: Beyond the Clinic: Exploring New Revenue Paths in Veterinary Rehabilitation
Dr. Darryl Millis
Dr. Millis received his BS and DVM from Cornell University, MS from the University of Florida, and completed an internship and surgery residency at Michigan State University. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, a founding charter Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and is Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as chief of surgery.
Dr. Millis holds the prestigious Acree Endowed Chair in Small Animal Medicine, and is Director of the CARES Center for Veterinary Sports Medicine. He is the author of Dog Owner’s Guide to Hip Dysplasia and a co-editor of the Essential Facts of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine in Companion Animals; Textbook of Small Animal Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation; Essential Facts of Physiotherapy in Dogs and Cats; Small Animal Physical Rehabilitation: Veterinary Clinics of North America-Small Animal Practice; and Multimodal Management of Canine Osteoarthritis. He is a primary faculty member of the University of Tennessee Certificate Program in Canine Rehabilitation, which received the Outstanding Non-Credit Program Award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education. This course is now taught in six continents: North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa. In addition, he is the founder of MyLameDog.com, a resource for dog owners, and MyLameDogsVet.com, a resource for veterinarians, regarding common orthopedic conditions. He is also the Past President of the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. Dr. Millis has received the AVMA Career Achievement Award in Canine Research, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Iams Paatsama Award, the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence, the Distinguished Postdoctoral Veterinary Alumnus Award from Michigan State University, the Charles and Julia Wharton Distinguished Professor Award and the Chancellor’s Award for Professional Promise in Research and Creative Achievement from the University of Tennessee. His primary areas of research interests include osteoarthritis, physical rehabilitation, and modulation of fracture healing with growth factors. Dr. Millis has delivered over 900 presentations at state, national and international meetings, and has authored over 60 publications, 80 textbook chapters, and 110 abstracts/proceedings.
Topic title: Evidence-based practice in veterinary physiotherapy
Prof. Anna Bergh
BSc (PT), VMD, PhD, DECVSMR, Professor, Senior Lecturer at the Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Authorized by the Swedish Board of Agriculture to work as a physical therapist on animals.
Anna Bergh works as an associate professor and holds a subject chair with focus on veterinary rehabilitation at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Her PhD had the title “Defocused CO2 laser irradiation in the rehabilitation of horses, an experimental and clinical study”. She is on the board of International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy and chair the re-certification committee at ECVSMR. She performs research on validation of assessment methods and efficacy of different treatments used in rehabilitation, such as assessment and treatment of pain and physical dysfunction in cats, dogs and horses. Her main professional focus is to combine her expertise in physiotherapy and veterinary medicine, with the goal to expand the knowledge base in veterinary rehabilitation.
Topic title: Evidence-based practice in veterinary physiotherapy
Dr. Thomas Ovendale
Thomas Ovendale Graduated in 2009 from Onderstepoort. He spent 7 years working at Summerveld Equine Hospital in KZN before relocating to a lecturing position at Equine-Librium College in Plettenberg Bay in 2016. In 2020 he obtained a PGDip in Veterinary Clinical Sciences. He is currently Vice-principle at Equine-Librium College, a partner in an equine lameness practice and enrolled for a research MSc at University of Pretoria.
Topic title: The ataxic horse – Signs, causes and management of wobbly horses.
Tasmyn Gouws
Tasmyn is a full time Veterinary Physiotherapist for the Equine-Librium Clinic in the beautiful Plettenberg Bay. She graduated 6 years ago from the Equine -Librium College. She has a passion for how fitness and function bring out the best in rehabilitation and conditioning in both the Equine and Canine patient. She also has a special interest in wildlife rehabilitation having treated Cheetahs, penguins, wild buck and a gannet amongst other wildlife.
Topic title: The ataxic horse – Veterinary Physiotherapists role in the management and rehabilitation of.
Dr. Matthew W. Brunke
Matthew W. Brunke, DVM, CCAT
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Fellow, International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Dr. Brunke grew up in New York City. He received his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, graduating in 2004.He is certified in rehabilitation, pain management, acupuncture, and manual therapy. He completed the practice experience pathway for the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2017 and passed ACVSMR boards in January 2018.
As a sports medicine and rehab specialist, his focus is on diagnosing complex mobility problems (both orthopedic and neurologic). He utilizes injectable therapy for treating tendon and ligament problems, managing arthritis, and for neurological problems like lumbosacral (LS) disease. He especially enjoys working with active duty and retired working canines.
Dr. Brunke is part of the founding faculty for the NorthEast Seminars/NC State CCAT Rehab program. He serves on the scientific review board for JAVMA and AJVR, and publishes on clinical research as well. He practices at Veterinary Referral Associates (VRA) in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Topic title: Off the shelf products for OA: Librela, Hydrogels, Synovetin
Dr. Lisa Fortier
Dr. Fortier is the James Law Professor of Surgery at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine where, over the past 30 plus years, she has garnered an international reputation for her significant contributions in the areas of equine joint disease, cartilage biology, and regenerative medicine, particularly her pioneering use of biologics such as platelet rich plasma, bone marrow concentrate and stem cells in horses and humans.
In addition to her Cornell appointment, Dr. Fortier is editor-in-chief for the American Veterinary Medical Association’s journals and, in 2023, became the chief publication officer for the AVMA. She also serves on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Racetrack Safety Standing Committee. In 2022, Dr. Fortier received induction into the University of Kentucky Equine Research Hall of Fame.
Topic title: Off the shelf products for OA: Librela, Hydrogels, Synovetin
Topic title: Autologous orthobiologic products for OA
Lara van den Berge
I am Lara van den Berge, Certified Equine Ergonomist (Saddlefit4Life) and owner of Dynamic Balanca Saddle Fitting, Johannesburg – South Africa. I strive to create and achieve balance in motion for every horse and rider i work with, within their own scople and capabilities by optimizing comfort in a simple, ratilonal and practical way to understand and accomplish.
I have helped many horses grow from severe asymmetry into a healthier symmetry, and increase performance and capabilities of both horse and rider. My mission and goal is to teach professionals, riders and owners how to identify pain and discomfort caused by the saddle in their horse. Improving performance and preventing damage for both horse and rider is what drives me.
Topic title: Measuring Discomfort: Evaluating the impact of an ill-fitting saddle on equine posture and performance.
