The current VIN date & time: Eastern

VIN SAIM802-1022: Getting Through the Day: How to Make it Through the Day in GP, Module II

The lectures for this course will be presented in an audio format using a webinar platform.

Presenters: Carl Darby, MA, VETMB
Thomas Hansen, DVM, DABVP
Amy Nichelason, DVM, DABVP
Susan P. Cohen, DSW
Course Open: October 31- December 8, 2022
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Mondays, November 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2022; 8:00-10:00 pm ET (USA) World Clock Converter
Total CE Credit: 8
RACE Category: 8 hours Medical


Enrollment is closed.  

Tuition: FREE to 2020, 2021 and 2022 graduates
Member $184 ($166 early bird special if enrolled by October 17, 2022)
Prices are listed in US dollars.


Course Information:
This course is the second of a multiple module series designed to give an overview of common cases/presentations in small animal day practice. Different topics will be presented each week, and each discussion will include highlights on pathophysiology, case presentation, differentials, diagnostic approach, treatment recommendations, and case examples where appropriate. Important non-technical skills will also be included.


Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, the participant should be able to
  • recognize and address common presentations seen in everyday practice, including minor injuries/major drama (bleeding toenails, footpad lacerations, bite/scratch wounds, etc), lumps and bumps.
  • give differentials for these common cases.
  • develop rational diagnostic and therapeutic treatment plans.
  • perform common dentistry procedures including oral exams, charting, and radiographs.
  • recognize and address common orthopedic diseases including slipped disks, cruciate tears, and hip dysplasia.
  • give differentials for these common cases.
  • develop rational diagnostic and therapeutic treatment plans.
  • improve on time management skills.
  • better communicate with clients on sensitive issues (money, adherence to treatment, medical mistakes).
  • manage interpersonal issues at work.
  • recognize and address common genito/urinary tract issues in dogs and cats (bladder stones, FLUTD, incontinence, spraying), pyometra, and prostatitis.
  • give differentials for these common cases.
  • develop rational diagnostic and therapeutic treatment plans.


Level and Prerequisites: This basic VIN CE course is is geared toward new and recent grads looking for practical guidance as they venture forth into the unpredictable world of small animal general practice. It may also serve as a review for more experienced practitioners or as an introduction for those transitioning from other practice areas. There are no prerequisites.
Accreditation: This course is approved for 8 hours of continuing education credit by RACE for veterinarians. (RACE 20-913548)


Course Agenda:

Week 1 (Real Time Session November 7, 2022): Common Presentations
Presenter: Thomas Hansen, DVM, DABVP

Week 2 (Real Time Session November 14, 2022): Dentistry and Orthopedics
Presenter: Carl Darby, MA, VETMB

Week 3 (Real Time Session November 21, 2022): Staff Communications
Presenter: Susan P Cohen, DSW

Week 4 (Real Time Session November 28, 2022): Genito/Urinary Tract Issues
Presenter: Amy Nichelason, DVM, DABVP


Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.


Enrollment is closed.  

Tuition: FREE to 2020, 2021 and 2022 graduates
Member $184 ($166 early bird special if enrolled by October 17, 2022)
Prices are listed in US dollars.


*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on November 7, 2022 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.


Enrollment qualifications:
  1. VIN CE Courses:
    1. VIN CE courses are open to VIN member, VIN student member, and non-member veterinarians.
    2. Veterinary support staff must be VSPN members in order to enroll in a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. VSPN CE Courses:
    1. VSPN CE courses are open to veterinary support staff and veterinarians.
    2. Only VIN and VSPN members can enroll in a VSPN CE course.
    3. Veterinarians will only receive credit for those VSPN CE courses that specify in the Accreditation statement that the course is accredited for veterinarians.
  3. Please check the course Level and Prerequisites, Accreditation, and Tuition before enrolling.
  4. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses.
    1. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  5. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 797 or email CEonVIN@vin.com. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.


Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN office 800-846-0028 ext. 797 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VIN's upcoming CE courses, check the VIN Course Catalog.

Katherine James, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
VIN Education Director

VIN CE Services: CEonVIN@vin.com
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 797
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357