Purdue Veterinary Conference 2026 to Spotlight One Health, Professional Wellness, and Human-Animal Bond Research
核心洞察
The 2026 Purdue Veterinary Conference, scheduled for September 23–26, will center on the theme "One Health: Modern Veterinary Medicine – Today and Tomorrow," emphasizing connections between animal, human, and environmental health.
Attendees can earn up to 23 continuing education credits across diverse topics including professional development, wellness, and the future of veterinary medicine.
Keynote speakers include Mary Beth Spitznagel on evidence-based approaches to decreasing burden transfer, Zenithson Ng on human-animal bond research, and Dean Bret Marsh on building the future of the profession.
The 2026 Purdue Veterinary Conference returns to the university's West Lafayette campus from September 23 through 26, bringing together veterinary professionals, educators, students, and industry partners under the banner of "One Health: Modern Veterinary Medicine – Today and Tomorrow." The annual event, a longstanding Purdue tradition, offers continuing education, collaboration, and practical learning opportunities for attendees at every career stage.
Participants can earn up to 23 continuing education (CE) credit hours by attending sessions spanning a wide array of topics, enabling attendees to tailor their experience to their professional interests and goals. Presentations will cover professional development, wellness, and the future of veterinary medicine.
Keynote Presentations and Featured Lectures
The conference opens on Wednesday, September 23, with a Wellness Keynote at 12:45 p.m. delivered by Mary Beth Spitznagel, PhD, professor and associate chair in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University. Her presentation, "Decreasing Burden Transfer in Veterinary Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach," will address a critical mental health challenge facing the profession.
On Thursday, September 24, the Roger L. Lukens Lecture at 8:00 a.m. features Mindy Anderson, PharmD, BS, RVT, assistant dean for veterinary technology programs and clinical associate professor of basic medical sciences at Purdue. Her talk, "The Power of an Unexpected Path: Rejected, Redirected and Rewarded," promises a personal perspective on career resilience.
At noon on Thursday, Zenithson Ng, DVM, clinical associate professor of small animal primary care at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, will deliver the Human-Animal Bond Keynote titled "Harnessing Human-Animal Bond Research to Transform Veterinary Practice." Later that afternoon at 2:10 p.m., the Stockton Keynote Lecture will be presented by Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, speaking on "Endless Opportunities: Building Our Future Together."
Exhibit Hall and Networking
The conference will feature a popular Exhibit Hall where industry representatives showcase the latest veterinary tools, products, and services. Two unopposed exhibit hours on September 23 and 24 allow attendees to explore offerings while earning up to two additional CE credits. A Mixer in the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. provides time to thank sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and moderators, followed by the annual Alumni, Students and Friends Celebration at 5:00 p.m.
Celebrating 50 Years of Veterinary Technology
This year's conference will include a celebration marking 50 years of the Purdue University Veterinary Technology Program. The conference week concludes on Saturday, September 26, with the annual Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog, a festive event honoring the memory of Dr. Jackson, Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, where participants can run or walk with a canine companion.
Registration remains open for veterinary professionals seeking meaningful continuing education in a supportive environment with engaging speakers and opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders.