Iavrpt, 1502 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN (2026)

08/20/2026

🎓 CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION | WEBINAR 01

We’re delighted to welcome Professor Jim Richards for the first webinar in our Continuing the Conversation series.

What Scientific Outcomes Matter Clinically?
Lessons from Human Studies Relevant to Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

How do we decide which outcomes are genuinely meaningful in clinical practice? And what can veterinary rehabilitation learn from the way outcomes are measured in human rehabilitation research?

Join Professor Richards for an insightful exploration of the evidence behind clinical outcome measurement — and its relevance to veterinary rehabilitation and physical therapy.

📅 24 August 2026
🕐 1100 EST / 1700 CET
💻 Live online

✨ FREE for IAVRPT members
🎟️ $75 USD for non-members
🎥 Recording available to IAVRPT members
💬 Live Q&A

🌎 Join us from anywhere in the world.

Members will receive a zoom link. If you’re not a member, we would love to have you join IAVRPT or you can purchase access to the webinar on our website https://iavrpt.org

08/18/2026

✨ CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION | IAVRPT WEBINAR SERIES ✨

Although we were disappointed not to be able to come together in Knoxville, we’re not letting the conversation stop there.

We’re excited to bring some of our outstanding speakers from the planned IAVRPT Symposium to you virtually, continuing to share the knowledge, ideas and clinical insights that make our community so valuable.

🌎 Live, interactive and accessible from anywhere in the world

🐾 Equine & canine topics
🎓 World-class speakers
💬 Live Q&A
🎥 Recordings available
🏅 CPD points available

Our first webinar is coming up on 24 August, with Professor Jim Richards presenting:

What Scientific Outcomes Matter Clinically?
Lessons from Human Studies Relevant to Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

📅 24 August 2026
🕐 1100 EST / 1700 CET
💻 Live online

Free for IAVRPT members | $75 USD for non-members

Registration details for the first webinar will be announced soon.

We may not be meeting in Knoxville, but the conversation continues. 💜✨

07/02/2026

📣 Important Update from the IAVRPT Board

It is with great disappointment that the IAVRPT Board has made the difficult decision not to proceed with the 13th IAVRPT Symposium, which was scheduled to be held in Knoxville, Tennessee, later in July.

Despite an outstanding scientific programme, exceptional speakers, and strong support for Knoxville during the planning phase, registrations did not reach the level required to deliver a financially viable Symposium. After careful consideration, the Board concluded that this was the most responsible decision to protect the long-term sustainability of IAVRPT.

We extend our sincere thanks to our speakers, sponsors, registered delegates, the University of Tennessee, our organising committee, volunteers, and all of our members for your enthusiasm, support, and commitment throughout the planning process.

Our commitment to advancing veterinary rehabilitation education remains unchanged. Over the coming months, we will be reviewing the IAVRPT Symposium model, seeking feedback from our members, and delivering many of the planned Symposium presentations as an online webinar series.

Registered delegates, speakers, and sponsors will have received direct communication regarding next steps.

Thank you for your understanding and your continued support as we work together to shape the future of veterinary rehabilitation education.

06/23/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr Weston Warnock, DVM, DACVS-LA
We’re delighted to welcome Dr Weston Warnock to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
A board-certified equine surgeon and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal), Dr Warnock has built his career around the diagnosis and treatment of lameness, poor performance, and orthopedic conditions in the equine athlete. His clinical experience spans western performance horses, racing Quarter horses, barrel racers, and sport
horses, with a particular interest in equine spinal surgery and orthopedic disease.
Following his veterinary training at Texas A&M University, Dr Warnock completed a rotating internship in California before undertaking a surgical residency at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Texas, one of the leading equine referral centres in the United States.
At the Symposium, Dr Warnock will contribute to:
🔹 Equine Spinal Lesions – Surgery vs Conservative Management
This multidisciplinary discussion will explore one of the most challenging areas in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation: when is surgery indicated, when is conservative management appropriate, and how can clinicians make informed decisions for optimal patient outcomes?
Dr Warnock will also participate in our Closing Hot Topics panel:
🔹 What’s Next? Take Home Messages
Bringing the perspective of a surgeon working with high-performance equine athletes, Dr Warnock will contribute valuable insights into diagnosis, treatment planning, and the future of equine musculoskeletal care.
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together specialists from across disciplines to advance
rehabilitation, performance, and evidence-based veterinary medicine.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/23/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr Tena Ursini, DVM, DACVSMR, PhD
We’re delighted to welcome Dr Tena Ursini from the University of Tennessee College of
Veterinary Medicine to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
Growing up on a dairy farm before pursuing veterinary medicine, Dr Ursini has built an
impressive career in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Following internships at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery (ESMS) and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, she completed a residency in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee, becoming board-certified through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR). She has since remained at the University of Tennessee as faculty while completing her PhD.
Dr Ursini’s clinical interests include rehabilitation and musculoskeletal management across large animal species, while her research focuses on spinal biomechanics and the validation of
rehabilitation treatment protocols.
At the Symposium, Dr Ursini will present:
🔹 Defining Topline Dysfunction
This session will explore one of the most frequently discussed yet often poorly defined topics in equine performance and rehabilitation. Attendees will gain insight into the current understanding of topline dysfunction, contributing factors, clinical assessment, and implications for rehabilitation and performance management.
Dr Ursini will also participate in the panel discussion:
🔹 Equine Spinal Lesions – Surgery vs Conservative Management
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together leading clinicians, researchers, and educators to advance sports medicine, rehabilitation, and evidence-based patient care.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/22/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr Emily Rose, PT, DPT, CERP
We’re delighted to welcome Dr Emily Rose of Reaching Strides Equine Rehabilitation to the
2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner, educator, and competitive dressage rider, Dr Rose brings a unique perspective that bridges human physical therapy, equine rehabilitation, and rider performance. Through her clinical practice, teaching,
and international workshops, she is passionate about helping horses and riders achieve optimal performance through biomechanics, rehabilitation, and preventative wellness.
As an instructor for the University of Tennessee’s internationally recognised Equine Rehabilitation Certificate Program, Dr Rose is recognised internationally for her expertise in equine movement, performance, and rehabilitation.
At the Symposium, Dr Rose will present:
🔹 Equine Evaluation of Posture and Core Stability
This practical and clinically relevant session will explore the assessment of posture and core function in the equine athlete, helping attendees better understand how stability, movement quality, and biomechanics influence performance, injury risk, and rehabilitation outcomes.
Dr Rose will also contribute to our Closing Hot Topics panel:
🔹 What’s Next? Take Home Messages
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together leading clinicians, researchers, and educators to advance rehabilitation science and improve outcomes for both horses and riders.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/22/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Professor Jim Richards
We’re delighted to welcome Professor Jim Richards from the University of Lancashire to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
As Associate Dean for Research and Research Lead for the Allied Health Research Unit, Professor Richards is internationally recognised for his contributions to clinical biomechanics, gait analysis, and rehabilitation research. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and is editor or author of several influential texts, including Whittle’s Gait Analysis,
Biomechanics in Clinic and Research, and the Comprehensive Textbook of Clinical
Biomechanics.
His research focuses on the clinical application of biomechanics, the development of assessment tools for orthopaedic and neurological conditions, and evidence-based approaches to improving rehabilitation outcomes.
At the Symposium, Professor Richards will present:
🔹 What Scientific Outcomes Actually Matter Clinically?
🔹 Development of Biomechanics Outcome Measures
These sessions will challenge attendees to think critically about the measurements,
assessments, and outcome measures we use every day. Which metrics truly matter? Which influence clinical decision-making? And how can biomechanics help us better understand patient progress and treatment effectiveness?
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together leading researchers, clinicians, and educators to advance rehabilitation science and evidence-based practice.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/21/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dawn Rector, LVMT, VTS (Physical Rehab), CCRP, CVPP, CCFT
We’re delighted to welcome Dawn Hickey from the University of Tennessee College of
Veterinary Medicine to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
A highly respected rehabilitation veterinary technician, educator, and mentor, Dawn has
dedicated her career to advancing animal rehabilitation, fitness, pain management, and
technician education. Since earning her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) qualification in 2013, she has continued to expand her expertise, becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP), Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT), and Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Physical Rehabilitation.
As an instructor in both the CCRP and CCFT programs, Dawn is passionate about sharing
knowledge and helping develop the next generation of rehabilitation professionals. Her clinical interests include working dogs, fitness and conditioning, geriatrics, neurology, myofascial dysfunction, and pain management.
At the Symposium, Dawn will contribute to:
🔹 Empowering Veterinary Technicians
In addition, Dawn will co-instruct the Small Animal Wet Lab:
🔹 Fundamental Foundations of Fitness
This practical, hands-on session will explore the principles of canine fitness, conditioning, and exercise progression, providing attendees with tools to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient patients.
Join us in Knoxville as we celebrate the vital contribution of veterinary technicians and
rehabilitation professionals in advancing patient care and rehabilitation outcomes.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/21/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr Natasha Olby
We’re honoured to welcome Dr Natasha Olby from North Carolina State University to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
An internationally recognised veterinary neurologist, neurosurgeon, and researcher, Dr Olby has dedicated her career to advancing our understanding of spinal cord injury, neurological recovery, and rehabilitation. Following her veterinary degree at the University of Cambridge, she
completed a PhD and post-doctoral fellowship in spinal cord injury before undertaking specialist training in neurology and neurosurgery.
For more than two decades, Dr Olby has been at the forefront of clinical research into acute spinal cord injury, chronic paralysis, neurological recovery, and aging of the canine nervous system. Her work has helped define recovery trajectories, evaluate novel therapies, and strengthen the evidence base for neurorehabilitation.
At the Symposium, Dr Olby will present:
🔹 Neuro Update – IVDD & Lumbosacral Disease
🔹 Rehabilitation in Neurology (Evidence-Based Medicine)
These sessions will explore current developments in veterinary neurology and provide an evidence-based perspective on rehabilitation strategies for neurological patients. Attendees will gain practical insights from one of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field.
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together world-leading experts to advance rehabilitation science, improve patient outcomes, and shape the future of veterinary rehabilitation.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/20/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Professor Brian Nielsen
We’re delighted to welcome Professor Brian Nielsen from Michigan State University to the 2026
IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
An internationally recognised equine exercise physiologist, Professor Nielsen has spent decades advancing our understanding of equine performance, exercise, development, and musculoskeletal health. Throughout his distinguished academic career, he authored more than 430 scientific publications and delivered over 230 invited presentations worldwide, making significant contributions to equine science, research, and education.
At the Symposium, Professor Nielsen will present:
🔹 Hot Topic: Exercise in Juvenile Athletes – Incidence of Cyclic Injury?
This thought-provoking session will explore one of the most debated questions in equine
development and performance: does exercise during growth increase the risk of injury, or can appropriately managed exercise contribute to stronger, healthier athletes?
Drawing on decades of research in equine exercise physiology, Professor Nielsen will examine the evidence surrounding juvenile exercise, skeletal adaptation, and long-term musculoskeletal health, providing valuable insights for veterinarians, physiotherapists, trainers, and anyone involved in developing young horses.
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together leading experts to challenge assumptions, explore emerging evidence, and advance rehabilitation and performance science.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

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