Iavrpt, 1502 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN (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.

06/19/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr Marion Mucha, Dipl. ECVSMR
We’re delighted to welcome Dr Marion Mucha from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
As Head of the Outpatient Clinic for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dr Mucha combines
clinical practice, teaching, and research to advance evidence-based rehabilitation. Her work
focuses on evaluating physiotherapy interventions through kinetic motion analysis, helping to
strengthen the scientific foundation of rehabilitation practice. As a Diplomate of the European
College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ECVSMR), she is actively involved in
both professional leadership and specialist education.
At the Symposium, Dr Mucha will present:
🔹 Tendon Loading – Basic Science
🔹 The Iliopsoas – Is it a Real Injury? What is the Best Treatment?
🔹 Magnetic Therapy
She will also contribute to discussions on empowering veterinary technicians and future
directions for rehabilitation practice.
From tendon adaptation and soft tissue injury to emerging treatment modalities, Dr Mucha’s
sessions will encourage attendees to critically evaluate the evidence behind commonly used
rehabilitation approaches and translate research into clinical decision-making.
Join us in Knoxville as we continue to challenge perspectives, advance rehabilitation science,
and improve outcomes for our patients.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/19/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Diane Messum MSc, MCSP, ACPAT
We're delighted to welcome Diane Messum from Davies Veterinary Specialists, UK, to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
A Chartered Physiotherapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience, Diane has been instrumental in advancing veterinary physiotherapy practice in both equine and small animal rehabilitation. Since joining Davies Veterinary Specialists in 2011, she has led Therapy Services and played a key role in developing the Davies Therapy and Fitness Centre, one of the leading rehabilitation facilities in the UK.
Diane's particular interests include splinting, orthotics, rehabilitation service development, and supporting the next generation of veterinary rehabilitation professionals through teaching, mentoring, and professional leadership. She also serves on the Board of the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT).
At the Symposium, Diane will lead the full-day wet lab:
🔹 Small Animal Track – Low Temperature Thermoplastic Splinting and Orthotics in Small Animal Medicine
This practical, hands-on session will explore the principles of splinting and orthotic design, fabrication, and clinical application, providing attendees with skills they can immediately apply in practice.
Diane will also contribute to our Closing Hot Topics panel:
🔹 What's Next? Take Home Messages
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together leaders, innovators, and clinicians from around the world to advance rehabilitation practice and patient care.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/18/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr David Levine, PT, PhD, DPT, OCS
We’re honoured to welcome Dr David Levine to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
A pioneer in animal physical rehabilitation, Dr Levine has been advancing the field through
clinical practice, teaching, research, and mentorship for more than three decades. He is Professor and Walter M. Cline Chair of Excellence in Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and Co-Director of the University of Tennessee’s internationally recognised
Canine Rehabilitation Certificate Program.
As co-editor of leading rehabilitation textbooks, including Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy and Gait Analysis: An Introduction, and author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, Dr Levine has helped shape rehabilitation practice worldwide.
At the Symposium, Dr Levine will present:
🔹 EMG Review – Proof of Activation/Literature Review
He will also contribute to our panel discussion on empowering veterinary technicians within rehabilitation practice.
Drawing on decades of clinical and research experience, Dr Levine’s session will explore the evidence behind electromyography (EMG), muscle activation, and the role of objective assessment in rehabilitation. Attendees can expect practical insights grounded in science and clinical application.
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together leaders in rehabilitation, research, and education to advance patient care and clinical practice.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/18/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr Nick Jeffery
We’re delighted to welcome Dr Nick Jeffery from Texas A&M University to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
An internationally recognised specialist in veterinary neurology and neurosurgery, Dr Jeffery has worked across clinical practice, referral neurosurgery, research laboratories, and veterinary teaching institutions in both the United Kingdom and the United States. His work focuses on spinal cord injury, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), neuroscience, and the development of new
therapeutic approaches to improve neurological recovery.
At the Symposium, Dr Jeffery will present:
🔹 New IVDD Emerging Treatments
🔹 Updates in Lumbosacral diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation
With expertise spanning both clinical neurology and cutting-edge research, Dr Jeffery will explore emerging therapies, advances in neurological care, and the evolving evidence shaping the future of treatment and rehabilitation for neurological patients.
For rehabilitation professionals working with neurologic cases, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to gain insights from one of the leading voices in veterinary neurology and spinal cord injury research.
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together experts from around the world to advance rehabilitation science and clinical practice.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/17/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr Nancy Fell, PT, PhD
We’re honoured to welcome Dr Nancy Fell as a Keynote Speaker at the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
A UC Foundation Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Dr Fell is an internationally respected educator, researcher, and leader in neurologic rehabilitation. With decades of experience in neuroscience, motor control, stroke rehabilitation, and clinical decision-making, she has helped shape the future of
neurorehabilitation through research, education, and professional leadership.
At the Symposium, Dr Fell will present:
🔹 Keynote: Updates in Human Neurology
Drawing on advances in human neuroscience and neurorehabilitation Dr Fell will explore emerging concepts and developments that have the potential to inform rehabilitation practice across species. Her keynote will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to learn from one
of the leading voices in neurologic physical therapy and consider how human rehabilitation research can influence veterinary patient care.
Dr Fell will also participate in our Closing Hot Topics panel, helping to explore future directions and key take-home messages from the Symposium.
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together experts from across disciplines to advance
rehabilitation science and clinical practice.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/17/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr David Dycus
We're delighted to welcome internationally recognised orthopedic surgeon and rehabilitation practitioner Dr David Dycus to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
A sought-after speaker, author, educator, and researcher, Dr Dycus has delivered more than 200 continuing education lectures worldwide and is widely respected for his contributions to veterinary orthopedics, surgery, and rehabilitation. In 2023, he was awarded the DVM360 Veterinary Hero Award in Surgery and continues to help shape the future of veterinary orthopedics through his leadership, research, and teaching.
At the Symposium, Dr Dycus will present:
🔹 Medial Shoulder Injury, Biceps and Supraspinatus Tendinopathy – Surgery vs Conservative Management
🔹 Long-Term Management of Elbow Dysplasia
🔹 Cranial Cruciate Ligament Treatment – Conservative or Always Surgery?
🔹 Calcaneal Tendon Injuries – Surgery and Rehabilitation
He will also contribute to our panel discussion on empowering veterinary technicians within rehabilitation practice.
From tendon injuries and elbow dysplasia to cruciate disease and shoulder pathology, Dr Dycus will explore some of the most common and challenging orthopedic conditions encountered in clinical practice, helping attendees bridge the gap between surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term patient outcomes.
Join us in Knoxville as we bring together world-leading experts to advance the science and practice of veterinary rehabilitation.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

06/16/2026

🎤 Meet the Speaker: Dr Sandro Colla
We’re delighted to welcome Dr Sandro Colla, Assistant Professor in Equine Performance and Rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee, to the 2026 IAVRPT Symposium in Knoxville.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academia, and research, Dr Colla is at the forefront of advancing equine sports medicine and rehabilitation. His research focuses on wearable sensor technology, artificial intelligence, lameness detection, rehabilitation, and injury prevention, helping to shape the future of evidence-based care for the equine athlete.
At the Symposium, Dr Colla will present:
🔹 Regenerative Medicine Update
🔹 SI Pain – Primary or Secondary Disease?
🔹 Manual Therapies – Proof of Concept?
He will also contribute to our panel discussion exploring surgical versus conservative management of equine spinal lesions.
Combining clinical expertise with emerging technologies, Dr Colla’s sessions will challenge attendees to think critically about diagnosis, treatment selection, rehabilitation strategies, and the evolving role of technology in equine practice.
Join us in Knoxville as we explore the latest advances in veterinary rehabilitation, performance medicine, and equine athlete care.
📍 Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
📅 July 28–31, 2026
🎟 Early Bird Registration available until 25 June 2026.

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