MVMA Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association

10/29/2026

We're excited to welcome Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn as presenter at our upcoming seminar, "Lessons in Reconstruction: Laddering Up to Success," taking place on Thursday, Nov. 12. You can join us online or in person!

Standard registration closes tonight (Oct. 29) at 11:59 p.m. Get details and register here: https://mvma.memberclicks.net/2026-fall-staff-seminar

10/29/2026

Costumes and masks, lights and decorations, and a constant parade of strangers coming to your door— Halloween can be a downright spooky experience for pets. You can protect your pets by taking these steps to reduce the risk of them being hurt, poisoned, or lost:

How can we make Halloween safer for pets? See these tips for protecting pets during spooky season.

10/28/2026

"Building better relationships with clients also builds a better veterinary practice. It may seem simple, but it starts with an honest assessment of how veterinarians approach the conversation with owners.

"Dr. Jason Coe, Mars Veterinary Health chair in relationship-centered veterinary medicine at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), has studied communication patterns in veterinary medicine for 20 years. His research has shown two general patterns:

Veterinarians who invite clients into the decision-making process, rather than delivering a one-way message, see greater satisfaction, trust, and treatment adherence, says Dr. Jason Coe. He gave practical advice on how to implement relationship-centered communication during his keynote talk at the 2...

10/26/2026

Our MOVE group hosted another fantastic event this month, bringing veterinary professionals and their families together to enjoy the annual Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo.

Check https://mvma.memberclicks.net/move-events to see what’s up next - we’d love for you to join us!

10/26/2026

Did you know that our 2026 Fall Staff Seminar speaker, Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, co-hosts three veterinary podcasts?

Learn what's new with Dr. Jolle on the latest episode of the Purr Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/purr-podcast-gets-personal-retirement-veterinary-news/id1401717655?i=1000796123382

Check out his his Veterinary Surgery podcast for episodes related to his seminar topic - wounds and reconstructive surgery: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veterinary-surgery-podcast/id1496567990

And, if you're not already registered for our Fall Staff Seminar on November 12, you can get details here: https://mvma.memberclicks.net/2026-fall-staff-seminar

10/26/2026

"Students honored during the ceremony began their veterinary school journey at SDSU through the 2+2 program this fall. The program began in 2021 through a partnership with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Students gain hands-on, practical experience working with food and companion animals in a cohort of 20 during their first two years at SDSU and then finish their schooling and clinical training at the University of Minnesota.

"With an emphasis on growing the number of rural-practicing veterinarians across the state, the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine is well supported by regional veterinarians and celebrated through their sponsorship of the blue coats. Along with the presentation, students were given words of advice and encouragement from their sponsors, many of whom were in attendance."

BROOKINGS, S.D. -- South Dakota State University's Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine honored 20 students at its annual Blue Coat Ceremony on Oct. 3, presenting...

10/15/2026

"Customers want to buy something they value from someone they trust, said Barbara Kahn, PhD, a marketing professor at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania during the virtual 2026 AVMA Veterinary Business and Economic Forum.

"Which is why it's important for businesses, including veterinary practices, to have a strong brand or reputation. But that’s not enough to excel in today’s retail environment.

"She presented a strategic framework for business success based on lessons learned from the evolution of the retail industry in the past decade during the keynote presentation on October 7, "Competing Against the Noise: A Retail Perspective on Reaching Pet Owners," sponsored by Merck Animal Health.

"'The future will increasingly be built on the customer experience that you personalize and customize,' Dr. Kahn said."

Wharton School Marketing Professor Barbara Kahn, PhD, presented a strategic framework for business success based on lessons learned from the evolution of the retail industry in the past decade during her keynote presentation, "Competing Against the Noise: A Retail Perspective on Reaching Pet Owners,...

10/10/2026

10/06/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of MVMA member Mila Falbaum, longtime practice manager at Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic. Our deepest condolences to her family and team.

We are all devastated to share that our Practice Manager, Mila Falbaum, passed away on Saturday, October 3rd.

Mila helped open Homey Gnome and worked alongside Dr. Plantz for over 25 years. Her kindness touched every one of us, countless families and pets, and helped to shape who Homey Gnome is today.
So many of you knew her warm welcome at our front door. She cared for our team members with endless compassion and kindness. That love spilled through her care for our families and patients.

Our friend, our mentor, our teammate, our family. We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly 💙

If she has had a positive impact on your family, in lieu of flowers, her family asks for donations to the Minnesota Sheltie Rescue or Little Hospice in Edina.

10/05/2026

Now through mid-October, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is releasing new CE courses every week with clinical insights and practical strategies to help teams make the most of veterinary technicians’ skill sets. They’re free for the whole profession through the end of 2026!