Speakers

Dr. P. Dickinson
Dr. R. LeCouteur - Course Leader

Course Description

Neurophobia is a term used to describe a fear of neural sciences and clinical neurology. The condition is ubiquitous amongst veterinary and human medical practitioners. Neurophobia may result in paralysis of thinking or action, with veterinarians either performing the neurological examination poorly (or not at all), or indiscriminately referring patients (that may have simple, common neurological conditions) to specialists in order to avoid having to deal with them.

In the words of FDR (First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1933): "The only thing we have to fear is fear it'self—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

What are we afraid of, and why? Come to the NAVC Institute 2012, and immerse yourself in three days of practical, interactive neurology with instructors who have overcome neurophobia and have the knowledge and experience to help you do the same.  The instructors are aware of the implications of neurophobia, and can both anticipate and counteract its effects.  The instructors have a passion for teaching.  The instructors will address the specific needs of individual participants.  The instructors will ensure that participants have fun while overcoming neurophobia.

Small animal practitioners examine animals with neurological disorders every week, if not every day.  Think of movement disorders, seizures, trauma to brain or spinal cord, intervertebral disc disease, weakness and even lameness.  To conquer fear is the beginning of the acquisition of wisdom.  The goal of this three day interactive experience is to help participants confront their fears about neurology, and in so doing to become a happier and far more productive clinician.

This course provides a solid foundation for practitioners who wish to master the fundamentals of clinical neurology of dogs and cats.  Didactic material will be presented in an interactive video- and case-based format that encourages participation. Let’s feel the fear, and confront it anyway!  Let’s demystify neurology!

Learning Objectives

• To overcome the fear of correlating the neural sciences and clinical neurology.
• To complete and interpret the neurologic examination.
• To be comfortable in formulating a diagnostic plan for animals with neuro problems.
• To be up to date with pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic options available for the most common neuro problems (eg, seizures, intervertebral disc disease).
• To have fun with neurology and to enjoy managing dogs and cats with neurological disease!

Recommended Course Textbooks

Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology, 3rd Edition, 2009, de Lahunta and Glass. Saunders.

BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology, 3rd Edition, 2004, Platt and Olby. BSAVA.

Included

Registration, course notes, lodging for three nights at the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suite Hotel, meals from Monday breakfast through Wednesday lunch, several hands-on laboratories and one complimentary, transferable registration to the NAVC Conference 2013.

Not Included

Flight from your home to Orlando, Florida, any alcoholic drinks, phone calls, items of a personal nature, dinner on Wednesday May 25, 2011, any required visas, incidentals (emails, laundry, gifts, etc.), trip cancellation insurance or valid passport.

Please Note

• Please plan to arrive in Orlando by Sunday, May 20, 2012.

Course Schedule