January 2026

2026 Contextualized Diagnostics: Advancing Preventive Care Certificate

VETgirl is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Contextualized Diagnostics: Advancing Preventive Care Certificate, a year-long, case-driven continuing education program designed to help veterinary professionals better understand the why behind everyday diagnostic and preventive care decisions. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Antech, the entire certificate program will be complimentary from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.

This comprehensive certificate connects the latest science updates to real-world clinical application, empowering veterinary teams to deliver more personalized, practical, and impactful care. Participants will explore how to contextualize diagnostic recommendations based on each patient’s unique environment, lifestyle, and risk factors—while also improving communication with pet owners and enhancing team safety.

“As veterinarians, we make dozens of diagnostic decisions every day—but too often, we’re not given the time or space to step back and truly connect the science to the individual patient in front of us,” said Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, Co-founder / Director of Medicine, VETgirl. “This certificate is designed to bridge that gap. By contextualizing diagnostics, we can practice smarter preventive care, communicate more effectively with pet owners, and ultimately improve outcomes for our patients. We’re incredibly grateful to Antech for making this high-impact learning opportunity accessible to the entire veterinary community.”

What Is the Contextualized Diagnostics Certificate

Through expert-led sessions, learners will take a deep dive into core preventive care and diagnostic topics, including:

  • Infectious disease diagnostics (vector-borne diseases, GI parasites, cultures & MIC)
  • Wellness laboratory screening, including thyroid and SDMA
  • Dentistry and diagnostic imaging
  • Successful sampling and diagnosis of lumps and bumps
  • Heartworm and antimicrobial resistance updates
  • Zoonotic disease awareness and workplace safety
  • Practical strategies for tailoring and communicating diagnostic recommendations

2026 Certificate Schedule and Topics

January 13, 2026
No Stool Left Behind: The Diagnostic Power of Dog Poop
Dr. Craig Prior, BVSc, CVJ; Dr. Brad Ryan, MSc, MPH

February 4, 2026
The Whole Tooth: Diagnostics Behind the Bite
Dr. Holly Brown, PhD, DACVP (Clinical Pathology); Dr. Marika Constantaras, DAVDC

March 22, 2026
Ticks, Tests & Truths: Bite-Sized Diagnostics for Lyme, Anaplasma & Ehrlichia
Dr. Brian Herrin, PhD; Dr. Michelle Evason, BSc, DACVIM, MRCVS

April 23, 2026
What’s the BUZZ on Resistance? Heartworm Updates
Dr. Lindsay Starkey, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology); Dr. Christine Garrett

May 3, 2026
Stay Safe, Stay Sharp: Zoonotic Exposure—What You Don’t Diagnose Can Hurt You
Dr. Michelle Evason, BSc, DACVIM, MRCVS; Dr. Mike Lappin, PhD, DACVIM (Internal Medicine)

June 2, 2026
The Why Behind the Wellness: Screening That Connects
Dr. Holly Brown, PhD, DACVP (Clinical Pathology); Dr. Jason Coe, PhD

July 12, 2026
What’s That Lump? Sample Smart, Diagnose Right
Dr. Jodie Gerdin, DACVP; Dr. Philip Bosse

August 12, 2026
Digging Deeper: Dental Diagnostics That Matter
Dr. Marika Constantaras, DAVDC; Dr. Lindsay Avila

September 13, 2026
Thyroid & SDMA Screening: What Now?
Dr. Kelly Mitchell, BSc, DVSc, DACVIM (SAIM); Dr. Sarah Beatty, DACVP (Clinical Pathology)

October 6, 2026
Preventive Care That Works: Pearls for Practice
Dr. Holly Brown, PhD, DACVP (Clinical Pathology); Dr. Rick Marrinson

November 8, 2026
Susceptible, Intermediate, Resistant… Now What? What the MIC Really Means
Dr. Stephen Cole, MS, DACVM; Dr. Jennifer Lopez, MBA

December 2, 2026
From Litter to Lab: Smarter Cat Fecal Screening
Dr. Pablo D. Jimenez Castro, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology); Dr. Marianne Pashley

Complimentary Access Until December 31, 2026

With sponsorship from Antech, veterinary professionals can earn the Contextualized Diagnostics Certificate at no cost throughout 2026—making it easier than ever to strengthen diagnostic confidence, elevate preventive care, and improve patient and client outcomes.

For more information and enrollment details, visit VETgirlontherun.com.

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