The CVE has long been associated with the goanna – or more specifically, with Tom Hungerford’s “Goanna Track to Success”. Tom’s theory was that the key to success was to identify an area of interest and devote time to it, listening, learning and building what he called a “tree of knowledge”.
Now, anyone familiar with a goanna can attest to the speed and agility with which they can scale a tree – to utilise Tom’s “Goanna Track” is to construct the tree and ascend it like a goanna. But once up the tree the goanna doesn’t decide to spend the rest of its life in the canopy; it takes what it can, then returns to the ground and finds another tree. Tom’s point was that climbing that tree offered a unique vantage point from which other opportunities for growth and development could be identified.
It is in this spirit that the CVE continues to offer courses in many different aspects of veterinary practice, in forms that suit everyone – whether you have a spare hour, day, month or year to invest in building your tree of knowledge. The CVE is dedicated to empowering the veterinary profession through education: enhancing confidence, competence, wellbeing and welfare globally.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
2025 marks an important milestone for the Centre for Veterinary Education as we celebrate 60 years as a member-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated solely to providing continuing education to the veterinary profession.
Please take some time to indulge in the details of the historical timeline on the following pages – a visual representation of our milestones and service to the veterinary profession over the past 60 years. I am sure you will be as inspired as I am by the dedication and combined achievements of the Directors, staff and outstanding veterinary educators CVE has had the privilege of working with.
I am also super excited for the future of veterinary professional development. In this extremely time poor and information rich world where technological innovation continues to promise ways to improve efficiencies, we must not lose sight of the importance of meaningful human connection and the role it plays in our wellbeing.
In this Handbook, you’ll see courses covering a wide range of topics and offered in a variety of formats. We have designed these courses together with our world leading educators and strive to make these as relevant and accessible as possible. We also design our courses and events in a way that prioritises human connection. We create opportunities to connect both digitally through discussion forums built into the online courses and in person with our face-to-face events and hands on workshops. We know from your feedback and from the research literature that learning in communities improves outcomes.
As you consider your own professional development, I also encourage you to consider this in the context of your colleagues. You are always welcome to call us for guidance on the best learning pathways for you and the Practice(s) in which you work. Please also consider applying for the CVE Continuing
Education Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support dedicated veterinarians in their pursuit of professional growth (more information on page 6).
In 2025, CVE is proud to support over 8,300 members globally. Situated at the University of Sydney, our approach to professional development is underpinned by education research. We recognise the role research plays in advancing knowledge and improving outcomes not only in clinical practice but also in the design, delivery and evaluation of outstanding education programs. We will continue to innovate and evolve our programs in response to new knowledge and your feedback.
Please use this Handbook as your guide and refer frequently to the CVE website that we update often.
Enjoy!
Associate Professor Kate Patterson BVSc PhD RBI MPhil Director
service to the veterinary profession
PGF donated $1M of the Valentine Charlton bequest to build the bespoke Valentine Charlton Cat Clinic at USYD
PGF renamed the Centre for Veterinary Education to reflect it’s true nature and operation within the University of Sydney
CVE pioneers a whole-practice approach to CE with courses designed for Veterinary Nurses
In 2025
2003
CVE expands online courses and pivots to virtual conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic
2020
Paul Gotis-Graham Memorial Award for Excellence in Small Animal Surgery established 2014
Together with 115 outstanding educators, CVE runs 98 unique continuing education courses and events
2000 2009
Dr Michelle Cotton appointed Director of the PGF
Dr Bill Howey appointed as Director of the PGF
CVE supports over 8300 members and remains not for profit, dedicated to empowering the veterinary profession globally through education: enhancing confidence, competence, wellbeing and welfare
CVE Clinical Competency Award established for Australiasian universities
Dr Simone Maher
2021 2008 2025
CVE Continuing Education Scholarship established
Conference in Hong Kong May 2026
CPD TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
Subject areas
With over 80 courses to choose from, you will find many options for growth and development.
We acknowledge the tradition of custodianship and law of the Country on which the University of Sydney campuses stand. We pay our respects to those who have cared and continue to care for Country.
Distance Education
Seize the opportunity to gain mastery of your special interest in these longer, intensive courses.
TimeOnline
Flexible and affordable short online courses. Completed at your own pace.
WebinarLIVE!
Brush up on your skills when you are time poor, restricted by location or you just prefer bite size CPD.
TimeOnline OnDemand
WebinarPLUS
Bite-sized, flexible CPD with access to recorded webinars and an interactive forum to engage with tutors and peers.
Common Misconceptions in Veterinary Anaesthesia 16 Approach to Acute Abdomen in Rabbits 22 Itchy Business! Canine Atopic Dermatitis 30 Imaging & The Acute Abdomen35 What Am I Looking At? Views From GI Endoscopy52
Canine Splenic Masses: Cats Out the Bag! Secrets for Feline Neurology52
5 Domains Approach to Feline
Idiopathic Cystitis 52
Feeding Dogs & Cats with Renal Disease 53
Conferences
courses.
Workshops
THE CVE CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to Dr Craig Kelly!
Of Blaxland Veterinary Hospital, NSW, the winner of the inaugural CVE Continuing Education Scholarship in our 60th anniversary year.
"
I’m very honoured and humbled to be the recipient of the CVE Continuing Education Scholarship.
Wow! I feel like Charlie Bucket who has won The Golden Ticket. The proverbial kid in the candy store.
As an undergraduate, in 1991, I remember sitting in the Carslaw building, attending lectures for what was then the Post Graduate Foundation, now the CVE. I also remember going into the Pitt Street offices to buy Vade Mecums on a variety on species (very useful books for the new grad in the predigital age). I also had an arrangement with the director Doug Bryden to get audio tapes of the major conference each year to listen to while commuting between Canberra, Sydney and Newcastle.
Even now, I’m amazed how many WebinarLIVE!s and PLUSs fit my exact area of current ignorance. In short, the PGF/CVE has always been with me on my career fuelling my passion to learn more. And now rather than buying ‘10 cents of mixed lollies’ I can buy what feels like the whole lolly shop.
‘I’ll have three DE Anaesthesia’s and five exotics TimeOnlines please!’ I’m so grateful to be able to take a deep dive into these areas of Veterinary Education to get better each day because I still LOVE being a vet.
_Craig Kelly
2026 CVE CE Scholarship Applications
Open Wednesday 1 September 2025
Close Sunday 30 November 2025
This membership scholarship is valued at AU$8,000 and can be used toward enrolment into any CVE continuing education course(s) commencing in the year the scholarship is awarded.
For eligibility, visit
cve edu au/ce-scholarship
Kate, the CVE Director, presented the award to Craig
THE 2025 T. G. HUNGERFORD AWARD
Congratulations to Dr Carolyn O’Brien!
We’re delighted to announce Carolyn as the 2025 recipient of this prestigious award for her profound and multifaceted contribution to continuing veterinary education, dedication to advancing feline medicine and research on zoonotic pathogens that has shaped the field globally.
CVE Director Kate Patterson presented the award to Carolyn at our recent highly successful ‘VC Feline Chronic Disease Management Conference’ in February.
The framing includes a silver coin featuring a Goanna—the CVE’s motif—in tribute to Tom’s famous philosophy: Follow the Goanna Track to Success.
"I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the T.G. Hungerford Award for 2025. To be recognised among such distinguished recipients is an extraordinary privilege.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Sydney School of Veterinary Science and the Centre for Veterinary Education. Their unwavering support, collaboration, and shared dedication to feline medicine have been invaluable throughout my journey. I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most brilliant and passionate veterinarians, whose knowledge and dedication have both challenged and inspired me at every step.
In particular, I extend my deepest gratitude to my friend and mentor, Professor Richard Malik, whose encouragement and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my career.
It is truly heartening to reflect on how far we have come in advancing feline health. I remain excited for the future, eager to see the discoveries and innovations that will continue to improve the lives of cats and the people who care for them.
_Carolyn O'Brien
Read Hungerford Award Citation for 2025 cve edu au/2025-hungerford-award
Carolyn joins the Honour Roll of past recipients of the Award, all giants in the profession:
2025 Carolyn O’Brien
2024 Linda Fleeman
2017 – 2023 Not awarded
2016 Terry King
2015 Stephen Page
2012 – 2014 Not awarded
2011 Stephen Holloway
2010 Robin Stanley
2009 Boyd Jones
2008 Karon Hoffmann
2007 Paul Canfield
2006 Wing Tip Wong & Glen Edwards
2005 Victor Menrath
2004 Russell Mitten
2003 Not awarded
2002 Richard Malik
2001 David Church
2000 Jill Maddison
1995 – 1999 Not Awarded
1994 D.C. Blood
1993 Graeme Allan
1992 Richard LeCouteur
1991 Reuben Rose
1990 Susan Shaw
1989 Christopher Bellenger
1988 Jakob Malmo
1987 R.R. Pascoe
CVE MEMBERS
“Over the 30 years that I have been a member of the CVE, initially as an individual and then later as a practice, I have participated in all of the learning formats on offer.
Whether I’m looking for a quick update from a podcast or a more in-depth coverage of a topic offered by a conference or one of the DE courses, the information is always relevant and always practical.
Control and Therapy is a wonderful resource— the informal style makes for a relaxed yet informative read and I’ve lost count of the number of useful tips I’ve picked up over the years.
No matter whether I’ve just read a short article in C&T or undertaken one of the longer courses, I always come away buzzing with renewed enthusiasm, ready to implement what I’ve learnt.”
“I’ve been a member of the CVE since I was a veterinary student, and it has provided an exceptional resource to bridge the colossal gap between university and life as a veterinarian. As a student, I was hungry for knowledge. I feared that once leaving the university environment, which was so focused on learning, I’d lose access to important and relevant information. I was concerned that I’d plateau and one day become outdated.
CVE is the seamless transition and maintenance of a veterinarian, and offers a plethora of resources in formats that can cater to any level of availability (or lack thereof!). It gives you continued access to amazing vets (teachers and course participants) far and wide, and so far I’ve enjoyed a two-day conference, an easily digestible TimeOnline course and access to a wealth of written resources like course proceedings. Next year I look forward to starting a DE course to help prepare for my membership exams.”
Cathy Opie BSc BVSc
The Pet Doctors, New Zealand
Michael Yazbeck BVSc Greencross Vets Campbelltown
WHY THE CENTRE FOR VETERINARY EDUCATION?
A Leader in Veterinary Education
Celebrating 60 years in 2025, the Centre for Veterinary Education at the University of Sydney has transformed the careers of thousands of veterinary professionals through pioneering, experiential continuing education in the industry’s most in-demand skills.
When you choose the CVE to develop your skills in companion animal veterinary surgery, medicine, behaviour, dermatology, ophthalmology, critical care, diagnostic imaging and more, you will:
Benefit from proven curriculums and leading veterinary experts delivering your education, both face-to-face and online
Become part of a global, professional community of 8,300+ members
Be assisted by a team of dedicated customer service and education support staff who are there to help you achieve your goals.
What makes the CVE exceptional?
From full year immersion in a subject, to week-long conferences, face-to-face workshops or bite-sized CPD in an hour, whatever your time availability we have something to suit
All of our courses include tutor interaction to maximise learning opportunities
Our robust suite of courses in a number of veterinary disciplines give individuals and veterinary teams multiple options for growth and development
Our world class team of educators are supported by our education development team to ensure the student experience aligns with principles of adult learning.
We are a not-for-profit Centre within Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, ranked 1st amongst vet schools within the Southern Hemisphere.
Anaesthesia & Analgesia: Fundamentals
Distance Education
1 February - 30 April 2026
120 CPD Points
Tutors
Christina Dart
Dr med vet MSc DVSc Diplomate ACVAA
Eduardo Uquillas
BVM DVM DACVAA
Super Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Early Bird
31 Oct 2025
Are you committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and care in veterinary anaesthesia?
Our course enhances your understanding of all four phases: pre-induction, induction, maintenance, and recovery. Refine your knowledge in pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology through theory and practice cases. Advance patient monitoring and complication management in a low-risk setting. This course is the first in our Aneasthesia and Analgesia program and aims to develop or update your understanding of the fundamentals underpinning anaesthetic care.
Are you ready to elevate your anaesthesia expertise and confidently manage patients with complex comorbidities and emergency conditions?
Our advanced course equips professionals to refine skills in anaesthetic care for high-risk patients. Explore anaesthesia management for comorbidities like renal or cardiac issues and diabetes. Interactive scenarios and expert guidance help develop personalized protocols, reduce complications, and improve outcomes—delivering practical, current insights for complex clinical situations.
Prerequisite: participants are assumed to have spent at least 2 years in clinical practice and have a sound knowledge of foundational principles in anaesthesia, such as those covered in the ‘Anaesthesia & Analgesia: Fundamentals’ course.
In this course participants will gain understanding of the unique aspects of anaesthesia in domestic species presented in large animal veterinary practice.
This course focuses on equine anaesthesia, equipping participants to create tailored protocols, manage risks, and address peri-anaesthetic complications. It also covers anaesthesia techniques for ruminants, emphasizing small ruminants and camelids.
Prerequisite: participants are assumed to have spent at least 2 years in clinical practice and have a sound knowledge of foundational principles in small animal anaesthesia, such as those covered in the ‘Anaesthesia & Analgesia: Fundamentals’ course.
cveeduau/anaesthesia-analgesia-large-animals
Anaesthesia & Analgesia: Unusual Pets
Distance Education
20 October - 30 November 2025
60 CPD Points
Tutors
Christina Dart
Dr med vet MSc DVSc Diplomate ACVAA
Eduardo Uquillas
BVM DVM DACVAA
Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Enhance your veterinary anesthesia expertise with our specialized course focusing on less commonly treated species, including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, and reptiles.
This final course in the Anaesthesia and Analgesia program focuses on the safe and effective administration of anaesthesia in rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, and reptiles. Participants will deepen their understanding of unique anatomical and physiological considerations, develop protocols, and manage common peri-anaesthetic complications in these special species.
Prerequisite: participants are assumed to have spent at least 2 years in clinical practice and have a sound knowledge of foundational principles in small animal anaesthesia, such as those covered in the ‘Anaesthesia & Analgesia: Fundamentals’ course.
cve edu au/anaesthesia-and-analgesia-unusual-pets
Emergency Medicine Distance Education
1 February - 30 November 2026
334 CPD Points
Workshop
3-Day Workshop
Sydney Date TBC
Tutors
Yenny Indrawirawan
BAnimSc BVSc MANZCVS(SAM) FANZCVS(ECC)
Sophia Morse
BVSc (Hons) MVS MVSc MANZCVS (ECC) DACVECC
Super Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Early Bird
31 Oct 2025
Emergencies are one of the scariest experiences for veterinarians. The aim of this course is to help you develop your capacity to treat small animal emergency and critical care cases confidently and maximise your patient outcomes.
This course aims to develop your practical skills and techniques for the treatment and monitoring of critically ill animals. Triage, fluid therapy, analgesia, acute abdomen, respiratory distress and multisystem trauma are all covered with an emphasis on case-based problem solving.
cve edu au/emergency-medicine
Common Misconceptions in Veterinary Anaesthesia WebinarPLUS
21 - 27 August 2025
Online 1 CPD Point
Speaker
Eduardo Uquillas
BVM DVM DACVAA
By promoting evidence-based practices, this webinar with registered specialist Eduardo Urquillas, aims to elevate the standard of veterinary anaesthesia and enhance patient care.
cveeduau/common-misconceptions
The Difficult Airway TimeOnline OnDemand
Start now!
Online 5 CPD Points
Tutor
Mathieu Raillard DVM MANZCVS Dip. ECVAA
Pre-existing respiratory compromise and some conditions like the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome can make airway management challenging in small animal anaesthesia. Increased vigilance following premedication and after tracheal extubation is required.
cveeduau/the-difficult-airway
VPOCUS: Practical Applications for GPs
Distance Education
23 June - 20 July 2025
20 CPD Points
Tutors
Soren Boysen
DVM Dipl.ACVECC
Serge Chalhoub
BSc DVM DACVIM (SAIM)
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) helps us make better clinical decisions, faster. In human patients, diagnostic confidence increases in 89.2 % when general practitioners add bedside POCUS to patient evaluation! By asking clinically relevant, often binary yes/no response questions, veterinary POCUS (VPOCUS) can be rapidly and efficiently learned and applied by anyone in any setting.
Expertly delivered by Dr. Serge Chalhoub, an internist, and Dr. Soren Boysen, a criticalist, blends diverse professional insights with a shared, engaging sense of humor.
cveeduau/vpocus-de
Trauma Patient Management
TimeOnline
7 October - 2 November 2025
Online
10 CPD Points
Tutors
Lynda Rutherford
BVM&S MVetMed Dipl. ECVS FHEA MRCVS
Lisa Smart
BVSc (Hons) DipACVECC PhD
cve edu au/trauma-patient
Reproductive & Urinary Emergencies
TimeOnline
3 - 30 November 2025
Online
10 CPD Points
Tutor
Trudi McAlees
BSc BVSc MACVSc FANZCVS
Designed for veterinary professionals, this course offers an in-depth exploration of key topics in renal, urinary tract, and reproductive emergency medicine.
cveeduau/reproductive-and-urinary-emergencies
NEW in 2025 - CVE Member benefit! EmergencyLIVE! Webinar Series
Unlock Your Emergency Care Potential: Join Our New EmergencyLive! Webinar Series.
Whether you’re ECC-curious or find the thought of an emergency overwhelming, this brand-new EmergencyLive! webinar series is designed to help general practitioners build confidence and sharpen their skills in managing small animal emergencies.
Led by experienced Emergency and Critical Care veterinarians, each webinar focuses on practical, life-saving techniques—from patient triage and early case management to staying current with goldstandard protocols, including the RECOVER resuscitation guidelines.
With short, focused sessions and plenty of time for Q&A, you’ll walk away with tools you can apply in practice the very next day.
First webinar in this series:
Canine Heart Failure: ER’s First 12 Hours
7pm | Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Presented by Avalene Tan
And that’s just the beginning! Our upcoming sessions will dive into critical topics like shock management, seizure care, tick paralysis, CPR updates, trauma management, and more—designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to act confidently when it counts.
Celebrating 60 Years of Veterinary Excellence
Join 8,300+ professionals accessing high-quality CPD through CVE Membership and enjoy this new EmergencyLIVE! Webinar Series as part of your member benefits.
cveeduau/emergencylive
Backyard Poultry
TimeOnline
12 May - 8 June 2025
Online
15 CPD Points
Tutor
Bob Doneley
BVSc FANZCVS (Avian Medicine)
Elevate your veterinary skills with our comprehensive Backyard Poultry course, curated by the esteemed Dr. Bob Doneley. This course empowers veterinarians with in-depth knowledge in pet chicken medicine, tackling infectious diseases, anaesthesia, and surgery.
cveeduau/backyard-poultry
Avian Medicine
TimeOnline
28 July - 24 August 2025
Online
10 CPD Points
Tutor
Alex Rosenwax
BVSc MACVSc (Avian Health)
Avian consultations can present unique challenges, often arriving as emergencies due to a lack of owner awareness about normal bird behavior and symptom recognition.
cveeduau/avian-medicine
Guinea Pig Medicine & Surgery TimeOnline
23 June - 20 July 2025
Online 10 CPD Points
Tutor
Bob Doneley
BVSc FANZCVS (Avian Medicine)
Guinea pigs are a common and much-loved pet around the world. Although much of the earlier veterinary focus on guinea pigs was as a laboratory animal, their popularity as pets has seen this focus shift towards the provision of veterinary care for a companion pet.
cveeduau/guinea-pig-medicine-and-surgery
Reptile Medicine
TimeOnline
25 August - 21 September 2025
Online 10 CPD Points
Tutor
Robert Johnson AM AM BVSc MANZCVS (Feline Medicine) CertZooMed BA FAVA
Gain a better understanding of reptile husbandry, medicine and surgery, to provide veterinary care with competence and confidence.
cveeduau/reptile-medicine
Avian Surgery
22 September - 19 October 2025
Online 10 CPD Points
Tutor
Bob Doneley
BVSc FANZCVS (Avian Medicine)
Surgical intervention is frequently required for avian patients but is something that many veterinarians shy away from, citing the small size of the patient and probability of a poor outcome as their reason for not offering this service to their clients.
cveeduau/avian-surgery
Pet
Fish
20 October - 16 November 2025
Online 10 CPD Points
Tutor
Alex Rosenwax
BVSc MACVSc (Avian Health)
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of pet fish and will cover selected areas of care and husbandry of freshwater pond and aquarium fish.
cveeduau/pet-and-aquarium-fish
Exotics Emergency TimeOnline
7 October - 3 November 2025
Online 10 CPD Points
Tutor
Izidora Sladakovic
BVSc (Hons I) MVS DACZM
Exotics emergencies require special skills and knowledge. Whether you’re working in an emergency clinic or general practice, this course will develop the skills and confidence you need to deal with these often-challenging presentations.
cveeduau/exotics-emergency
Unlock practical, expert-led learning with TimeOnline courses. Bundle 3 courses for 25% off and start applying new skills in your practice.
Become a CVE Member for even more savings!
cveeduau/tol-bundle
TimeOnline OnDemand Courses
Start Now!
Online
5 CPD Points
Emergency Care of Rabbits & Rodents
Tutor
Olivia Clarke
BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Common Conditions in Ferrets
Tutor
Olivia Clarke
BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Avian Patients: Assessment & Diagnosis
Tutor
Bob Doneley BVSc FANZCVS (Avian Medicine)
Approach to Acute Abdomen in Rabbits
WebinarPLUS
24 - 30 July 2025
Online 1 CPD Point
Speaker
Olivia Clarke
BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)
Acute abdomen in rabbits is a common critical presentation in veterinary practice.
Elevate your small animal cardiorespiratory care with our newly revised course! Designed for veterinarians seeking advanced diagnostic mastery, this program offers a handson echocardiology workshop alongside comprehensive notes and real-world case study analyses.
You’ll develop a clear, logical framework for assessing challenging cardiorespiratory cases in dogs and cats, deepening your expertise in radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.
cveeduau/cardiorespiratory-medicine
Tutor
Niek Beijerink
DVM PhD Dipl. ECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Develop a step by step guide to the interpretation of ECGs, starting with grasping the concepts of electrocardiography, and the normal ECG.
cveeduau/demystifying-ecgs
Basic Echocardiography
Workshop
25 October or 1 November 2025
Sydney | 11 CPD Points
Tutors
Niek Beijerink
DVM PhD Dipl. ECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Mariko Yata
BVSc (hons) MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)
PhD DACVIM (Cardiology)
This small group workshop is designed to give you a basic understanding of small animal (dog and cat) echocardiography.
cve edu au/basic-echo
Echocardiography workshops proudly sponsored by:
Advanced Echocardiograph Workshop
26 October or 2 November 2025
Sydney | 11 CPD Points
Tutors
Niek Beijerink
DVM PhD Dipl. ECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Mariko Yata
BVSc (hons) MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)
PhD DACVIM (Cardiology)
This course is designed to give participants a more advanced understanding of small animal echocardiography.
Dental radiography is, without question, one of the most important diagnostic tools that is utilised when treating dental and oromaxillofacial conditions.
Our year-long Dermatology Distance Education program has been broken down into 3 manageable and independent parts: Pruritic Skin Disease, Infectious Skin Disease and Advanced Dermatology.
Each is a discrete course on its own but together they form a formidable dermatology educational program. Each course has an interactive workshop – a major drawcard – where you have the opportunity to apply the theory you have learnt under the watchful eye of your tutor. You also benefit from the group experience of learning with, and from, your peers.
The introductory dermatology module is a prerequisite for Pruritic and Infectious Skin Disease DE courses while you must complete either Pruritic or Infectious Skin Disease DE course to enrol in the Advanced Dermatology DE course.
Dr MedVet MANZCVS Dipl. ACVD FANZCVS (Derm.) Dipl. ECVD
Develop a logical approach to disease investigation and management of a range of complex dermatological cases, particularly immune-mediated and systemic diseases
Skin problems are a common reason for presentation in general practice. The CVE Dermatology Distance Education program offers a modular approach to developing practical skills for resolving recurrent skin cases with minimal frustration.
The ‘Advanced Dermatology’ course addresses less common but life-threatening diseases such as immune-mediated skin conditions, scaling diseases, alopecia, and cutaneous signs of systemic disease. It offers evidence-based treatment options and enhances case management confidence.
*Prerequisite: Completing either the Pruritic and/or Infectious Skin Disease Distance Education course is a prerequisite for enrolling in the Advanced Dermatology Distance Education course.
Many dermatoses in dogs and cats are recurrent, and effective management can be difficult and provide great frustration to both owners and veterinarians.
Our year-long Diagnostic Imaging DE course has been broken down into 3 manageable and independent parts: Thoracic, Musculoskeletal and Abdominal Imaging.
Each is a discrete unit on its own but together they form a formidable imaging educational program. Each unit has an interactive workshop – a major drawcard – where you have the opportunity to apply the theory you have learnt under the watchful eye of your tutor. You also benefit from the group experience of learning with, and from, your peers.
The introductory imaging module is a prerequisite for each unit; this needs to be completed only once, prior to studying your first unit.
If you enrol in all 3 units, the whole program comprises 10 modules.
Develop an ordered and logical approach to imaging and evaluation of the abdomen.
This course covers abdominal imaging with radiography, ultrasonography, and CT, focusing on diagnosing diseases in cats and dogs. Practitioners refine skills through case studies, quizzes, feedback, and an optional review section.
*The introductory module is a pre-requirement for each imaging course (Thoracic, Abdominal, Musculoskeletal). If you complete the introductory module in one of the courses, you will not be required to complete it again should you register for one of the other imaging courses.
cve edu au/abdominal-imaging
Intensive Ultrasound Short Course Workshop
2 - 5 June 2025 or 10 - 13 November 2025
Sydney
33 CPD Points
Venue
Veterinary Science Conference Centre
The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Tutors
Karon Hoffmann
BVSc MVSc PhD DipVetClinStud Dipl. ECVDI
Annie Rose
BVSc(Hons) BVetBiol MVS MVSc
GradCert(ClinEd) FANZCVS(Radiology)
Master the complexities of ultrasonography in this immersive 4-day course.
Gain confidence and improve your scanning technique through foundational theory, hands-on learning, and live patient scanning under expert guidance.
Perfect for those ready to enhance their diagnostic imaging capabilities.
cveeduau/intensive-ultrasound-jun
cveeduau/intensive-ultrasound-nov
Workshop Sponsor
VPOCUS Workshop
16 - 17 August 2025
Sydney 28 CPD Points
Venue
Veterinary Science Conference Centre
The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Tutors
Soren Boysen
DVM Dipl.ACVECC
Serge Chalhoub
BSc, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)
Mark Haworth
BVSc (Hons 1) MANZCVS (ECC) MVMS
Diplomate ACVECC
Pamela Manning
BSc, BVSc, GradCertEdStudies(Higher Ed), FHEA
Claire Sharp
BSc, BVMS, MS, DACVECC
Joanna Whitney
BSc(Vet) BVSc MVetStud PhD FANCVS (SAM) DACVECC
Early Bird
21 June 2025
Imaging & The Acute Abdomen WebinarPLUS
23 - 29 October 2025
Online
1 CPD Point
Speaker
Rachel Pollard
DVM, PhD, DACVR
cve edu au/imaging-and-acute-abdomen
Enhance your diagnostic confidence with this VPOCUS workshop, designed to help you effectively use point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in everyday practice.
Learn key techniques to assess the abdomen, pleural space, lung, and heart through hands-on training with live dogs and phantom models for ultrasound-guided vascular access.
This practical workshop is perfect for veterinarians looking to maximize their ultrasound machine’s potential and improve patient assessment with simple, efficient techniques. Ideal for anyone looking to integrate POCUS into daily practice.
cve edu au/vpocus-workshop
Workshop Sponsor
Case-based Diagnostic Imaging Conference
Monday 22Thursday 25 September 2025
Sydney 18 CPD Points
Venue
State Library Victoria
Entrance 3, 179 La Trobe Street
Melbourne VIC
Speakers
Jane Day, Mark Glyde, Claire Sharp
Mary Thompson & Mariano Makara
Conference Partner:
This conference focuses on practical interpretation techniques and multidisciplinary case-based discussions with specialists in radiology, surgery, medicine and emergency.
Join this comprehensive dermatology and musculoskeletal imaging conference to enhance your diagnostic skills. Day 1 covers non-localised lameness, juvenile disorders, and spinal disease, focusing on radiography and ultrasound techniques. Engage in case-based discussions to confidently interpret complex musculoskeletal conditions in practice.
Day 2 shifts to thoracic imaging, exploring dyspnoeic patients and differentiating thoracic opacities. Learn to use contrast studies and ultrasound for precise diagnosis and management. Day 3 tackles acute abdominal cases, integrating radiography and ultrasound to assess surgical necessity.
The conference concludes with an optional masterclass, offering interactive, case-based discussions led by radiologists and has limited places.
cveeduau/imaging-conference
Equine & Ruminant
Ruminant Nutrition Distance Education
1 February - 30 November 2026
341 CPD Points
Workshop
3-Day Workshop
Cowra, NSW: Date TBA
Tutor
Paul Cusack
BSc BVSc (Hons) MVSt MAgribus PhD MACVSc
Super Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Early Bird
31 Oct 2025
Maximise the output of your clients’ operations and learn how to better manage nutritional problems.
This course aims to help you develop the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve optimal nutritional outcomes in beef, dairy cattle and sheep enterprises. A three-day interactive workshop will see you visiting dairies, feedlots, and grazing enterprises to bring your learning to life.
The course emphasises an evidence-based approach to nutritional management and will focus on key topics including the development and physiology of the rumen, feed intake and its utilisation, management and prevention of nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disease as well as the achievement of optimal nutritional outcomes.
cveeduau/ruminant-nutrition
Goat Medicine & Husbandry
28 April - 25 May 2025
Online
15 CPD Points
Tutors
Sandra Baxendell
BVSc (Hons) PhD MACVSc
As the popularity of pet goats increases and commercial herds extend their reach, the demand for veterinary expertise in caprine care skyrockets.
cve edu au/goat-medicine-tol
Equine Lacerations
Start Now! Online 5 CPD Points
Tutor
Ben Ahern
BVSc MACVSc Dipl. ACVS Dipl. ACVSMR
Managing Ethical Challenges in Vet Settings WebinarLIVE!
Wednesday 16 July 2025
Online, 7pm AEST 1 CPD Point
Speaker
Anne Quain
Anne Quain BA (Hons) BScVet BVSc MVetStud GradCertEdStud(HigherEd) MANZCVS (Animal Welfare) DipECAWBM (AWSEL) PhD
Knowing When It’s Time: End-of-Life Decisions WebinarLIVE!
Wednesday 13 August 2025
Online, 7pm AEST 1 CPD Point
Speaker
Laura McGuffog DVM CAETA
cve edu au/knowing-when-its-time
cve edu au/ethical-challenges-in-vet-wl The second edition of the Vet Cookbook is coming soon. Stay tuned! For more details, visit
Celebrating the amazing veterinary profession
cve edu au/vet-cookbook
Getting Client’s Excited About Homecare!
WebinarPLUS NurseEd
8 - 15 September 2025
Online 1 AVNAT Point
Speaker
Maggie Burley
Cert IV VN, Dip VN (Dental), VTS (Dentistry), RVN, Cert IV TAE
cve edu au/getting-excited-about-homecare
Nursing Care of Senior Cats
WebinarPLUS NurseEd
13 - 19 October 2025
Online 1 AVNAT Point
Speaker
Sarah Collins DipAVN (Medical) RVN, VTS(ECC), Cert CFVHNut, ISFM DipFN
cve edu au/nursing-care-of-senior-cats
Wildlife: Reptile Essentials
WebinarPLUS NurseEd
3 - 9 November 2025
Online 1 CPD Point
Speaker
Melissa Fangmeier
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Honours I), Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
cve edu au/wildlife-reptile-essentials
Ophthalmology Distance Education
1 February - 30 November 2026
Online
334 CPD Points
Workshop
2-Day Workshop
Melbourne
Tutors
Robin Stanley
BVSc (Hons) FACVSc (Ophthalmology)
Matthew Sanders
BVSc Hons MANZCVS (Surgery) FANZCVS (Ophthalmology) Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology
Super Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Early Bird
31 Oct 2025
Develop your ability and confidence to investigate, diagnose, and manage ocular cases consistently, and learn when to consider referral.
Master the fundamentals of a comprehensive ocular exam, from the anterior to the posterior segments of the eye. Case-based learning will bolster your confidence in managing ophthalmology cases across general, equine, or small animal practice.
cveeduau/ophthalmology
Practical Ophthalmology: Conference & Workshop
21 - 22 June 2025
Sydney
20 CPD Points
Venue
Veterinary Science Conference Centre
The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Tutors
Mark Billson
BVSc PhD DVOphthal DipVetClinStud MRCVS
Allyson Groth
BVSc MANZCVS DACVO
David Maggs
BVSc (Hons) Dipl. ACVO
Workshop Sponsors
Join us for the return of Practical Ophthalmology Conference and Workshop in 2025. This program was designed to improve your understanding and capabilities in ophthalmology while also having fun.
Mark Billson, Allyson Groth, and David Maggs will place special emphasis on performing a high-yield ophthalmic exam with the instruments already in your clinic, choosing the best diagnostic tests, perfecting ophthalmic surgical techniques, and discussing which drugs to use when.
Prerequisite: You must complete the 1-day conference part of this course to do the 1-day workshop.
cveeduau/practical-ophthalmology
WHY ENROL IN DISTANCE EDUCATION?
Our extensive program offers you the chance to immerse yourself in a particular discipline in the company of like-minded peers. It is ideal as the first step towards the ANZCVS membership exams and veterinary excellence.
Learn at a steady pace—module by module—and implement new knowledge and expertise at your practice as you progress through the comprehensive and challenging course content. Engage with your dedicated tutors and benefit from first-hand feedback on your assignments. Share cases with your tutors and fellow participants on the online group discussion forum.
Benefit from individual and collective learning.
Choose from a wide range of Distance Education courses—featured throughout this CPD Handbook—designed to deepen your expertise across core disciplines including Small Animal Medicine, Dermatology, Surgery, Dentistry, Anaesthesia, Cardiology, Diagnostic Imaging, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Emergency & Critical Care, and more.
CVE members save 10% on enrolments
AU$1,000
Small Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine Distance Education
1 February 2026 - 30 November 2027
2-year course!
348 CPD Points
Online Tutorials
Monthly
Tutors
Oceania:
Katherine Briscoe, Sally Coggins
Alison Jukes, Rachel Korman, Michael Linton, Jane Yu
UK & Europe:
Ellie Mardell, Christina Maunder Katie McCallum, Kerry Rolph, Samantha Taylor
USA :
Petra Cerna, Ashlie Saffire
Super Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Early Bird
31 Oct 2025
Feline Education Partners:
Elevate your feline care expertise with our Feline Medicine Distance Education course—designed specifically for busy small animal practitioners. Managing unwell cats requires precise, thoughtful, and targeted care, and this course equips you with the practical skills and insights you need to achieve optimal outcomes.
Tutored by a panel of leading specialists from Australia, the UK, Europe and the US the course is designed to give you individual feedback as you progress. Each module aims to enhance your clinical approach to feline care, offering essential insights and practical tips from our expert tutors. You will benefit from a supportive learning environment that includes regular webinars, personalised feedback, and an active online forum. Engage with a passionate community with over 150 participants from across the world actively participating in the course each year. Practitioners (AAFP) facilitate a broadreaching educational experience across the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada, with equal membership rates for CVE and partner members.
cve edu au/feline-medicine
Practical Oncology Distance Education
1 February - 30 November 2026
334 CPD Points
Workshop
Optional / 2-Day Workshop
Sydney
Tutors
Katrina Cheng
BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS (Vet Oncology)
MANZCVS (SM Medicine and Radiology)
Super Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Early Bird
31 Oct 2025
Unlike heart disease, chronic renal insufficiency and arthritis, cancer is potentially curable.
This course provides an overview of cancer biology, common chemotherapeutics, other therapies including surgery and radiation, paraneoplastic syndromes, lymphoma, sarcomas, round cell tumours and the complete approach to the cancer patient.
cve edu au/practical-oncology
Internal Medicine: Keys to Understanding
Distance Education
1 February - 30 November 2026
334 CPD Points
Workshop
Optional / 2-Day Workshop
Melbourne
Tutors
Jen Brown
BVSc FANZCVS
Steven Holloway
BVSc MVS PhD MACVSc Dipl. ACVIM
Darren Merrett
BVSc MVS CertSAC FACVSc
Super Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Early Bird
31 Oct 2025
Three enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors will guide you through 10 modules designed to enhance your confidence in diagnosing and treating small animal patients.
Utilising a system-oriented approach, this updated course aims to help you develop a structured method applicable to any internal medicine issue. This framework serves as a powerful tool to assist in rapidly and reliably reaching a diagnosis and developing a treatment protocol, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
If you are preparing to sit for the small animal medicine membership examinations of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), this course will provide a solid foundation and framework for your studies.
cve edu au/imku
Internal Medicine: A Problem-Solving Approach
Distance
Education
1 February - 30 November 2026
277 CPD Points
Workshop
Optional / 2-Day Workshop
Sydney + 4-Online Zoom Tutorials
Tutors
Jill Maddison
BVSc DipVetClinStud PhD FACVSc
Sue Bennett
BSc BVMS MANZCVS FANZCVS
Susan Carr
BVSc MS DACVIM (SAIM)
Super Early Bird
30 Jun 2025
Early Bird
31 Oct 2025
Enhance your problem-solving abilities with a course designed to develop a rational, pathophysiologically-based approach to the diagnosis and management of internal medicine cases.
Led by esteemed experts Jill Maddison, Sue Bennett, and newcomer Susan Carr, this modular course starts with the presenting problem, progressing to a pathophysiological approach, enhancing diagnostic skills, clinical effectiveness, and case workup evaluation.
What Am I Looking At? Views From GI Endoscopy WebinarPLUS
22 - 28 May 2025
Online 1 CPD Point
Speaker
Ed Hall MA Vet MB PhD DipECVIM-CA FRCVS
cve edu au/views-from-gi-endoscopy
Cats Out the Bag! Secrets for Feline Neurology WebinarPLUS
19 - 25 June 2025
Online 1 CPD Point
Speaker
Barbara Lindsay
BVSc Dipl. ACVIM (Neurology)
cve edu au/cats-out-the-bag
This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills to confidently conduct in-house cytopathology, enhancing your approach to diagnosing and managing canine and feline cases.
cveeduau/clinical-pathology
Immune-Mediated Disease
1 - 28 September 2025
Online
10 CPD Points
Tutor
Tunbi Idowu
BSc BVMS FANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)
The Nitty ‘Kitty’ of Feline Practice
Wednesday 17 September 2025
Online, 7pm AEST
1 CPD Point
Speaker
Sam Taylor
BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM FRCVS
cve edu au/nitty-kitty
Weighting Imperfect Diagnostic Evidence
WebinarLIVE!
Wednesday 12 November 2025
Online, 7pm AEDT
1 CPD Point
Speaker
Charles Caraguel
DVM MSc PhD MANZCVS (Epi)
cveeduau/weighting-imperfect
Learn to diagnose and manage immune-mediated diseases like Haemolytic Anaemia, Polyarthritis, and Thrombocytopaenia. Explore hypersensitivity reactions and immunosuppressive treatments.
You can register for our courses online Simply visit the CVE website, choose your course and follow the prompts to register
Discounts and nurse registrations cannot be processed online Please contact the CVE on the phone or by email
Phone:
General enquiries: +61 2 9351 7979
Payment over the phone: 0436 520 249
Email:
cveenquiries@sydneyeduau
CANCELLATION POLICY
Terms & Conditions:
Cancellations may incur a fee. Cancellation fees will be waived if a credit note is requested for the full amount of the course fee, and must be used within 12 months. CVE will not be liable for any loss suffered as a result of cancellation or change, including travel or other costs incurred. All the information is correct at the time of going to print. The CVE reserves the right to alter the program, date and speakers for the course.
Distance Education specific:
If you wish to register to secure a place in a Distance Education program you will be required to pay a $1000 non-refundable deposit. Full payment must be made 10 working days prior to the course commencement date. Early bird discount rates are available to those who register and pay in full by the end of an early bird period. For full terms please visit: cve.edu.au/terms-policies
Contact us
cveenquiries@sydneyeduau +61 2 9351 7979
Centre for Veterinary Education Veterinary Science Conference Centre
Produced by Centre for Veterinary Education (CVE), the University of Sydney, April 2025. The CVE reserves the right to make alterations to any information contained within this publication without notice.
