Charlotte CE Dinner: Wildlife and Clinical Diagnostics

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: Dinner at 6:00 pm. CE from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Fin & Fino, 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Charlotte, NC 28202
Capacity: Limited seating for approximately 40 attendees
CE Credit: 2 hours
Sponsor: IDEXX

Program

• 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm: Arrival, networking, and dinner.
• 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm: The Role of Wildlife and Nature Photography in Protecting the Mental Health of Veterinary Professionals
  Presenter: Dr. Rick Beldegreen
• 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Advances in Disease Screening and Early Detection
  Presenter: Dr. Kari Mundschenk, DVM, DABVP (Feline)
  Professional Services Veterinarian III, IDEXX

Featured Session

The Role of Wildlife and Nature Photography in Protecting the Mental Health of Veterinary Professionals
Presenter: Dr. Rick Beldegreen

Photography offers a powerful way to reconnect with nature and reduce stress. Nature’s “soft fascination” draws our focus, lowers tension, and improves attention and mood. These benefits are especially valuable for those in a demanding profession.

Join Dr. Rick Beldegreen as he shares wildlife expeditions from the Arctic to Antarctica. Learn how understanding animal behavior enables safe, close-up encounters, explore unique adaptations, and discuss the growing conservation challenges linked to habitat loss and poaching.

A mini gallery will follow the program, featuring images from his fieldwork. Proceeds from purchases will support wildlife conservation.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize how nature and creative outlets like photography can reduce stress and support professional well-being.
• Explain how observing animal behavior deepens appreciation for wildlife and informs safe, respectful engagement.
• Discuss how conservation and ecological health relate to the veterinary profession’s One Health perspective.

IDEXX Clinical CE

Advances in Disease Screening and Early Detection
Presenter: Dr. Kari Mundschenk, DVM, DABVP (Feline)
Professional Services Veterinarian III, IDEXX

Attendees will review data supporting the latest wellness testing guidelines, renal screening methods, and early cancer detection tools. Case examples will show how to apply results to renal protocols and discuss next steps following positive coproantigen findings.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the data behind the latest wellness testing guidelines.
• Identify the three areas of renal testing now available for patient assessment.
• Apply case examples to renal protocols in clinical practice.
• Explain indications for early cancer screening in at-risk patients.
• Interpret Cancer Dx results and plan next steps.
• Review advantages of a positive fecal coproantigen result and follow-up options.

Who Should Attend

Veterinarians, practice owners, and associates in District 9 and neighboring areas are encouraged to attend. Due to limited capacity, early registration through the event link is recommended. Advance RSVP is required to confirm attendance.

Food and Beverage

Dinner will be served during the first half hour of the event. Please indicate dietary requirements on the event registration form.

Acknowledgment

This program is made possible with the generous support of IDEXX, the exclusive event sponsor.

Sponsor Contacts

Angela Graziano
Veterinary Diagnostic Consultant, IDEXX
Charlotte, NC
Mobile: 704-953-4771
Email: angela-graziano@idexx.com
Website: www.idexx.com

John Miller
Veterinary Diagnostic Consultant, IDEXX
North Charlotte, NC
Mobile: 937-941-4400
Email: john-miller@idexx.com
Website: www.idexx.com