Speakers
Dr. Nicky Cassel is a board-certified veterinary radiologist and educator with a passion for advancing veterinary imaging, clinical reasoning, and professional development. Originally from South Africa, Dr. Cassel earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pretoria in 2003 before completing a residency in diagnostic imaging and obtaining both a Master’s degree in Diagnostic Imaging and South African Veterinary Council Specialist status. She became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) in 2013
Dr. Cassel currently serves on the faculty at Kansas State University, where her work spans clinical service, teaching, mentorship, curriculum development, and research. She is deeply committed to training the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary radiologists, helping learners develop not only technical expertise but also confidence, critical thinking skills, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Her primary academic interests include musculoskeletal imaging, imaging interpretation, and veterinary education. She is particularly interested in innovative approaches to teaching diagnostic reasoning and exploring how emerging technologies can enhance veterinary training and clinical practice.
Beyond her clinical and academic responsibilities, Dr. Cassel serves as Co-Chair of the College of Veterinary Medicine Faculty Senate Caucus, is a past president of the Sigma Chapter of Phi Zeta, and is a member of the joint ACVR/ECVDI Artificial Intelligence Committee, where she contributes to discussions on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine and education.
Dr. Cassel’s approach to veterinary imaging extends beyond identifying abnormalities. She emphasizes asking better questions, thoughtfully integrating information, and helping clinicians make informed decisions that ultimately improve patient care.
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Session Title
Optimizing the Musculoskeletal Imaging Exam
Dr. Michael Jaffe is a Professor of Small Animal Surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated vet school from the University of Missouri. After graduation, he worked as a primary care veterinarian in Missouri and Florida. Dr. Jaffe then completed a rotating internship and small animal surgery residency at LSU, where he also earned his Master’s degree.
Dr. Jaffe practiced in specialty practice in Michigan and Arizona. He was part of the founding faculty at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine. He became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2002 and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner in 2017.
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Session Titles
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Multimodal Management of Canine Osteoarthritis
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Beyond Pain Meds: How Nutrition Supports Cats with Osteoarthritis
Dr. Stephanie Meilleur is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Small Animal Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgery at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her veterinary degree from Kansas State University in 2012 and became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner in 2014. Prior to pursuing specialty surgical training, she spent five years practicing emergency medicine in the Washington, D.C. area, managing a wide variety of traumatic injuries and surgical emergencies. Her additional training includes internships in canine sports medicine and small animal surgery, followed by an orthopedic research position and small animal surgery residency at Michigan State University.
In addition to her academic and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Meilleur serves in the U.S. Army Reserve and provides training in working dog emergency care to canine handlers, medical personnel, and veterinarians.
Her professional interests include orthopedic trauma, sports medicine, working dog medicine, and the integration of rehabilitation into surgical and nonsurgical management to restore mobility, preserve function, and improve quality of life.
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Session Title
Restoring and Maintaining Mobility: Practical Rehabilitation Strategies for Small Animals
Dr. Karzan Saleh is the clinical nutrition intern at the Hill’s Pet Health and Nutrition Center at the Veterinary Health Center (VHC), Kansas State University. He brings over four years of clinical experience in mixed animal practice, along with additional experience in the animal health sector and other industries. His current clinical responsibilities include providing wellness care for cats and dogs and leading the center’s Healthy Weight Clinic, where he provides nutritional guidance for the management of obesity in companion animals. He also provides weight management consultations to patients seen by other VHC services. His professional interests include the role of clinical nutrition in promoting long-term health, enhancing quality of life, and improving clinical outcomes in companion animals.
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Session Title
Weight Management for Improved Mobility in Dogs and Cats