Veterinary Industry Training And Leadership (V.I.T.A.L.)


The OVTAA VITAL program offers veterinary practice managers (and those moving towards management) the opportunity to complete a personal and professional development program comprised of in-person educational opportunities and activities over a 6-month period.


The VITAL Program offers veterinary practice managers the opportunity to participate in a six month program with monthly in-person educational sessions to help hone their practice management skills and advance in their personal growth as a leader and individual. The program consists of monthly modules (~5 hours each) and includes content experts, meals, and lifelong connections at no charge to the participants. Current membership in the OVTAA is required.


A poster for vital veterinary industry training and leadership

Program Eligibility

  • Current OVTAA member in good standing.


  • participation is limited to persons who currently hold a leadership role within their organization OR are working torwards one.


  • Practice owner or direct leadership support is required to enter the program.


  • Commitment to participation and attendance during the 6 month program. A lot of time and resources have been used to provide this educational program free of charge to all participants. It is vital that you are able to attend each in person session and have a willingness to participate in group discussions. If you know you have pre-planned vacations or other commitments during the listed program dates, please refrain from applying this year.


  • By signing up for this program, you acknowledge that sponsors will gain access to your email contact information.

Key Program Benefits

  • Grow your network with like-minded professionals, fostering opportunities for collaboration and innovation.


  • Learn to balance work-life dynamics, improving personal well-being and professional efficiency.


  • Cultivate a well-rounded leadership style, balancing both empathy and assertiveness.


  • Master effective communication and conflict resolution, enhancing your ability to lead with clarity and empathy.


  • Embrace diversity and inclusion principles, enriching your practice with broader perspectives and improved client relations.


  • Gain expertise in inventory and financial management, optimizing your practice’s operational efficiency and profitability.


  • Cultivate a positive workplace culture, fostering a supportive and resilient team environment.


  • Strengthen recruitment and retention strategies, ensuring your practice attracts and maintains top talent.

2026 Program- Module Overview

Application period now open through November 30th!

There will be 6 in-person modules (5 hours each) and modules will be held monthly from 9am-2pm.

Format will vary by module. Some will be held at the PVMA office located in SW Portland. Full program details will be provided as soon as it is finalized.

Topics that will be covered

  • Communication & Conflict Resolution
  • Equity Diversity Inclusion in Vet Med
  • Inventory Management with Nicole Clausen
  • Financial Management
  • Workplace Culture / Wellness
  • Recruitment & Retention
Program Schedule

  • January 21st
  • February 18th
  • March 18th
  • April 15th
  • May 20th
  • June 17th

Application Process

While we do call it an application, it really is meant to be a point of engagement and a way for us to get to know everyone, as we do tailor the program to better fit participants.

Step 1


Review Program Information on this page- printable overview linked below.

PROGRAM FLIER

Step 2


Complete application and email resume

Application period is open through November 30th for the January- June 2026 program.

PROGRAM APPLICATION

Step 3


Participants will be confirmed and welcomed into the program in December, in preparation for the January 21st kick-off!





Meet our Facilitators:

Gabe Sasse, CVPM

OVTAA Board Director- Recording Secretary


Your typical “crazy horse girl” who grew up in Wisconsin, I really went for it and obtain a BS in Equine Business Management and Western Equine Studies from the University of Findlay in Ohio. My kindergarten self would be disappointed we didn’t go to vet school, but I fell into veterinary medicine through assisting my own horses’ vet for the summer. I then continued down the rabbit hole into companion animal medicine when we moved to Oregon in 2015. I have been working at Bethany Family Pet Clinic since October of 2015 where I started as a CCR, Lead CCR, and now as a Practice Manager since 2021. I’ve really enjoyed being able to see all parts that vet med has to offer, and want to be able to give back to that community that has been so patient and kind with my questions and own animals’ care, and helping me to answer the question “what do you want to be when you grow up”. I want to not only draw people into this industry, but keep them here. I love hiking and backpacking with my husband and rescue mutt, Leopold, and snuggling our two cats.