Dr. Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veterinary Conference
November 11th - 15th 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Resort Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville, North Carolina, a Great Fall Tradition! Dr. Laurie will be lecturing on Thursday, November 12th on the following topics:

Using Food as Medicine: 1.5 hours
Like your morning coffee? Have a cocktail to unwind?  Then you use food as medicine.  This talk will teach you to do the same for cats and dogs.  I will cover a few home-cooked recipes for healthy animals and chronically ill patients.  I will also explain easy home-cooking techniques for clients. 
 
Bach Flower Essences - Psychological Therapy: 1.5 hours
Dr. Bach believed emotional imbalances were the root of all disease, and correcting these imbalances could cure any condition.  Many conditions in animals are psychological, such as inappropriate urination, separation anxiety, OCD’s, etcetera.  I will discuss which Bach Flower Essences are appropriate for a variety of conditions. 
 
Introduction to Essential Oils: 1.5 hours
This lecture will discuss Essential Oil use for pets. Essential Oils are a concentration of specific phytochemicals from plants.  They are a strong medicine of great value, when used correctly and safely. We will discuss their extraction, safety and uses. There will be case examples.
 
Apitherapy - Medicine from Bees and their Products: 2.0 hours
Not only do bees keep our food chain intact through pollination, but they offer us a myriad of sources of medicine.  Honey is used both internally for many conditions as well as a topical wound healer.  Propolis, Pollen and Royal Jelly are all nourishing and medically active.  Lately, there is burgeoning research on the use of bee venom for pain and conditions that are associated with pain, such as arthritis.  In this lecture, we will discuss all these great medicines we obtain from bees.  

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Colonial Veterinary Conference
 October 14 - 18, 2026 at The Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton In Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dr. Laurie will be lecturing Thursday, October 15th 2026 on the following topics:

Introduction to Veterinary Medical Herbalism: 1.5 hours
This lecture will go over the basics of medicinal herb use in Western Veterinary practices. The concept of Evidence-based Medicine will be introduced. We will discuss how herbs can be used in terms of physiology, treatment modalities, safety and interactions. There will be cases presented
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Using Food as Medicine: 1.5 hours
Like your morning coffee? Have a cocktail to unwind?  Then you use food as medicine.  This talk will teach you to do the same for cats and dogs.  I will cover a few home-cooked recipes for healthy animals and chronically ill patients.  I will also explain easy home-cooking techniques for clients. 
 
Bach Flower Essences - Psychological Therapy: 1.5 hours
Dr. Bach believed emotional imbalances were the root of all disease, and correcting these imbalances could cure any condition.  Many conditions in animals are psychological, such as inappropriate urination, separation anxiety, OCD’s, etcetera.  I will discuss which Bach Flower Essences are appropriate for a variety of conditions. 
 
Introduction to Essential Oils: 1.5 hours
This lecture will discuss Essential Oil use for pets. Essential Oils are a concentration of specific phytochemicals from plants.  They are a strong medicine of great value, when used correctly and safely. We will discuss their extraction, safety and uses. There will be case examples.
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International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Virtual Conference
September 25th -27th 2026 Online. 


Mid-America Veterinary Conference
September 26th -28th 2026 in Lexington, KY. 
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Mountain Veterinary Conference
April 19th - 22nd, Conference at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in the new state of the art Cherokee Convention Center. Dr. Laurie lectured on introduction to Veterinary Medical Herbalism, Simple Herbal Extracts, and Specific Herbal Formulas for Vague Conditions.

Seminars

Mountain Veterinary Conference
April 6th - 9th 2025, Conference at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in the new state of the art Cherokee Convention Center. Dr. Julie Wentzel, DVM, CVA, CVPP, CCRT lectured on Rehabilitation and Pain Management.
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2025 Sun & Fun Veterinary Conference
May 18th - 21st 2025, Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, Myrtle Beach, SC. Dr. Laurie lectured on introduction to Veterinary Medical Herbalism, Simple Herbal Extracts, and Specific Herbal Formulas for Vague Conditions.
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IAAHPC Annual Conference
September 25th - 28th 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Purple Moon's Dr. Rachel Klickman provided an introduction to utilizing herbs, covering formulations and simples specific to hospice and palliative care.

Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veterinary Conference
November 12 - 16, 2025, Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina. Dr. Laurie Dr. Laurie lectured on introduction to Veterinary Medical Herbalism, Simple Herbal Extracts, and Specific Herbal Formulas for Vague Conditions.

Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veterinary Conference
​November 6th - 10th, Asheville NC. Dr. Laurie presented the following lectures on November 7th:

​Using Food as Medicine: 
Like your morning coffee? Have a cocktail to unwind?  Then you use food as medicine.  This talk teaches veterinarians to do the same for cats and dogs. Dr. Laurie covered a few home-cooked recipes for healthy animals and chronically ill patients, and also explained easy home-cooking techniques for clients. 
 
Bach Flower Essences: Psychological Therapy: 
Dr. Bach believed emotional imbalances were the root of all disease, and correcting these imbalances could cure any condition.  Many conditions in animals are psychological, such as inappropriate urination, separation anxiety, OCD’s, etcetera.  Dr. Laurie discussed which Bach Flower Essences are appropriate for a variety of conditions. 
 
Adaptogens: Herbs for Stress: 
Adaptogens are herbs that improve the body’s resilience and resistance to stress, mental physical or environmental. This lecture began with a detailed explanation of adaptogens as an herbal group.  Specific adaptogenic herbs were discussed in detail.  
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2024 American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Conference
Saturday September 28th - Drs. Laurie Dohmen and Anne Scearce lectured on the basics of medicinal use of Western Herbs. The concept of Evidence-based Medicine was introduced, how herbs can be used in terms of physiology, treatment modalities, safety, and interactions was discussed. How to read a monograph was explained, and cases were presented.


​2024 International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) Virtual Conference
September 26th - 29th ONLINE ONLY. Drs. Laurie Dohmen and Rachel Klickman presented Herbal Support for Palliative Care: A Lab on Sunday, September 29th.


​2024 Mountain Veterinary Conference
April 21st - 24th at the beautiful Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Dr. Laurie's morning Herbwalk and lectures were held on Monday, April 22nd.  Dr. Laurie presented the following:
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• Medicinal and Wildflower Herbwalk: This medicinal and wildflower herb walk followed the Oconaluftee River Trail in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It is an easy and lovely walk filled with native wildflowers and other medicinal plants. We discussed the plants and their medicine as well as their uses in pharmaceuticals.    
• Introduction to Veterinary Medical Herbalism (1.5 hours): This lecture went over the basics of medicinal herb use in western veterinary practices.  The concept of Evidence-based Medicine was introduced.  We discussed how herbs can be used in terms of physiology, treatment modalities, safety and interactions.  Cases were presented.
• “Simple” Herbal Extracts (2 hours):  An “Herbal Simple” is a single herb remedy, as opposed to a tincture that contains multiple herbs to treat an ailment. Herbal Simples address specific medical conditions effectively. In this talk, many easy to use Herbal Simples were discussed along with their corresponding disorders.

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2024 American Holistic Veterinary Medical (AHVMA) Conference
September 28th – October 1st, 2024 in Reno, Nevada. Dr. Laurie presented seven lectures, as follows:
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• Lecture 1: Intro to Herbs for Western Veterinary Practice This lecture covered the basics of medicinal use of Western Herbs. The concept of Evidence-based Medicine was introduced. She discuss how herbs can be used in terms of physiology, treatment modalities, safety and interactions. How to read a monograph was be explained, and cases were presented.

 

• Lecture 2: Ayurveda for Animals: General Theory Part I This lecture began with a general introduction to Ayurveda. It went on to explain the Elements, Doshas (personality types), Gunas (traits of each personality type), Dhatus (tissues), and the concept of Agni (digestive fire). All these concepts are necessary for an understanding of Ayurvedic healthcare. The Ayurvedic medical system is based on Dosha imbalances, so first there must be an understanding of Doshas. Doshas are based on the Elements and the Gunas, so they also must be understood. Lastly, all Ayurvedic health starts with diet and digestion, so that concept needs to be very clear.

 

• Lecture 3: Ayurveda for Animals: General Theory Part II This continuation of the lecture will continue to explain the Elements, Doshas (personality types), Gunas (traits of each personality type), Dhatus (tissues), and the concept of Agni (digestive fire). All these concepts are necessary for an understanding of Ayurvedic healthcare. The Ayurvedic medical system is based on Dosha imbalances, so first there must be an understanding of Doshas. Doshas are based on the Elements and the Gunas, so they also must be understood. Lastly, all Ayurvedic health starts with diet and digestion, so that concept needs to be very clear.

 

• Lecture 4: Ayurveda for Animals: Food and Herb Theory Part I Ayurveda treats first with diet, then with lifestyle changes, thirdly with herbs and pharmaceuticals, and lastly with surgery. So an understanding of therapeutic diet and herbs is necessary for treatment in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. This lecture went through this theory and to elucidated the Ayurvedic monograph, which is used equally for food and herbs. An Ayurvedic monograph has different categories than a Western Herbal monograph, or even a Chinese Herbal monograph. These categories include Rasas (tastes), Gunas (qualities), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), Dosha Karma (effects on doshas) and more.

 

• Lecture 5: Ayurveda for Animals: Food and Herb Theory Part II This lecture was a continuation, going through diet and herbal Ayurvedic treatment theory and elucidating the Ayurvedic monograph, which is used equally for food and herbs. An Ayurvedic monograph has different categories than a Western Herbal monograph, or even a Chinese Herbal monograph. These categories include Rasas (tastes), Gunas (qualities), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), Dosha Karma (effects on doshas) and more.

 

• Lecture 6: Ayurveda Lifestyle Part I One of the greatest benefits in Ayurveda is incorporating healthy habits into daily life. The Ayurvedic clock follows the natural rhythms of the day and of the seasons, making time for activity, rest, focused work, nourishment, self-care and other important aspects of health maintenance. In this lecture, we will go through the Ayurvedic schedules for day and seasons. We worked through the daily clock from the perspective of each Dosha. We also went through the typical Ayurvedic daily routine for health and wellness. This schedule is as pertinent to our companion animals as it is to us.

 

• Lecture 7: Ayurveda Lifestyle Part II This lecture continuation progressed through the Ayurvedic schedules for day and seasons. We worked through the daily clock from the perspective of each Dosha. We will also went through the typical Ayurvedic daily routine for health and wellness. This schedule is as pertinent to our companion animals as it is to us.​

​2023 IVAS & AAVA Joint Congress
August 25th - 27th at the Westin Alexandria Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. 


2023 IAAHPC Paving the Way Conference
September 28th – October 1st, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. Laurie will be presented a Poster on Herbal Support for Chronic Conditions and did a Coffee Talk on Self-Care: How to Make Lip Balm. 
 

Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2023
November 8 - 12, 2023 at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina. Laurie's lectures were held on Thursday, November 9th. Topics included Introduction to Veterinary Medical Herbalism, “Simple” Herbal Extracts, and Specific Herbal Formulas for Vague Conditions.
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2022 Bluegrass Veterinary Conference
July 28th - 31st 2022 at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino, Elizabeth, Indiana
Dr. Dohmen lectured on Bee Medicine, From Honey to Venom and Mushrooms as well as lead an herbwalk at the Brock Sampson Nature Preserve.


2022 American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Conference
September 10th - 13th at the Hilton West Palm Beach 600 Okeechobee Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Dr. Dohmen lectured on Saturday, September 11th on Herbal Antimicrobials and Echinacea.


2022 American Herbalists Guild Symposium
October 21st - 24th in Bethesda, MD. Dr Dohmen lectured on Herbal Tips for Pets.


2021 Annual Colonial Veterinary Conference
December 1-5, 2021, in Historic Williamsburg, Virginia, Hilton DoubleTree Hotel


2021 Bluegrass Veterinary Conference
July 29th - August 1st at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino, Elizabeth, Indiana
Dr. Dohmen led an herbwalk on the Campbell Woodland Nature Trail, and lectured on Bee Medicine: From Honey to Venom and Essential Oils: Uses, Phytopharmacology and Safety.


2021 Midwest Veterinary Conference
Feb. 11 - 14, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio


2019 AHVMA Annual Conference:
Saturday, September 7 – Tuesday, September 10, 2019 Nashville, Tennessee


2019 Bluegrass Veterinary Conference:
August 1-4, 2019, at the beautiful Horseshoe Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino in Elizabeth, Indiana
Dr. Dohmen hosted an herb walk at the Brock Sampson Nature Preserve. We walked the trails and discussed the plants along the way.  We provided medicinal plant identification and uses.  The area is known for some unlikely trees and plants, even cacti!


2019 Mountain Veterinary Conference:
April 7 - 10, 2019, "At the beautiful Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Cherokee, North Carolina"
On Sunday, Dr. Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS and Dr. Julie Wentzel, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP co-hosted an herb walk in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Monday, Dr. Dohmen spoke about Western Herbal Medicine and Wholistic Food. Tuesday, Dr. Wentzel spoke about Wholistic Pain Management with an emphasis on Rehabilitation.


2019 Midwest Veterinary Conference:
Feb. 21 - 24, 2019, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio
Dr. Dohmen lectured on Western Herbal Medicine and Food Therapy.


2018 Colonial Veterinary Conference:
November 28 - December 2, 2018, Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center, Williamsburg, Virginia
Dr. Dohmen lectured on Western Herbal Medicine and Food Therapy.


2018 Sun N Fun Veterinary Conference:
June 20 - 24, 2018, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, Myrtle Beach, South CarolinaDr. Dohmen presented a series of six lectures on the Use of Western Medicinal Herbs to Enhance Muscle Function.


2017 AHVMA Conference:
October 21-24, 2017, San Diego, California
Dr. Dohmen presented a series of three lectures on Bach Flower Essences: Psychological Therapy, "Simple" Herbal Therapy and Adaptogenic Herbs.


2017 Sun N Fun Veterinary Conference:
August 2 - 6, 2017, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Dr. Dohmen lectured on Ethnomedicine, Organoleptics and Phytopharmacology while covering the roots of both Herbal and Pharmaceutical drugs, from a cultural and chemical perspective.


2016 Sun N Fun Veterinary Conference:
August 3 - 7, 2016, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Dr. Dohmen lectured on Using Food as Medicine, Introduction to Western Herbalism, “Simple” Herbal Extracts and A Sampling of Acupuncture, Bach Flower Essences: Psychological Therapy.


2016 Food Preparation with Herbs:
July 12 - 14, 2016, Mequon Nature Preserve, Mequon, Wisconsin
Dr. Dohmen conducted an herb walk centered around Harvesting & Cooking and lectured on Herbal Facials and Herbs for Pets.


CIVT Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine Immersion Workshop Part II:
June 17 - 19, 2016, Laurel, Maryland
Instructors Dr. Barbara Fougere, Dr. Laurie Dohmen and sSpecial guest Dr. Kris August explored herbs for veterinary use in the field and offered new and exciting options for the beginner herbalist through to advanced integrative practitioners.