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ABOUT STAAR

STAAR Conference for veterinarians and animal rehabilitation professionals aims to bring to you the most advanced courses in rehabilitation and sports medicine taught by industry leaders and pioneers.  Some of our exceptional instructors have included Laurie EdgeHughes, Ria and David Acciani, Dr. Julia Tomlinson, Drs. Sherman and Debra Canapp, Dr. Rick Wall, Deb Torraca, Amie Hesbach, Dr. Andrea Looney, Dr. Felix Duerr, and many more.

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Our unique method of education focuses on hands-on, practical experience using live animals. We have a huge network of animal volunteers, which ensures the ability to practice newly learned skills on target populations (e.g., dogs with DM, cruciate insufficiency).  Indeed, STAAR is the conference that offers the most hands on, practical training. Workshops are selected based on the clinician's interest, and each is made up of 25% lecture and 75% lab.  Explore new concepts, techniques, and treatments in rehabilitation and sports medicine with like-minded professionals in an intimate and informal setting.

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STAAR is DIFFERENT from other conferences

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  1. STAAR allows you to choose the Workshops that best meet your needs and schedule. No need to register for the entire Conference. Pick the Workshops that are most relevant to you. STAAR is . . . Your Conference Your Way!

  2. ​Workshops are limited to 20 participants, which allows for intimate, highly- focused labs with lots of personal attention.

  3. ​STAAR has a large network of animal volunteers that include performance/competition and service animals, as well as family pets and animals with relevant injuries or disorders.

  4. ​Workshops are non-sponsored (unless otherwise indicated), which promotes independent and balanced activities that are readily accepted by the rehab community and free from commercial bias.

  5. ​One of the most effective ways to learn is in a nurturing and welcoming  environment. We take the time to know and listen to our participants' needs. 

  6. We encourage feedback and open communication. After all, STAAR is designed with your needs in mind.  Have an idea for an awesome workshop?  Want to teach with us at an upcoming conference?  Need some information?  Contact us directly at: info@staarconference.com.

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RATING SCALE FOR WORKSHOPS

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★ = Basic course, designed for participants who seek a basic understanding or knowledge of the topic or skill. Participants will find the course introductory in its material.

​★★ = Intermediate course, where participants assume a solid foundation and understanding of the topic and skills, and desire more advanced training. Participants will find this course moderately challenging. 

​★★★ = Advanced course, where presentation includes advanced skills and cutting-edge techniques that assumes a thorough understanding of the topic and consistency in ability to apply foundational skills and clinical reasoning.

 

Admission exceptions are made by special permission based on review of the applicant's previous coursework, education, and work experience.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS

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  • Workshop choices are on a first-come, first-served basis, and are honored when full payment is received and processed.

  • Participants receive a confirmation e-mail with course schedule once payment is made in full.

  • Certificates of Attendance with documented contact hours are awarded upon successful completion of selected courses and can be used for C.E.U. verification and credits. These will be e-mailed to each Participant by June 30th, 2025.

  • Participants are required to sign a Release of Liability upon arrival and registration at STAAR.

  • Workshops are cancelled if less than 10 participants enroll by March 31st, 2025.

  • Dates, locations, instructors and/or costs are subject to change.

  • Requests for refunds must be submitted via the Workshop Cancellation Form.

  • STAAR refunds are not issued for late arrivals or absenteeism and are non-transferable.

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