Login | Renew Join

Anesthesia Society

MISSION STATEMENT

To advance the education and professional recognition of AAEVT members who display excellence in and dedication to providing superior anesthesia care to the equine patient.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Any member of the AAEVT who wants to expand their expertise, skill and knowledge in the area of Equine Anesthesia can become a member of the Anesthesia Society.

PURPOSE

The AAEVT Anesthesia Society** exists to promote excellence in the discipline of equine veterinary Anesthesia.  The Society will provide a process by which AAEVT member technicians and assistants may become certified as qualified with excellence in the field of equine veterinary anesthesia.  These individuals will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically – and humanely – based techniques of equine veterinary anesthesia.

** A Society is a group of individuals who have a common interest and passion for a topic or field of study. It does not have the capability to credential. It can offer RACE approved CE, it can offer certificates of completion, and it can offer criteria for required study should a member wish to receive recognition of completion and a certificate. By being a member you are not required to achieve this more advanced level.

Anesthesia Society Committee

Lindsey Schoelen, L.V.M.T. – Chair Person

Travis Otremba, LVT

Wendy Hirsch, LVT

Wiss Costanza

Anesthesia Society Instructors

Lindsey Schoelen, L.V.M.T.

Anesthesia Society Committee Chair/Instructor

Anesthesia & Surgery Technician – Tennessee Equine Hospital, Thompson’s Station, TN
Lindsey has resided in Middle Tennessee for over 30 years but is actually an Oklahoma native. She has spent many years in varying aspects of the equine industry including training, showing, teaching, and reproduction. The last 10 years she has spent in veterinary medicine as a licensed technician for Tennessee Equine Hospital. For the practice her focus is surgery and anesthesia as well as medicine and triage. Aside from a busy work schedule Lindsey will otherwise be found on her farm hanging out with some goats, chickens, horses, dogs, and on occasion a good book!

Travis Otremba, CVT, LVT

Anesthesia Society Committee/Instructor

Surgery Technician, Anesthesia – Ocala Equine Hospital, Ocala, FL
Born and raised in Michigan, Travis graduated from Baker College, Jackson and obtained his credentials as a LVT. Travis worked for eight years as a small animal technician in general practice, as well as a short time in surgical oncology, in his home state. Following his passion for horses, Travis made the move to Ocala, FL to work for Ocala Equine Hospital in 2014. With a focus solely on anesthesia, he completed a four month mentorship with Dr. Eric Abrahamsen, DACVAA. Since then, he has been credentialed in Florida as a CVT. Travis’ professional passions include pharmacology, airway surgeries and orthopedics; standing orthopedic surgeries are some of his favorites. In his off time, Travis enjoys time on the boat, riding his horses and traveling.

Wendy Hirsch, LVT

Anesthesia Society Committee/Instructor

Veterinary Technician Specialist, Large Animal Anesthesia – Woodside Equine Clinic, Ashland, VA
Wendy became an LVT in 1994 in Virginia after attending NVCC for an AS in Veterinary Technology. She has worked in multiple equine referral hospitals in California and Virginia. With an opportunity to work for Oregon State University and UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital as a large animal surgery and anesthesia technician respectively she was able to complete the requirements for the VTS certification in Large Animal Anesthesia in 2008. She has taught many interns and technicians clinical anesthesia techniques over the years. Outside of work she loves to be with her family, travel, hike and read when she has the time.

Sally Schwartz, CVT

Anesthesia Society Instructor

Sally worked as a senior veterinary technician at a large multi doctor referral equine clinic from 1993-2022. She has had extensive experience in equine anesthesia and surgery and is well versed in all areas of hospital functions, including Critical Care, Reproduction, Medical and Advanced Imaging departments. She is a graduate of Madison College, (Madison WI), as a Veterinary Technician and has made the decision recently to step back from working in practice and will be offering her expertise as an Anesthesia Instructor for the AAEVT.

Dr. Carrie Davis, DVM, Diplomate ACVAA

Anesthesia Society Instructor

Board-certified Specialist in Veterinary Anesthesia & Analgesia – MedVet Dallas, Dallas, TX
Dr. Davis attended The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science followed by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She then completed a small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Charlotte, NC as well as an Anesthesia & Analgesia Residency at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, TN. Dr. Davis has authored book chapters and journal articles on topics including total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), urogenital anesthesia, and imaging anesthesia. Along with these topics, she has a special interest in locoregional anesthesia and perioperative pain management. Dr. Davis is passionate about teaching other veterinary professionals through continuing education lectures. When away from the hospital, Dr. Davis enjoys working in her flower garden, feeding and watching birds, traveling, and spending time with family.

Jessica Balaam, RVT, LVT, C.E.R.T

Anesthesia Society Instructor

Anesthesia Technician – Comstock Equine & Great Basin Equine, Reno, NV
Jessica is a native of Yerington, Nevada. She obtained her associate degree of veterinary technology from Yuba College in Marysville, California and is a Registered Veterinary Technician in the state of California and a Licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Nevada. She also worked in the equine surgery department at UC Davis where she developed her love of anesthesia. Jessica has had an interesting career, from UC Davis she went to work as an anesthesia technician for an idependent equine surgeon and together they travelled to many different clinics in California as well as to Dubai during the racing season. After 7 years she then took a position at Dubai Equine Hospital for 3 years as an anesthesia technician before moving to South Africa and working at Fourways Equine Hospital where she met her husband Gideon. They moved back to the United States in 2020 where she is currently employed at Comstock Equine Hospital and Great Basin Equine. Her professional interests include anesthesia and emergency and critical care. Jessica is also a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Therapist and is currently working on multiple veterinary forensic courses. In her free time, Jessica competes in cycling and running events with her husband Gideon, hiking with their dog Louie, drawing and traveling.

Sharon Schieltz, RVT

Anesthesia Society Instructor

Anesthetist – Humphrey, Giacopuzzi & Associates, Somis, CA
Sharon started in the exciting field of Veterinary medicine in 1996. She was hooked when she began to volunteer at Humphrey Giacopuzzi and Associates Equine Hospital. On her first day, there was a septic joint that had to go into surgery and that is when she really knew that she loved this field and enrolled in school to become a registered veterinary technician. After obtaining her RVT license in 2000, she delved into the fascinating world of anesthesia. The more she learned the better she liked it, a typical day involved 1-3 surgeries and found the colic’s were the most fun and challenging. Sharon decided she wanted more education, so in 2005, she attended UC Davis for two weeks in the large animal anesthesia department. Sharon fouond the program  wonderful and highly educational. Over the years, Sharon has done anesthesia on many different species, including cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, equine from mini to drafts, and skunks, foxes, raccoons, reindeer. Sharon also teaches at a vet tech program in the local community college and the interns at the equine hospital.
In her spare time, Sharon enjoys fishing, gardening, and team roping with her husband.

Amanda Nielsen, AAEVT AS Certified

Anesthesia Society, Instructor

Anesthesia Manager- South Valley Equine, Saratoga Springs, Utah

Amanda K. Nielsen is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in Equine Anesthesia and veterinary nursing skills.
Amanda has been a long time member of the AAEVT and attended the first AAEVT conference (2004) when the organiziation was officially formed. Through this she has continued to set goals and worked hard to achieve her goals and receive her
AAEVT Certified Equine Anesthetist. She loves the learning and growth networking within the AAEVT. She is excited & grateful to now be a part of the Anesthesia Society board of Instructors. She is currently the Veterinary Technician Director &  Anesthesia Manager at South Valley Equine, Saratoga Springs, UT. South Valley Equine is now one the largest Equine referral centers in the Intermountain West.
In her spare time Amanda enjoys watching her son compete in Jr. Rodeo, baseball and camping with her family. Amanda loves barrelracing and Pilates. She is a Comprehensively Certified Pilates Instructor.

lschol-e1567727417105-150×150

Anesthesia & Surgery Technician - Tennessee Equine Hospital
Lindsey has resided in Middle Tennessee for over 30 years but is actually an Oklahoma native. She has spent many years in varying aspects of the equine industry including training, showing, teaching, and reproduction. The last 10 years she has spent in veterinary medicine as a licensed technician for Tennessee Equine Hospital. For the practice her focus is surgery and anesthesia as well as medicine and triage. Aside from a busy work schedule Lindsey will otherwise be found on her farm hanging out with some goats, chickens, horses, dogs, and on occasion a good book!

Lindsey Schoelen, L.V.M.T.

Anesthesia Society Committee Chair/Instructor
Travis-Otremba-LVT-RVT

Born and raised in Michigan, Travis graduated from Baker College, Jackson and obtained his credentials as a LVT. Travis worked for eight years as a small animal technician in general practice, as well as a short time in surgical oncology, in his home state. Following his passion for horses, Travis made the move to Ocala, FL to work for Ocala Equine Hospital in 2014. With a focus solely on anesthesia, he completed a four month mentorship with Dr. Eric Abrahamsen, DACVAA. Since then, he has been credentialed in Florida as a CVT. Travis’ professional passions include pharmacology, airway surgeries and orthopedics; standing orthopedic surgeries are some of his favorites. In his off time, Travis enjoys time on the boat, riding his horses and traveling.

Travis Otremba, CVT, LVT

Anesthesia Society Committee/Instructor
Wendy-Hirsch1

Wendy became an LVT in 1994 in Virginia after attending NVCC for an AS in Veterinary Technology. She has worked in multiple equine referral hospitals in California and Virginia. With an opportunity to work for Oregon State University and UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital as a large animal surgery and anesthesia technician respectively she was able to complete the requirements for the VTS certification in Large Animal Anesthesia in 2008. She has taught many interns and technicians clinical anesthesia techniques over the years. Outside of work she loves to be with her family, travel, hike and read when she has the time.

Wendy Hirsch, LVT

Anesthesia Society Committee/Instructor
jessica-balaam

Jessica is a native of Yerington, Nevada. She obtained her associate degree of veterinary technology from Yuba College in Marysville, California and is a Registered Veterinary Technician in the state of California and a Licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Nevada. She also worked in the equine surgery department at UC Davis where she developed her love of anesthesia. Jessica has had an interesting career, from UC Davis she went to work as an anesthesia technician for an idependent equine surgeon and together they travelled to many different clinics in California as well as to Dubai during the racing season. After 7 years she then took a position at Dubai Equine Hospital for 3 years as an anesthesia technician before moving to South Africa and working at Fourways Equine Hospital where she met her husband Gideon. They moved back to the United States in 2020 where she is currently employed at Comstock Equine Hospital and Great Basin Equine. Her professional interests include anesthesia and emergency and critical care. Jessica is also a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Therapist and is currently working on multiple veterinary forensic courses. In her free time, Jessica competes in cycling and running events with her husband Gideon, hiking with their dog Louie, drawing and traveling.

Jessica Balaam, RVT, LVT, C.E.R.T

Anesthesia Society Instructor
DAL_Carrie-Davis_Headshot_Web_600x600_210603

Dr. Davis is a Board-certified Specialist in Veterinary Anesthesia & Analgesia at MedVet Dallas, where she has been a part of the team since 2021. Dr. Davis attended The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science followed by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She then completed a small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Charlotte, NC as well as an Anesthesia & Analgesia Residency at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, TN. Dr. Davis has authored book chapters and journal articles on topics including total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), urogenital anesthesia, and imaging anesthesia. Along with these topics, she has a special interest in locoregional anesthesia and perioperative pain management. Dr. Davis is passionate about teaching other veterinary professionals through continuing education lectures. When away from the hospital, Dr. Davis enjoys working in her flower garden, feeding and watching birds, traveling, and spending time with family.

Dr. Carrie Davis, DVM, Diplomate ACVAA

Anesthesia Society Instructor
sally_schwartz_cvt_-_surgery_team_leader

Sally worked as a senior veterinary technician at a large multi doctor referral equine clinic from 1993-2022. She has had extensive experience in equine anesthesia and surgery and is well versed in all areas of hospital functions, including Critical Care, Reproduction, Medical and Advanced Imaging departments. She is a graduate of Madison College, (Madison WI), as a Veterinary Technician and has made the decision recently to step back from working in practice and will be offering her expertise as an Anesthesia Instructor for the AAEVT.

Sally Schwartz,

Anesthesia Society Instructor
Sharon-Picture-with-horse

I started in the exciting field of Veterinary medicine in 1996. I was hooked when I began to volunteer at Humphrey Giacopuzzi and Associates Equine Hospital. The first day there was a septic joint that had to go into surgery. That is when I really knew that I loved this field. I began going to school to become a registered veterinary technician. After obtaining my RVT license in 2000, I delved into the fascinating world of anesthesia. The more I learned the better I liked it. A typical day involved 1-3 surgeries. The colic’s were the most fun and challenging. I wanted more education, so in 2005, I went to UC Davis for two weeks in the large animal anesthesia department. Being there was wonderful and highly educational. Over the years, I have done anesthesia on many different species, including cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, equine from mini to drafts, and skunks, foxes, raccoons, reindeer. I teach at a vet tech program in the local community college and teach the interns at the equine hospital.
In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, gardening, and team roping with my husband.

Sharon Scheiltz,RVT

Anesthesia Society Instructor

Members, Check it out!

We have recently begun posting the Anesthesia Society Video Series to our members-only On Demand CE section of our website!

History

The idea for our Anesthesia Society was launched from some great discussions and feedback from our first Anesthesia focused Continuing Education Event at Park Equine in Kentucky in June of 2016. The members in attendance were very enthusiastic about the idea, gave us some great input, and this new benefit was launched in 2017!

Objectives
  • Promote advancement and a standard of excellence of anesthesia practice for those certified veterinary technicians/ assistants involved in equine veterinary anesthesia.
  • Establish advanced levels of education and experience prerequisites leading to certification in equine veterinary anesthesia.
  • Examine, certify and recognize AAEVT equine veterinary technicians and/or assistants as specialized team members in equine anesthesia.
  • Provide mentorship, instruction, scientific and hands on wet lab/presentations, resources and other contributions to knowledge relating to equine veterinary anesthesia.
  • Educate the equine veterinary profession and industry on the value of advanced education and certification of the equine veterinary technician/assistant in equine veterinary anesthesia and the employment of these individuals.
  • Educate the public on the benefit of the contribution of an AAEVT Equine Veterinary Anesthesia Society member in performing anesthesia in the equine practice.
  • Promote continuing education and dissemination of knowledge relating to equine veterinary anesthesia.
How to become Certified: The Process (optional)

** NEW for 2021
The AAEVT Anesthesia Society Certification Process for 2021 may look a little different, due to the recent inability and current slow return to in-person meetings. The changes to the process are as follows:
1. If you have submitted a case report previously, please resubmit with the application this year for full evaluation.
2. Must have attended at least 2 Anesthesia Society CE events in the past 4 years.
3. The 2021 exam will be a take home exam that will be administered during AAEP. It will consist of 50 multiple choice questions and 5 short essay.
4. For more information regarding the complete certification process please see the following sections. All other deadlines are accurate for 2021.

Credential Requirements for Initial Certification

Credential Requirements dictate that each applicant, before he or she is declared eligible for examination, must:

  1. Must maintain a current annual membership with the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians (AAEVT)
  2. Must maintain a current annual membership with the AAEVT Anesthesia Society
  3. And must submit a Certification Fee of $100.00 to begin the certification process

iii.    Renewal fee of $50.00 per year plus proof of CE – Anesthesia focus.

  1. Two years /a minimum of 3,000 hrs work experience or its equivalent in the field of equine veterinary technology, clinical or nursing based, with not less than 75% of their experience (a minimum of 2000 hrs) being dedicated to anesthesia of the equine patient. All experience must be completed within the three years prior to the application. A total of 3  years can be taken to achieve this certification.
  2. A minimum of Fifteen (15) continuing education (CE) hours related to equine veterinary anesthesia which can be done over the course of 2 years. (*** Will strive for minimum of 15 hours being offered at any one Anesthesia focused event sponsored by the Society).
  3. The continuing education must be completed within the last three years immediately prior to submitting the application
  4. The continuing education must be received from an accredited veterinary technician school, school of veterinary medicine, national or regional conference, or a conference sponsored by AAEVT or the academy of veterinary equine nursing technicians.  Proof of attendance is required. All continuing education hours must be RACE approved or equivalent.
  5. At least 10 hours of the CE must be under the direction of an

approved AAEVT Society Instructor within a 2 year period.

  1. Provide the documentary evidence of advanced competence in equine veterinary anesthesia.

 

  1. A case record log is maintained for one (1) year immediately preceding the submission of the application.
  2. A minimum of Five (5) acceptable cases is required for application approval. The cases shall reflect the management of the equine patient under anesthesia and mastery of advanced veterinary equine anesthesia skills. The log should include the following: Date, Patient identification (name or number), species/breed, age, sex, weight, veterinary diagnosis, length of care, final outcome, and summary of equine veterinary anesthesia techniques and procedures performed by the applicant on the patient

 

  1. Two (2) letters of recommendations written by members from the following categories: a VTS-EVN, a veterinarian who is an AAEP member, or a veterinary Diplomat from the ACVS or ACVA,  who are employed in equine practice.
Areas of Expertise

Be able to demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of equine veterinary Anesthesia care from the newborn foal to the aged AND be able to correctly understand, communicate, train and mentor others, utilizing the knowledge required in the performance of all tasks and duties as an equine veterinary anesthesia technician in the areas of:

Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
Anatomy of the Equine
Laboratory workups
Anesthesia Prep
Pre-Medication & Sedation
Analgesia
Induction and Intubation
Positioning for various procedures
Maintenance of Anesthesia
Maintenance of Equipment and Care of Machines
Knowledge of how Anesthesia Machines work
Monitoring

Supportive Care
Blocks
Drips, CRI
Special Procedures (eyes, MRI, etc.)
Recovery
Foals
Complications
Emergencies
Pain Management – Acupuncture
Post Anesthesia
Donkeys, Mules, Zebras, Mustangs
Professionalism

Need more info?

For more information about the AAEVT Anesthesia Society, please contact our Executive Director, Wiss Costanza: wcostanza@aaevt.org  (254) 255-1143

X