Crow Integrative Medicine Speaker Series

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Integrative Medicine Committee welcomes Dr. Melissa Parsons-Doherty as part of the Crow Integrative Medicine Speaker Series on Friday, July 20, 2012, from 12 to 1 p.m. in Room 1212C at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. The title of her presentation is, “Integrative Veterinary Medicine: What My DVM Education Didn't Teach Me.” At 2 p.m., there will be a demonstration and Q & A session with Dr. Parsons-Doherty in Room 12121C.

Dr. Parsons-Doherty graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island in 2005 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and completed a rotating small animal internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, N.J., in 2006. She then completed an oncology internship at the University of Georgia in 2007. Dr. Parsons-Doherty completed a medical oncology residency at LSU in June 2010. She is a medical oncologist at Ontario Veterinary College and has various publications, including some on acupuncture and holistic therapies. She is a member of the Veterinary Cancer Society, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, among others.

“Today's client is more demanding and seeking an integrative approach to their pet’s care,” said Dr. Parsons-Doherty. “This means combining traditional western veterinary medicine practices with alternative modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine, to name a few. However, due to lack of training and experience in alternative medicine or misconceptions regarding efficacy and treatment outcome of these alternatives, many veterinarians are unable to advise the client appropriately. This presentation will review some of the alternative modalities available and how they may be incorporated into our current practice. In addition, several examples will illustrate how all medical therapy can be beneficial or harmful depending on its use. In taking this approach, we may be better able to offer a more complete approach to patient care.”

Continuing education hours are available for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. A light lunch will be available for those who send an RSVP via email to MMcKea1@tigers.lsu.edu.