Diplomate, ACVIM
Professor of Cardiology
School of Veterinary Medicine
N.C. State
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care
Associate Professor of Small Animal Emergency & Critical Care
School of Veterinary Medicine
N.C. State
Travel Day: | Saturday, March 16, 2024 | |
Relax and get adjusted: | Sunday, March 17, 2024 | |
Registration: Welcome Reception: |
Monday, March 18, 2024 |
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Sunbreeze Resort 6:30pm – 7:30pm -Ramons Resort |
Lectures: Sunbreeze Resort |
Monday, March 18 Tuesday, March 19 Thursday, March 21 Friday, March 22 |
2:00pm – 6:30pm 2:00pm – 6:30pm 2:00pm – 6:30pm 2:00pm – 6:30pm |
Approach to the asymptomatic heart murmur
Recognition and Therapeutic approach to common arrhythmias
The cardiologist’s approach to thoracic radiography – is the VHS worthwhile? What is the VLAS??
Diet and Dilated Cardiomyopathy: update on diagnosis and management
Management Strategies for Congestive Heart Failure
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – In The Thick of It
Treating Mitral Valve Degeneration in the Post-EPIC World
Changing F.A.T.E: Why saddle thrombus is no longer a death sentence
Case discussions – Respiratory distress in dogs
Case discussions – Respiratory distress in cats
The Colloid Controversy: to Give or Not to Give
How to diagnose and manage a hemorrhaging patient
How I manage a hypercoagulable dog
Recognizing sepsis in an emergency setting
Diagnosis and treatment of acute kidney injury and uroabdomen
This seminar is approved for 18 CE hrs.
This program has been submitted for 18 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions, which recognize AAVSB’s RACE approval; however, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and /or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Call IVS at 800-487-5650 for further information.
IVS complies with the following guidelines:
Ramon’s Village Resort in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye has been selected as the resort venue. The personable staff are eagerly awaiting your arrival. An exotic beachside island paradise awaits you! Marvel at our stunning, authentic thatched roof cabanas, tropical lagoon-style pool, fabulous restaurant and the world-famous Purple Parrot all the while being pampered by our renowned staff. Accommodations include thatched roof cabanas hidden beneath coconut palms and lush tropical foliage. Honeymoon Suites, Presidential and International Suites, Beachfront, Seaside and Gardenview rooms…. air conditioned and fan-cooled for idyllic comfort.
The Pool at Ramon’s
There is nothing else like it on the island or in the rest of the country. Over eighty feet long the pool is designed with irregular curves, creating coves and peninsulas. Quarry stones perimeterize the irregular shape of our pool and accentuate the jungle lagoon effect you feel when you first see or step into it. Seating ledges are located in the pool allowing you to sit and relax while enjoying a cool tropical beverage from the Purple Parrot.
The Pier at Ramon’s
Our pier extends from the beach over 420 feet, enabling our guests to enjoy the invigorating sea breeze and spectacular views of the reef to the fullest. Not only is the pier home to our two dive shops and numerous dive boats, we have a section reserved just for you. If you like to swim or sunbathe, take advantage of the swim platform with ladders leading into the ocean. While you’re in the water be sure to take a look under the pier! Dive two rare and breathtaking atolls, plus Jacques Cousteau’s famous Blue Hole, aboard The Miss Gina. Enjoy snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley, explore the ancient Mayan ruins, discover the amazing beauty of the jungle while navigating a stunning river or choose an afternoon of fly fishing for tarpon or deep sea fishing for marlin or sailfish.
The Beach at Ramon’s
With 500 feet of white coral sand and coconut palms you should be able to find the perfect spot to relax with a good book. For your comfort, we provide beach lounge chairs with cushions and also hammocks. When the Belizean sun starts to warm you up, expect a visit from the Purple Parrot staff, ready to take your order for a cold refreshing tropical fruit drink.
The Vehicle Rentals at Ramon’s
When you’re ready to explore the village of San Pedro, inquire about our golf carts and bicycles rentals. Don’t think you’ll be moving too slow at this pace…remember, you’re on Belizean time now, mon!
Ramon’s Village offers island accommodations in true tropical style with sixty-one thatched-roof cabanas: Beachfront, Seaside and Jungleview cabanas, provide secluded hideaways for those who are ready for relaxation. All of our cabanas are nestled among coconut palms and flaming flamboyant trees, while colorful bougainvillea, hibiscus and a fanfare of other tropical flora and fauna join together to create the perfect backdrop for your island sabbatical.
Seaside
These accommodations offer partial views of the beach and Caribbean Sea from your private veranda or balcony. The seaside cabana farthest from the beach is less than 20 steps away. Each seaside room features beautiful, Belizean hardwood floors, locally handcrafted mahogany cabinetry, hand-painted borders, table and chairs, king bed or two double beds, and a private veranda. These rooms are located on the lower level of our two-story cabanas. Sleeps 2-4 people.
There a a couple of Seaside premier and deluxe which are larger than the standard room and have a slightly better view
Poolside
These rooms are similar to seaside rooms but are located next to the pool.
Beachfront Cabanas
These are located directly on the beach. Each beachfront room features beautiful, Belizean hardwood floors, locally handcrafted mahogany cabinetry, palmetto wood wainscoting, hand-painted borders, table and chairs for two, king bed and French doors opening out onto a private veranda. These rooms are located on the lower level of our two-story cabanas. Sleeps 2 people.
Honeymoon Cabana
Each individual, Polynesian styled, thatched-roof cabana features beautiful, Belizean hardwood floors, locally handcrafted furniture and cabinetry, refreshment center, sitting area, dressing table, king bed and French windows and doors opening out onto a private, wrap-around veranda, complete with your own personal hammock. There are only two on site, so book early!
Each room type has only limited availability so book early!
Seaside Standard: $270.00 dbl/nt – One King or Two Double Beds
Seaside Deluxe: $315.00 dbl/nt – One King or Two Queen Beds
Beachfront: $360.00 dbl/nt – One King Bed
Beachfront guest suite: LIMITED – $365.00 dbl/night – One king bed CALL OUR OFFICE
Beachfront mini-suite: LIMITED – $380.00 dbl/night – One king bed CALL OUR OFFICE
Honeymoon Cabana *LIMITED*: $410.00 dbl/nt – One King Bed CALL OUR OFFICE
Rates are based on single or double occupancy and include taxes & fees. For for each additional person over 12 years of age (4 adults max per room) there’s an additional charge of US $25.00 plus tax, per person per night-subject to change
Getting to Ramons Resort- San Pedro is on Ambergris Caye- you can either book a flight on Maya Island Air or Tropic Air for the short flight from Belize International Airport, or catch the Ferry from Belize City.
Because this is the high season, all reservations must be for a minimum of 7 nights.
A non-refundable deposit of US $100.00 is due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due January 12th, 2024. Please note, all room charges, will be charged through our Travel Agency, Cruises Etc. and will show up on your statement as such.
Cancellations: For cancellations more than (45) days prior to arrival, deposit is forfeit; (44-30) days prior, deposit forfeited plus one (1) nights room rental; (29) days or less, no refund. No refunds for no shows or early departures. We highly suggest trip insurance and can give you a quote if you’d like, just let us know.
Also any unused portions of the accommodations are non-refundable.
With the largest barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere just off our beach, Ramon’s Village is the perfect launching point for any underwater excursion. Jacque Cousteau’s world famous Blue Hole is one of nature’s wonders, and a feather in any diver’s cap. The Blue Hole, Turneffe, Lighthouse Reef and other world class dive sites are easily accessible on our fully equipped Pro 42 dive boat.
For the adventurous snorkeler or first time scuba diver, visit Hol Chan marine preserve, home of a truly spectacular array of marine life. Or venture out to Shark Ray Alley and discover why it’s a favorite spot of the locals and visitors — don’t forget your underwater camera!
Ramon’s Village Resort is a PADI Gold Palm IDC Resort facility and our Dive Center is Belize’s largest and most respected. A full staff of PADI professional instructors and dive masters ensure a dive experience unequaled anywhere in the Belize – or for that matter, the world! We do accept referrals from other certification organizations such as NAUI, SSI, YMCA and NASDS for completion of entry-level training.
We offer resort scuba courses and if you have time, we can give you the full dose – full PADI certification! You may only need your open water dive to complete your full certification. If so, c’mon, let’s get wet!
If you have your own dive gear, bring it. If not, our dive shop is equipped with an excellent selection of gear for sale or rent.
Six 24-foot and 34-foot dive boats plus our 42-foot Miss Gina are sure to make your diving fantasies come true!
If you enjoy sport fishing then you are in the right place! The Barrier Reef provides unsurpassed deep-sea fishing for marlin, barracuda and wahoo.
If you prefer light tackle the saltwater flats that surround Ambergris Caye and the out island atolls provide some of the best bone fishing in the world.
We have an experienced staff of guides waiting to give you an unforgettable sport fishing adventure.
For those of you who want to stay above the surface, windsurfing, sailing, glass-bottom boat tours and jetskiing are other activities readily available on our island.
Of course there’s always the old favorite past time of floating on an inflatable raft, just soaking up the rays.
Dive Jacques Cousteau’s legendary Blue Hole…our dive masters will take you on the dive of a lifetime and you’ll see why every scuba diver who visits Belize considers this a “must do” dive!
Belize is a great place to bring the kids too! A beautiful white sand beach at Ramon’s with abundant shoreline and a great snorkeling area at the end of our pier! Plus, where else can you take kids where the motto is “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem!”….Belize it!
Ramon’s Village boasts its own superb restaurant with chef Rommy Kie and his staff of professionals. They are routinely recognized by our guests as the finest crew on the entire island. Rommy offers a wide range of delicacies including oriental, cajun and local favorites. You won’t want to miss the weekly beach barbecues and the Sunday Buffet.
Our restaurant is situated in the center of the resort. You may choose to dine indoors or outside on one of our palm shaded multilevel verandas overlooking the Caribbean.
Ramon’s restaurant staff aims to please. After a day of fishing with our guides, feel free to take your catch to the kitchen and Rommy will be more than happy to prepare it for you and your party to enjoy.
Savor a delicious beach barbeque or join in the entertainment at the world-famous Purple Parrot located poolside at Ramon’s.
Or, simply enjoy a romantic dinner at the Restaurant at Ramon’s as the gentle breezes mingled with the perfume of tropical flowers whirl you into a savoring calm.
Want to leave paradise for a day excursion to the mainland, why not? Just give the word and we will handle everything for you! Tell us when you want to go and let us make all the arrangements. Or, if you would like to plan your own itinerary, we’ll be glad to fulfill it for you.
Belize has one of the most interesting mainlands of all the Central American countries. The jungles are lush, the wildlife is abundant and the rivers range from mild to wild.
Belize is rich in archaeological sites which reveal their treasures to those who like adventure. Experience one of the most mysterious civilizations of all, the Maya. Excursions to these sites are by car or by river.
We highly recommend a river trip. It is an unbelievable experience that offers rare photographic opportunities to see river life, such as crocodiles, monkeys, birds and if you’re lucky, manatee, in their natural environments.
Let us take you to Lamanai, wow! What a trip!
Belize has set aside vast areas of natural forest as sanctuaries for birds, monkeys, jaguar and even the crocodile. The country is world renowned for its ecotourism.
If you like cultural festivals, you’ll love Belize. To put it in plain English, most Belizeans are party animals! Any holiday or special event is occasion enough for a party.
The historic fishing village of San Pedro is a short 5 minute walk up the beach from Ramon’s Village Resort. This charming village is situated on Ambergris Caye, the jewel of more than 1,000 islands and cayes scattered throughout the western Caribbean waters of Belize.
San Pedro’s Front Street is lined with gift shops, boutiques and art galleries. Cafes with local and international cuisine are plentiful. The most famous restaurant in San Pedro is Elvi’s Kitchen. Here, locals and tourists sit side-by-side enjoying Ms. Elvi’s home cooking. If you get to meet Ms. Elvi, tell her Richard and Gina said, “hello.”
Richard, owner of Ramon’s Village, recommends Ramon’s Beach Barbecues and succulent buffets that will excite the most exacting taste buds. If you dine poolside, you might be enticed to sing along with Barefoot Skinny, an amazing instrumentalist and musical impersonator, who performs regularly at the Purple Parrot , the center of Ramon’s night life.
Gina, the owner’s “boss,” recommends our unforgettable Beach Picnic. We will carry you and your friends by private boat to Lynette’s place, a secluded beach about 10 miles up the coastline. On the way, you’ll catch your own fish, dive for your own conch, or spear your own lobster (when in season, of course). Turiano, or one of our most experienced guides, will cook your catch using his grandma’s secret seasoning blend over an open fire of coconut husks. Um, um, good!
The best way to enjoy the spectacular Belizean sunset is aboard a sunset cruise inside the reef or along the back bay. Enjoy a nature ballet starring the wood stork, spoon bill and boat bill herons as they congregate for the evening.
One really nice thing about Ambergris Caye is that because it is so laid back, you’re never required to dress up, but of course you can if you like. It sure makes packing a lot easier if you realize that after most of our guests get to Ramon’s, they kick their shoes off and don’t worry about them again until the dreaded day when they have to return to the real world.
There’s really a lot to do on our island but, you may choose to do nothing at all. But, we bet you don’t!
We have used Tanisha tours over the years- check out their website
Belize is easily accessible from any airport in the United States, and for that matter, from anywhere in the world.
Two-hour direct flights to Belize City originate daily from Dallas, Houston and Miami. Daily connecting flights are available from most major cities in the US and Canada.
Any of these airlines will transport you safely to the Belize International Airport where you will clear customs and immigration. You will then go to the Tropic Air or Mayan Air counter to pick up your boarding pass to San Pedro. Turbo caravans will provide you with a 15-minute sightseeing flight over crystal clear waters and numerous cayes to the tropical paradise that awaits you.
Please allow at least two hours between connecting flights as it can be slow getting your luggage and getting thru customs.
There is a Belize departure tax that you pay at the Belize Airport prior to returning home. Normally this is included in your original airline ticket.
A valid passport is required to enter Belize. Please also note that you need to travel to Ambergris Caye by air or ferry after you arrive in Belize City.
Book your flights and hotel early- this is a popular time to visit Belize!
When you clear immigration in Belize City- proceed to the Maya Air or Tropic Air counter for check-in for the short flight over to Ambergis Caye. These counters are very close to where you exit customs. We recommend that you pre-book your interisland flights to avoid any delays.
When you arrive on the Island- you can either walk over to Ramons- it is really close- or ask the airlines to call Ramons for the golf cart to pick you up.
Please call the IVS travel group at 1-800-487-5650 for assistance. Please note, we do charge $35 per ticket for air.
Online registration is easy and fast.
But please confirm your hotel reservations prior to completing your registration or booking flights. Many Hotels are selling out many months ahead of our seminars. If you need to book a hotel room, click the link to the online hotel registration page. If none is available for your selected seminar, please fill out our hotel request form or contact our office at 800-487-5650. Please note that hotel rooms are not confirmed until you receive confirmation from the hotel (if you booked online thru our group link) or from our office for hotels that do not offer the online link.
IVS is now required by AAVSB RACE to upload your completed attendance into their “RACEtrack” system. Your state of license and your license number are required for all seminars starting in January 2022. More information is available at https://www.aavsb.org/ce-
Questions?
For regular seminars: ivseminars@yahoo.com
Please note that all passengers traveling by air to or from the United States will be required to hold a valid passport. This requirement applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens, traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
When planning international travel, please be sure that you are in possession of all required documents for both outbound and return flights. Remember to allow ample time for acquiring official travel documents.
For complete information on the U.S. Department of State’s New Travel Initiative Requirements, please visit travel.state.gov.