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Ambergris Caye, Belize

Managing common medical & surgical problems in practice today

March 12–19, 2022


 

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Belize travel requirements

 

Catriona MacPhail D.V.M., Ph.D.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Professor of Surgery
Colorado State University

Michael Lappin D.V.M., Ph.D.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Professor of Medicine
Colorado State University

 

A series of cases featuring specific clinical problems will be presented by Dr’s. MacPhail and Lappin. They will each offer their thoughts on the management of these patients along with a discussion of topics associated with the clinical problem.


Speakers & Topics

A series of cases featuring specific clinical problems will be presented by Dr’s. MacPhail and Lappin. They will each offer their thoughts on the management of these patients along with a discussion of topics associated with the clinical problem.

  • Management of infectious diarrhea

  • Feline inflammatory bowel disease

  • Rhinitis in dogs and cats 

  • Pneumonia in dogs and cats 

  • Management of common pleural effusions 

  • Feline lower urinary tract disease syndrome 

  • Management of common flea & tick borne agents

  • Feeding tubes 

  • Abdominal organ biopsy 

  • Upper airway evaluation

  • The Brachycephalic dog – airway and more…

  • Diaphragmatic hernias 

  • Thoracostomy tubes and alternatives

  • New devices in Veterinary Medicine

  • Urethral obstruction – dogs vs. cats

  • Splenectomy…and what if it’s not the spleen that’s bleeding 

  • Cesarean section 

  • Controversies with GDV


Schedule

Travel Day Saturday, March 12, 2022
Relax and get adjusted Sunday, March 13, 2022
Registration: At the Sunbreeze Resort- a very short walk from Ramon’s Resort Monday, March 14 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Welcome reception: At Ramon’s Resort 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Lectures: At the Sunbreeze Resort Monday, March 14 2:30pm – 7:00pm
Tuesday, March 15 2:30pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday, March 16 Free day
Thursday, March 17 2:30pm – 7:00pm
Friday, March 18 2:30pm – 7:00pm

Accommodations

Ramons Village Resort

Ramons Village Resort

Price: Sold Out.

Please call our office at 800-487-5650 for assistance. There are hotels nearby with availability.

Each room type has only limited availability so book early!

Seaside Standard:  $269.00 dbl/nt – One King or Two Double Beds 

Seaside Deluxe: $318.00 dbl/nt – One King or Two Queen Beds

Beachfront: $345.00 dbl/nt – One King Bed

Beachfront guest suite: $350.00 dbl/night – One king bed

Beachfront mini-suite: $372.00 dbl/night – One king bed

Honeymoon Cabana *LIMITED*: $397.00 dbl/nt – One King Bed 

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.

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

Terms

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, 2022. 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.


Room Description

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.

Configurations

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!

Group rooms are sold out.  Please call our office at 800-487-5650 for assistance. There are hotels nearby with availability.

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!


Things To Do

Outdoor Activities

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!

Restaurants

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.

Things to do

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!

Looking for tours to the mainland?

We have used Tanisha tours over the years

Looking to fish?


Need To Know

Registration

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-services/racetrack

Early Bird:  $1015.00

Register by:  January 14, 2022

Advanced:  $1035.00

Register by:  Feb. 17, 2022

Regular:  $1055.00

Register after:  Feb. 17, 2022

Special Pricing:

  • Veterinary Technicians receive an $80 discount using promo code “techsaver”. Enter the code during checkout in the  submit promotion code box.

For International Travel

Passport requirements for international travel

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.

Pricing

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, 2022

Please note, all room charges, will be charged through our Travel Agency, Cruises Etc. and will show up on your statement as such.

Cancellation penalties: 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.

Global Vet Community Meets CE Experiences

IVS trips are designed to meet your CE requirements while offering a break from traditional, conference-style learning. With focused half-day sessions, small-group learning, and destinations worth the journey, IVS creates close-knit communities where education feels both engaging and rewarding.

Earn Your CE Credits

IVS makes it easy — and worth the trip — to keep your CE hours current. Each trip includes 12–18 CE credit hours, along with access to a dedicated portal where certificates and trip details are easy to find when you need them.

Explore the World

Choose from 50+ destinations worldwide, including classic travel locations and Bio Bio adventure trips. No matter the setting, IVS seminars are structured to support focused learning in an environment that feels immersive — not overwhelming.

Connect With Your Community

IVS brings together veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and leading specialists in intentionally small groups. Designed for shared experience and meaningful discussion, these seminars foster professional connections that last well beyond your trip.

Get More from Every Trip

With points earned for every trip you attend, bonuses for referring friends, and a convenient user portal for tracking and seminar details, IVS makes earning your CE credits even more rewarding.

Postcards from Our Trips

From close to home to destinations abroad, hear what veterinary professionals are saying about their IVS experience.

Cecile Shafer, DVM
Monterey, CA

The speakers were excellent, as were the accommodations. I love coming to IVS Seminars.”

Cecile Shafer, DVM

Redwood Veterinary Hospital, Visalia, CA

Shira Anchill, DVM
Santa Fe, NM

I enjoyed this conference VERY much! The speakers were engaging and superb. I had a surgery day this past Tuesday and have implemented several of their pearls of knowledge!”

Shira Anchill, DVM

Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, Waterford Township, MI

Patti Klein, DVM
Galápagos Islands

The trip was just perfect! My husband and I loved every minute.”

Patti Klein, DVM

Pet Care In Motion, Woodstock, IL

Katharyn Kryda, DVM
Savannah, GA

Thank you for a great conference! This was my first IVS experience, and it was great. … I’m hoping to arrange a trip for my vet school friends (11 of us total) in the future.”

Katharyn Kryda, DVM

District Locum, Washington DC

Mike Dixon, DVM
Key West, FL

I enjoyed the seminar. IVS [is] still the best CE in my opinion. Great venue also.”

Mike Dixon, DVM

Flint Veterinary Clinic, Tyler, TX

Ed Fallin, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Thank you for putting on a fantastic program in Cabo!”

Ed Fallin, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Veterinary Referral & Critical Care, Manakin-Sabot, VA

Carmen Lindheimer, MS, DVM
Lake Tahoe

Thank you. I always enjoy the CE experience IVS provides.”

Carmen Lindheimer, MS, DVM

MedVet, Asheville, NC

Good to Know Before You Go

Registration is simple. Browse upcoming seminars using the search on our homepage, then click through to the seminar page and complete registration online. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete, and a separate email confirming your payment. Please keep both for your records. You can also call our office at 1-800-487-5650 to register by phone.

IVS holds group space at each seminar venue and handles hotel bookings on your behalf. You can book accommodations at the same time as your seminar registration or separately — whichever you prefer.

On your selected seminar’s page, click the Accommodations tab and scroll down to the Book Accommodations button. Please note: if you need a room outside the standard seminar dates, availability will need to be confirmed with the hotel. Hotel bookings made through our site are not automatic and require some processing time. Once confirmed, you will receive a hotel confirmation letter from IVS by email. All hotels require a credit card to guarantee your booking, and cut-off dates apply — early registration is always advised. Our team is available at 1-800-487-5650, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm PST.

10% of the registration fee is non-refundable. If you cancel more than 30 days before the seminar start date, you may choose a refund of the remaining 90% or a Future Transfer Credit (FTC). If you cancel within 30 days, only a Future Transfer Credit is issued. The FTC can be applied to any future IVS seminar within 2 years of your cancellation date; it is forfeited if not used within that window. To cancel, you must contact our office and receive email confirmation of your cancellation before the seminar begins. Cancellations requested after the seminar has started, or without email confirmation on file, will forfeit the full registration fee. Please also note that cancellations will remove any Loyalty Program points earned from that registration.

IVS specializes in small group seminars — usually fewer than 80 people per seminar. Most veterinarians appreciate the smaller setting, as it allows for more interaction with speakers and other participants and gives everyone a chance to get their questions answered.

International Veterinary Seminars is an AAVSB RACE-approved provider of CE, which is accepted by all state boards throughout the US and Canada. We are provider #13 and are also an approved provider in New York State. Please contact your state board or our office with any questions. For more information, visit the AAVSB RACE program website.

Where will your learning take you?

Discover a different way to earn your veterinary CE. Explore upcoming trips to find an IVS seminar set in a destination you’ll want to stay awhile.