Led by internationally recognised endocrinology expert Dr Linda Fleeman, this program brings together a highly experienced faculty of clinicians and educators, including Renea Barrett, Amy Lam, Kathrin Langner, Rob Shiel, Sue Foster, Jody Braddock, Carolyn O’Brien, Hattie Syme, and Mary Thompson. Over three conference days, participants will explore diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, and thyroid and renal disease, with sessions focused on practical, evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, treatment selection, monitoring, sequelae, and client communication through a spectrum of care lens.

Day 1: Diabetes

Build confidence in managing one of the most common and often complex endocrine conditions in practice. Day 1 delivers a practical, case-driven deep dive into modern diabetes care, from smart insulin selection and continuous glucose monitoring to improving remission rates in cats. You’ll also tackle real-world challenges like postprandial hyperglycaemia, balancing patient and client needs, and managing diabetic emergencies. Expect clear, actionable strategies you can take straight back to consults.

Day 2: Cushing's Syndrome

Unpack the nuances of Cushing’s through a dynamic dual-presenter format, where key concepts are delivered alongside real-time counterpoints and discussion. From recognising subtle early signs to navigating diagnostics, treatment decisions, and long-term monitoring, this day is grounded in practical, real-world decision-making. Explore trade-offs between management approaches, understand key comorbidities, and sharpen your clinical reasoning with expert-led insights.

Day 3: Thyroid & Renal Disease

Tackle the interplay between thyroid and renal disease with a clinically grounded, evidence-based approach. This day explores senior feline health, diagnostic challenges, and the management of overlapping conditions where treatment decisions are rarely straightforward. From hypertension and bacteriuria to hyperthyroidism management, you’ll gain a clearer framework for balancing priorities and optimising outcomes. Rounded out with expert discussion, this is a highly practical day for everyday cases with added complexity.

Participants can enrol in one, two, or all three 1/2-day Masterclasses, each designed as a case-based, interactive learning experience with clinicalscenario testing. The sessions will use a mock consultation format, with participants encouraged to role-play as veterinarians or clients while facilitators guide discussion and reflection around navigating spectrum of care conversations in practice.

Day 4: Masterclass 1 - Cushing’s Syndrome
Thursday 13 August: 8:30am – 12:00pm
With Sue Foster, Jody Braddock & Kathrin Langner

Navigate the complexity of Cushing’s with greater clarity and confidence in this highly interactive, case-based masterclass. Designed to mirror real consults, you’ll step into a mock clinical setting to work through diagnosis, treatment decisions, and long-term management, while balancing clinical best practice with client expectations and constraints. Explore how experts approach tricky cases, from interpreting borderline diagnostics to tailoring treatment plans and monitoring strategies. Through guided discussion, role-play, and feedback, you’ll sharpen your clinical reasoning, improve communication around spectrum of care, and gain practical strategies to manage both straightforward and challenging presentations.

Day 4: Masterclass 2 - Thyroid and Renal Disease 
Thursday 13 August: 12:30 – 4:00pm 
with Hattie Syme & Carolyn O’Brien

Tackle two of the most intertwined conditions in small animal practice with a fresh, practical lens. This masterclass uses case-based scenarios and mock consultations to unpack the nuances of managing thyroid disease alongside renal compromise, where clinical decisions are rarely straightforward. Work through real-world cases to refine your diagnostic approach, interpret complex results, and balance treatment priorities when conditions overlap. With facilitators making their thinking visible, you’ll explore different management pathways, practise client communication, and build confidence navigating uncertainty in the consult room.

Day 5: Masterclass 3 - Diabetes 
Friday 14 August: 8:30am – 12:00pm 
with Linda Fleeman & Renea Barrett 

Turn diabetes from a daily challenge into a confident, streamlined part of your practice. This masterclass is a focused, practical session on modern insulin protocols and continuous glucose monitoring in cats and dogs. Learn how to discuss and develop individualized care plans to suit different patient and owner scenarios to achieve consistent, meaningful outcomes. Through case-based discussion, you’ll refine your approach to insulin dose titration, and make smarter decisions around diet and monitoring, while balancing patient needs with owner lifestyle.

The Veterinary Endocrinology Society of the Pacific and Asia (VESPA) promotes scientific progress, education, and high standards of practice in companion animal and comparative endocrinology across Asian and Pacific countries. In partnership with the Centre for Veterinary Education, VESPA invites submission of scientific and clinical abstracts for the VESPA Abstract Session, to be held on Friday 14 August 2026, the last day of the Endocrinology in Practice: Confident Care Across the Spectrum Conference in Melbourne. Attendance for this session is free and places are limited.

ENROL IN VESPA ABSTRACT SESSION 

Registration to the Endocrinology in Practice Conference includes complimentary membership to VESPA for those who wish to join.

VESPA Abstract Session – Call for Submissions

Submit your abstract for the opportunity to present at the VESPA Abstract Session. Abstracts may include original research, case studies, case series, or regional perspectives.

• Submissions open: Monday 4 May
• Close: Monday 24 May 2026
• Outcome notifications: Tuesday 15 June

Please submit your abstract (max 250 words, in English) as a single Word document to [email protected]. Submissions will be reviewed by VESPA Educational Officers based on relevance, originality, and educational value.

Travel grants of €500 (sponsored by Dechra) are available for selected presenters. You can indicate your interest in travel support at the time of submission.

For information regarding abstract submission or travel grants please contact [email protected]

This course is suitable for qualified veterinarians. Veterinary students are welcome to enrol in the conference only.