Head & Neck Surgical Oncology Workshop

November 22nd - 23rd, 2025

University of Queensland, Gatton Campus

CPD points: NSW: 23.5
Others: 15

Head and neck

Confidently tackle the cases you’re already seeing in practice

Our Head & Neck Surgical Oncology workshop is a game-changer CPD selection for general practitioners focusing on fundamental surgical resections and reconstructions for canine and feline oncology cases.

These cases are extremely common, and seen routinely in clinical practice. Participants will gain fundamental and advanced skills that can be applied right away to offer more and better options to clients.

Expect to get to grips with axial and advancement flaps, eyelid and lip resection and reconstruction, nasal planectomy, and approach to the ventral neck following on to thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy and lymph node extirpation.

This is a wet-lab rich experience. Look forward to performing basic mandibulectomy and maxillectomy techniques in one of many relevant and competency-driven hands-on practicals.

You don’t need to have carried out these procedures already to attend – the whole aim is to get you doing them!

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

If you’re a general practitioner treating dogs and cats, you’re likely seeing head and neck oncology cases every week. But the reality is, many very capable GPs don’t feel confident offering surgical solutions that extend beyond routine lumpectomies.

Confidence beyond lumpectomies

It’s natural to feel unsure about trying new surgical techniques on your patients in everyday practice, there’s rarely opportunity for practice-runs. This workshop is designed to change that!

What you’ll learn and practice

Head & Neck Surgical Oncology is a wet-lab packed weekend and a great fit for vets who want to extend their surgical skills to include resections and reconstructions of the front end of cats and dogs. You won’t need expensive and seldom-seen equipment to start doing these procedures. If you’re comfortable holding a scalpel and a pair of DeBakeys, and understand foundational surgical principles, then you’re ready.

You’ll learn and practice surgical oncology techniques that’ll allow you to tackle cases you might have referred in the past.

Core skills you’ll take home

With a wealth of case-based practicals and clear instruction, you’ll cover:

Axial and advancement flaps, including anatomical landmarks
Eyelid and lip resection and reconstruction
Nasal planectomy
Ventral neck approaches, including thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy and lymph node removal
Basic mandibulectomy and maxillectomy

Beyond the scalpel

Our stellar surgeons will ensure you’re well prepared to perform the procedures yourself in the prac sessions. But effective cancer treatment isn’t just about cutting. It’s equally important to understand different biopsy techniques, when adjuvant therapies are indicated, how to handle post-op complications, and what analgesia is best. That’s why our seasoned educators, working at the forefront of current knowledge, will also bring you up to speed with the latest insights shaping surgical oncology today.

BYO case

You’ll also enjoy the chance to bring your own case (submitted in advance) for a lively expert-led discussion session.

Your VetPrac experience

This hands-on, skills-based format is the hallmark of VetPrac training, and it’s what will get you started on these surgeries in your own clinic from Monday. Expect expert guidance, practical insights, and a welcoming, supportive environment – with lunches, breaks and an unmissable delegate dinner included.

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Scrub in and skill up

Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy
Thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy
Nasal planectomy
Eyelid and lip resection and reconstruction
Cervical lymph node extirpation
Axial and advancement flaps
Effective handling of post-op complications
Discuss real-life cases with experts in the field

Re-trace your steps on

Biopsy techniques
Clinical staging
Decision making for surgical margins
Adjuvant therapies
Oral tumours and their prognoses
Anatomical landmarks of the ventral neck
Peri-operative care following thyroid and parathyroid removal
Perfecting post-op analgesia

patella luxation workshop photos

Workshop Schedule

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Your Educators

Katherine Steele Pic

Dr Katherine Steele

Qualifications: BVSc MVS MVSc MANZCVS DipECVS

Dr Katherine Steele graduated from the University of Queensland in 2008 and completed rotating and surgical internships in Brisbane. In 2012, she became a member of the ANZCVS Surgery Chapter and later moved to Victoria to complete a residency in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Melbourne. She earned a Master of Veterinary Studies in 2016 and a Master of Veterinary Science in 2017, the same year she became a board-certified Small Animal Surgery Specialist through the European College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Katherine returned to Brisbane in 2016 and has worked in private referral practice ever since. She has a strong interest in soft tissue surgery and surgical oncology and has been working exclusively in surgical oncology since joining the ARH Brisbane Oncology team in 2024.

Outside of work, Katherine enjoys time with her husband and two young children. She loves exploring the outdoors, especially skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

Dr Maurine Thomson

Qualifications: Fellowship in Small Animal Surgery. Fellowship in Surgical Oncology

Maurine is a specialist surgeon and surgical oncologist who has worked exclusively in oncology since 1998. With over two decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to advancing cancer care and mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals. She has trained numerous students, interns, and residents, sharing her deep knowledge and passion for surgical oncology. Maurine enjoys all aspects of the field but has a particular interest in reconstructive surgery, where she applies both technical precision and creativity to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Stewart Ryan Picture

Dr Stewart Ryan

Qualifications: BVSc(Hons), MS, Diplomate ACVS and ECVS, ACVS Founding Fellow (Surgical Oncology)

Dr Stewart Ryan, is a specialist surgeon with extensive experience in small animal surgery, oncology, and minimally invasive techniques. After graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1989, his career spanned mixed and small animal practice in Australia and over a decade in Hong Kong. He completed a residency and MS at Colorado State University (2003–2006), becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2007, followed by a Fellowship in Surgical Oncology. Stewart returned to Australia in 2012 as Head of Small Animal Surgery at the University of Melbourne. His interests include oncology, radiation therapy, and translational research that benefits both animals and humans. He has developed advanced skills in minimally invasive surgery and interventional radiology. Stewart now works in private specialty practice in Melbourne and continues to teach as an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne one day a week.

Tristam Bennett Pic

Dr Tristram Bennett

Qualifications: BVSC (distinction), MANZCVS (surgery), DACVS-SA, DECVS, ACVS Fellow in Surgical Oncology

Dr Tristram Bennett is a specialist surgeon and surgical oncologist at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Sydney. He graduated from Massey University (NZ) in 2010 and spent several years in general practice before completing a surgical residency at Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre and a Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Colorado State University.

Tristram joined the SASH surgical team in 2017 and has a strong interest in soft tissue and oncologic surgery. He is passionate about providing advanced surgical care and improving outcomes for pets with complex conditions.

WHY JOIN A VETPRAC WORKSHOP?

Get confident

Sharpen your surgical oncology techniques through focused, hands-on training in a supportive environment

Social network

This is your tribe. Spend some quality time with people who understand what you do each day.

Great food

We’ll make sure you’re nourished with healthy food, sweet treats & caffeine, so you can get on with learning new skills.

Hands on experience

It’s all about time on the tools. We prioritise procedures & surgical practice so you have time to see the skills & do the skills with specialist guidance.

Personalised feedback

As a participant, you’ll get real-time feedback on your surgical planning & execution with the chance to refine your approach with experienced practitioners.

Real-world training

Learn in the same way you work. You’ll learn procedures within the clinical context & enjoy full support, so things make sense when you get back to the clinic.

WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY…

CHOOSE YOUR PAYMENT OPTION

ONE-TIME PAYMENT

$3500

PAYMENT PLAN

x 3 monthly payments of $1195

Your Questions Answered

Are group discounts available?

Work together, learn together, we say. If 3 or more participants register from the same clinic under the same booking, you’ll receive a 5% discount at checkout when you book on our website.

Will I get CPD points and a CPD certificate?

Each participant will receive a CPD certificate via email within 7 days of the workshop.

What kind of learning materials are included?

Course notes are provided in digital format, and all participants receive a printed copy of the practical guide.

What happens if I pay and then later can’t attend?

Transferring or changing registration from one workshop to another will incur a $50 administration fee.
Cancellations made up to 45 days prior to the commencement date of the Training Course will incur an administrative fee of 50% of the course investment.
Cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the commencement date of the Training Course are not refundable.

Can I pay in instalments, or do you offer payment plans?

Yes! At VetPrac we are pleased to offer payment plans for our online courses and workshops. We want to make it manageable for you to invest in your professional development.

For more information regarding our payment plans, please do not hesitate to contact Ros at [email protected].

What happens if the workshop is cancelled?

If VetPrac cancels any workshops, we will refund your course fees in full. However, VetPrac will not be responsible for any travel, accommodation or any other expenses incurred by you.

Still have questions? We’ve got answers.
Call +61 491 943 260

Still have questions? We’ve got answers.
Call +61 491 943 260