Florida Keys – Islamorada Cheeca Lodge 2026December 7 - 9, 2026
Original price was: $1,045.00.$945.00Current price is: $945.00.
Hotel: The Cheeca Lodge and Spa
Topics:
Emergency Critical Care - Dr. Katie Davis Mauro
Emergency Critical Care - Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
The Florida Keys Islamorada Cheeca Lodge Veterinary Conference 2026: Learn about Veterinary Emergency Critical Care held at The Cheeca Lodge and Spa with Dr. Katie Davis Mauro and Dr. Marie Holowaychuk.
Turquoise water. Towering palms. Calm breezes. Discover barefoot luxury and let the laid-back lifestyle of Islamorada become your new standard of perfection. At Cheeca Lodge & Spa, the pursuit of leisure extends far beyond the ordinary, promising a blend of thrilling activities, unparalleled relaxation, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional dining within the embrace of our 27-acre oceanfront Islamorada resort. Since 1946, Cheeca Lodge & Spa has set the standard of luxury in Islamorada, widely regarded as the most enchanting destination among the world-famous Florida Keys. Infused with both elegance and an effortless sense of comfort, Cheeca Lodge & Spa offers a wide variety of accommodation types. 81801 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA 33036
Islamorada is located in the middle of the Florida Keys (mile marker 61 ocean side) on the quiet island of Duck Key Florida. The resort is just about a two hour’s drive from Key West attractions and nightlife, and only 30 minutes from the village of Marathon where you’ll find the Seven-Mile Bridge, Pigeon Key, the Marathon Turtle Hospital, shopping opportunities and more. Featuring miles of stunning ocean views to admire along the way, traveling to our Florida Keys resort is an easy road trip that is a memorable experience in itself.
December 7, 2026
12-12:30pm REGISTRATION: Sign in and Pick a seat! Islamorada Ballroom
12:30-12:40pm Welcome
12:40-1:30pm Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury
1:40-2:55pm Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury Part 1
2:55-3:15pm BREAK AND SNACK
3:15-4:30pm RECOVER in Practice: Applying the 2024 Veterinary CPR Guidelines
4:40-5:30pm Thriving in Emergency Practice: Strategies for Health and Wellbeing
5:45-6:45pm WELCOME RECEPTION Islamorada Ballroom
December 8, 2026
7-8am Breakfast Buffet (Attendees only) Islamorada Ballroom
8-8:50am Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury Part 2
9-9:50am Effusions in the ER: Dogs Part 1
10-10:50am Effusions in the ER: Dogs Part 2
10:50-11:10am BREAK AND SNACK
11:10–12noon Blocked Cats: Updated Protocols and Pitfalls in Feline Urethral Obstruction
12:10-1pm Navigating Perfectionism and the Inner Critic
1pm EXPLORE AND ENJOY THE FLORIDA KEYS!
December 9, 2026
7-8am Breakfast Buffet (Attendees Only) Islamorada Ballroom
8-8:50am Breathe Easy: A Practical Approach to Respiratory Distress in Dogs and Cats
9-9:50am Toxicology Truths: Grapes, Lilies, Charcoal, Emesis, and More
10-10:50am Mistakes Happen: Coping compassionately when things crumble
10:50am -11:10am BREAK AND SNACK
11:10-12noon Effusions in the ER: Cats Part 1
12:10-1pm Effusions in the ER: Cats Part 2
1pm Vet Vacation CE Concludes: Book your Next VetVacationCE!
Your Destination
The Cheeca Lodge and Spa
Referring Code/Group Name: VetVacations 2026
Room Rate: $339+ 12.5% tax and $30 resort fee
Accommodations are limited at this special rate. Please book your room directly through the link or by phone or email.
We have made arrangements so you can extend your vacation 3 days before and/or after your destination seminar at the same rate if rooms are available at the property. Book or call early to secure your choice of rooms. The room block will likely sell out early!
The Cheeca Lodge & Spa is known for turquoise water, towering palms and calm breezes where you can indulge in mind, body and spirit on the Atlantic Ocean in the Florida Keys. The Cheeca Lodge is located in the Sportfishing Capital of the World. The Cheeca has the longest fishing pier in the Florida Keys. Activities available at the luxury resort include snorkeling, sea kayaking, bicycling, and scuba diving.
Check in 4pm and Check out 11 am
Reservations require a deposit equal to one night's stay. Additional nights will be billed 30 days prior to arrival. Deposit can be refunded with a cancellation by November 14th. Upon check-in, each guest will be required to present a valid credit card, on which an amount of sufficient pre-authorization can be obtained to cover the remaining room fees and taxes for the stay plus $200 per room per night. All accounts must be settled in full upon departure.
The daily resort fee includes:
27 acres of lush gardens
Valet and self-parking
Adult and family pools
Three first-class restaurants on-site
Jack Nicklaus-designed 9-hole par 3 golf course
Pampering spa and fully-equipped fitness studio
Saltwater Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling
Oceanfront Tiki Bar
Tennis courts
Fishing rods
Bicycles
Sea Kayaks
Stand Up Paddle Boards
Guest Adventure Center - featuring game room, X-BOX Arcade, board games and book collection
Resort wide WIFI
DVD Movies
In-room coffee and Tea service
In-room bottled Spring Water
On-site boat and trailer parking (size limits)
Local and 800 calls
Local transportation, within a 2-mile radius of resort, is also provided for individual resort
guests (parties of up to 6 passengers only) and based upon availability at time of request.
Getting There
The Cheeca Lodge is 1 hour and 50 minutes from the Miami International Airport (MIA) and 2 hours and 30 minutes from the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). Both airports have non-stop from most major US and Canadian cities. The best transportation to The Cheeca Lodge in the Florida Keys is car rental. The drive to the Cheeca is breathtaking.
Car Service
Ahoy Taxi /Airport Transportation — private transportation to and from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West.
Site: www.flkeystransporter.com
Phone: 305-407-0603
Drive the Overseas Highway, awarded one of America's most scenic roads, as you venture through the Everglades, traverse historic fishing bridges, and admire the tranquil blue and green water of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay. Hawks Cay is centrally located only 60 miles by car from Miami and 100 miles from Fort Lauderdale.
Emergency Critical Care
Katie Davis Mauro, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Katie Davis Mauro is a graduate of Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship and residency at the University of Pennsylvania. After her residency in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine (ECCM), she completed a fellowship in Extracorporeal therapies at North Carolina State University. After her fellowship, she spent a few years as an Assistant Professor of Extracorporeal therapies at the University of Pennsylvania before finding her way home to the Midwest. She is currently an Assistant Professor of ECCM at MSU. She enjoys all aspects of critical care including intoxications, acute kidney disease, and anything electrolytes. In her limited personal time, Katie enjoys cooking, baking, and wrangling a home life of goats, cats, a lab puppy, and two toddlers.
Presentation Synopsis
1. Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury
2. Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury Part 1
3. Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury Part 2
4. Effusions in the ER: Dogs Part 1
5. Effusions in the ER: Dogs Part 2
6. Effusions in the ER: Cats Part 1
7. Effusions in the ER: Cats Part 2
8. What’s New with Nephrotoxins?
9. Female Reproductive Emergencies (50 min)
10. Male Reproductive Emergencies (50min)
11. Neonatal Emergencies (1h)
Emergency Critical Care
Marie Holowaychuk DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary profession, dedicating her career to promoting sustainable, joyful careers for veterinary professionals. A board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, Marie combines over 20 years of veterinary practice experience with a deep commitment to fostering wellness and preventing burnout within the veterinary community.
After completing her veterinary degree, Marie pursued advanced training in the USA and became board-certified in emergency and critical care. She then spent five years teaching and conducting research at the Ontario Veterinary College before transitioning to full-time consulting.
Throughout her career, Marie witnessed firsthand the unique pressures faced by veterinary professionals, including long hours, compassion fatigue, and high emotional demands. This sparked her desire to address the mental health challenges that often go unspoken within the profession.
In response to these challenges, Marie founded Reviving Veterinary Medicine, a platform dedicated to sharing evidence-based information on veterinary wellness. Through her work, Marie aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and empower veterinary teams to prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries, and embrace effective communication. She has developed a series of popular online programs, including From Burnout to Balance and Building Better Boundaries, which have been praised for their practical, actionable insights. Marie is a certified coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and wellbeing facilitator. As a dynamic speaker, she has delivered keynote addresses, workshops, and seminars to veterinary professionals across Canada, the United States, and globally. Known for her approachable and authentic style, Marie weaves together personal stories, evidence-based research, and practical strategies to engage and inspire audiences. She is particularly passionate about helping veterinarians, technicians, nurses, and practice managers cultivate resilience, enhance wellbeing, and thrive both personally and professionally.
In addition to her speaking and coaching work, Marie is an active writer, having authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters on veterinary medicine and wellbeing.
She is also the host of the Reviving Vet Med Podcast, where she discusses topics related to mental health, workplace culture, and personal development within the veterinary profession.
Her contributions to the field have been widely recognized, and she has received several awards, including the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association’s Communication Award and the Alberta Blue Cross Face of Wellness Award.
Marie’s mission is to create lasting, positive change in the veterinary field by fostering a culture of compassion, wellness, and support. Whether on stage, in a workshop, or through her writing, she is committed to empowering veterinary professionals to thrive in their careers and lives.
Presentation Synopsis
1. Thriving in Emergency Practice: Strategies for Health and Wellbeing
2. Navigating Moral Distress and Compassion Fatigue: Understanding, Recognizing, and Managing the Challenges
3. Navigating Perfectionism and the Inner Critic
4. Mistakes Happen: Coping compassionately when things crumble
5. Sleep Smarter: Practical Tips for Improving Sleep Hygiene
6. Handling Difficult Conversations in Emergency Veterinary Settings
7. Fluid Therapy in Action: Applying the 2024 AAHA Guidelines in Real-World Cases
8. RECOVER in Practice: Applying the 2024 Veterinary CPR Guidelines
9. Blocked Cats: Updated Protocols and Pitfalls in Feline Urethral Obstruction
10. Breathe Easy: A Practical Approach to Respiratory Distress in Dogs and Cats
11. Toxicology Truths: Grapes, Lilies, Charcoal, Emesis, and More