PIVH Annual Meeting

Our last meeting, 2022. Much fun.

The Annual Meeting in Veterinary Homeopathy 2023

We are thrilled to invite you “back home to the ranch” for the PIVH Annual Meeting in Veterinary Homeopathy. Once again we host this wonderful event at our favorite venue, charming Saguaro Lake Ranch, just 45 minutes from the Phoenix airport, but a million miles from city life.

Our special event is the celebration of the 30-year anniversary of the graduation of our first class from the homeopathy training program first established in 1992 in Eugene, Oregon. We will have speakers sharing their wisdom from decades of experience.

We meet three full days, Thursday to Saturday, February 16th to 18th, from 9 am to 5:30 or 6 with a long lunch break for relaxing, swimming, hiking, or studying. In addition, on Wednesday, February 15, we will again offer the popular Optional Day for discussion and dialogue, most likely outdoors.

Saguaro Lake Ranch offers a complete Western getaway, with lodging, meals, and meeting space, as well as hiking, swimming, horse riding, kayaking, incredible mountain views, and even the opportunity to see wild horses nearby. Sharing meals and evening campfires under the stars bring us closer and has created a real sense of family with homeopathic colleagues. That’s why we have come here for 20-plus years.

The conference will end Saturday at about 6 pm. However, for those staying overnight, there will be a breakfast and a goodbye lunch Sunday.

If you are coming just for the 3-day meeting, aim to arrive by late afternoon Wednesday to make the welcome dinner at about 6 p.m. The meal plan includes all meals from Wed. evening through Saturday dinner. If you stay over Saturday night for an extra charge, this will include breakfast on Sunday.

The Optional Day for Meeting 2023

The formal 3-day meeting described above is scheduled every hour with speakers and topics. This optional day (Wednesday, February 15) is organized in a different way. Richard Pitcairn is the moderator for both sessions. The day is therefore not so structured and focuses on discussions. If weather permits we sit outside on the grass or under that lovely shade trees.

It is an option to come to just this Optional Day if you wish though it makes sense to also attend the 3-day meeting since you are here.

If you are coming to this optional day, plan to arrive Tuesday evening for dinner at about 6 PM (but this dinner is optional).

 

Meeting Content

Fourteen presentations during 3 days, six by Richard Pitcairn, seven by other speakers, and a panel of the speakers for questions on the last day.

How I Started — My First Learning the Homeopathic Method
The first years of my work in homeopathy were one of trying many things. I was not able to have formal training so stumbled along as best I could. However, it was a great learning experience as having tried many things, I came to very much appreciate Hahnemann’s work when I came across it. Once I understood the principles of practice my casework became much more satisfying. Travel with me down this crooked road.
(Richard Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D.)

Remedy Relationships
I will be exploring the relationships between homeopathic remedies. Some relationships, such as Belladonna as the acute for Calc Carb, are well known. Other acute/chronic relationships are less familiar. Complementary remedies can be alternated without concern for disrupting a case. I will present several cases where remedy relationships have been helpful. When a case has been palliated or suppressed and no clear symptoms are indicated, or the case is confused, I have had success with the series of Thuja – Nux Vomica – Silica to awaken the body’s ability to produce guiding symptoms.
(Madalyn Ward, DVM)

Continued Learning — Case Experiences
As the years went by, and my study and work became more focused, I had many interesting experiences I will share with you. I was working primarily at an SPCA clinic and having very much helped the staff with their problems, I had free reign to use homeopathy with the animals that came in. I will share my memory with you of some of the amazing cases that encouraged me in my study.
(Richard Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D.)

Celebrating Long-term Homeopathy Patients 
One of the rewards of decades of homeopathic practice is increased success. While bifocals and garnered wisdom might factor into our improved skills, this happy tipping point lies mostly with our patients. What we used to consider as inevitable aging conditions reveal themselves to be the endpoints of suppressed chronic disease. Also, many clients, partners in our work, sharpen their understanding and their observational skills. We see our patients more clearly, and they talk to us more cogently and in the language of modalities, concomitants, and characteristic symptoms. Join me to celebrate these powerful remedy presenters!
(Wendy Jensen, DVM)

Working A Homeopathic Practice
Opening a strictly homeopathic practice in Oregon in 1985 I was now doing homeopathy full-time. I did not know what sort of cases I would be asked to work with when I started so it was an interesting experience. I think the cases I will present here will be very good examples of the situations we are so often presented with.
(Richard Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D.)

From Tragedy to Victory with Homeopathy: Discovering Richard and Susan Pitcairn in Switzerland
Classical Hahnemannian Homeopathy was found in Zurich Switzerland at a dinner party where the Hostess brought out the text written by Richard and Susan Pitcairn.  I borrowed the book and read it from cover to cover. The portal into the Curative paradigm of Classical Hahnemannian Homeopathy was opened by my experience of attending the Pitcairn Institute of Veterinary Homeopathy while applying what I learned to the rescued donkeys residing in my donkey sanctuary as well as other resident wildlife and rescued creatures. This presentation will illustrate the cases which jolted me out of my Allopathic indoctrination into Classical Hahnemannian Homeopathy.
(Mary Ann Skillman, RN, BSN)

Still Learning — More Recent Case Management
I retired from practice after 38 years of clinical work in 2003, and focussed on writing and teaching the homeopathic method. Still, cases would come my way, from friends and family. You can see how I handled them and how I am still learning even after all this time.
(Richard Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D.)

From Material To Immaterial
As I have prepared this talk I have taken it as an opportunity to reflect on my growth and development as a homeopathic practitioner, and inevitably, too, as a person. Much of what I have recalled and “uncovered” I was not aware of at the time or in the moments I was experiencing it. Here I will briefly describe my path from clinical (mainstream) practice to the present as I remember it. I will mention some important lessons, discoveries and influences along the way. I will describe how I used some Principles as an anchor and how I have come to a better understanding of what has been for me that elusive “Immaterial.”
(Chris Mattson Barrett, DVM)

The Evolution of Homeopathy
Once begun, it was inevitable that information would increase as more remedy provings were done and as there was experience gained from casework. It was not long before it was not possible to memorize it or find it easily in reference books. Homeopathy evolved. We will look at the development of repertories, identification of polychrest remedies, and production of clinical guides.
(Richard Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D.)

Cardiotropic LM remedies in cases of Equine ‘Senile’ Hearts
‘Senile’ heart disease is a vague diagnosis for early stages of overt cardiac disease. When using the common symptoms of prolonged unexplained weakness, sudden weakness, and sudden fatigue, it is difficult finding the curative remedy. Cardiotropic remedies, Cactus Grandifloras, Convallaria, Crataegus, or Digitalis, have shown to be the simillimum, as not only are the general symptoms improved but also mental, emotional, and physical concomitant symptoms are resolved.
(Cynthia Lankenau, DVM)

What Are the Implications?
If we develop an interest in the ideas that Hahnemann gives us as to the nature of disease, and what we are as beings, there are implications to explore. This is a very much different view than the usual way of seeing reality. We will explore this, and see how it transforms our practice of medicine and gives us new excitement as to what yet can be learned.
(Richard Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D.)

Thirty-three Years, So Far
In this presentation, I will address the influence the Professional Course in Homeopathy had on my career. I’ll talk about my early experiences with homeopathy, beginning with the first cure I witnessed. That happened around 1980. Then I went to college and veterinary school. I practiced homeopathy for four years and took the course in 93-’94. But I was still anchored in allopathy and the professional course allowed me to move on and really become a homeopath.
After taking the course I became more and more comfortable with my homeopathic practice. Learning Hahnemann’s ways, guidance, principles, observations, etc. gave me a deeper understanding and foundation on which to stand while prescribing. I achieved actual fearlessness in treating my cases about 10 years after the course. It’s been another 18 years now and I have never looked back. I’ll give case examples from before and after taking the course, as it really did enhance my prescribing. I’ll also talk about my changing perspectives over the decades.
(Jane Laura Doyle, DVM)

From One Extreme to A Different One –My Homeopathic Conversion and New Life
I graduated from Purdue veterinary school in 1986, and spent about 20 years in conventional /allopathic veterinary medicine before deciding to change paths, and pursue a more holistic path. My work life ranged from large animal practice in Ohio Amish country to public health in the US Air Force (mostly HIV and sanitation), to the US Army military working dog referral hospital for Europe (in Germany), to veterinary medical officer for USDA (say ‘sheep scrapie’), then back to private practice (mostly small animal). I was all in for traditional veterinary medicine and even served as a board member and president of my state VMA chapter.
In July 2003 I had a mild stroke, which resulted in a seizure disorder that lasted over a year. Frustration with my doctors and treatment results led me to treat myself, which landed me in rehab. In hindsight, this was divine intervention to steer me in a different direction and open my mind to alternative medicine. I decided to pursue homeopathy under Dr. Richard Pitcairn, taking the course in 2008. I felt a strong attraction to this type of medicine and way of thinking. I earned certification by the AVH in 2010 and now use homeopathy almost exclusively in my busy small animal / exotic practice in Indiana.
(Todd Cooney DVM, CVH)

The Examination of the Patient
The condition of the practitioner is as much a factor in case evaluation as are the symptoms of the patient. Drawing from J. T. Kent’s Lectures on Homeopathic Philosophy and Samuel Hahnemann’s The Organon, aspects of the examination of the patient will be explored. There is rich description from these sources regarding the practitioner as he works up a case and captures ‘the image of the sickness upon paper’: Interpreting acute versus chronic symptoms, relating materia medica with the patient presentation, and integrating influences from ongoing allopathic treatment.
(Linda Dworak DVM, PhD)

My Return to Practice — But This Time, with Homeopathy
Having left full-time veterinary medicine 32 years ago in frustration
over my inability to fulfill my childhood dream of helping animals, I
found myself attending protests and examining horrifying undercover
videos. I’ll share my journey to homeopathy, which engaged me directly
with the vital force and allowed me to heal in a much deeper,
satisfying, and logical way.
(Wendy Jensen, DVN)

Meeting Tuition

We charge a little more if paid by credit card to cover the bank expense of using that method.

Tuition for the 3 day meeting is $595 if by check (made out to ANHC Education Programs and sent to 7149 Lantana Terrace, Carlsbad, CA 92011). (If paid in Canadian or Mexican currency then $495 US).
If by credit card it is $613 and after you register you will be sent an email invoice with the option of paying through PayPal. You need not be a member of PayPal to use this service. (If paid in Canadian or Mexican currency then $513 US).

Tuition for optional day + 3 day meeting = $795 by check (Canadian or Mexican currency $662 US); or if by credit card $819 (Canadian or Mexican currency $688 US).

If you register and then cannot make the meeting, you can receive a refund less $50. Please do let us know as soon as you can if you have to change your plans as the closer we get to the meeting, the more awkward for us in terms of meal planning.

Lodging

There is a separate charge for staying at the ranch. They ask us to organize the lodging and collect payment which we then give to the ranch at the time of the meeting. The Pitcairn Institute of Veterinary Homeopathy does not add any charges to this (other than 4% for bank fees & bookkeeping) and the prices reflect what we will be paying the ranch for their service.

The prices listed below, for our last meeting, include the lodging & meals provided, including the tax. They will likely change some at the next one and we will update closer to the time.
The choices are:

• Quad rooms, price is $191/night lodging, meals & day use; $763 for 4 nights; $954 for 5 nights.
• Double & Triple rooms, price is $229/night lodging, meals & day use; $915 for 4 nights; $1,144 for 5 nights.
• Single rooms*, price is $356/night lodging, meals & day use; $1,424 for 4 nights; $1,780 for 5 nights.
• Extra dinner, for those coming for the day and wanting to stay into the evening. The price is $44/dinner.  (Note: This extra dinner will apply to those staying for the Saturday meeting, but leaving after that evening, not staying overnight.

*  There is a very limited number of single-room options. We assign the few available based on the dates of registration — precedence to the early registrants. If you request a single and it is not available we will get in touch with you and look at the option of doubling with someone and see if you still want to do it.

Staying Off-Site

It is also an option to stay off the ranch which will be the remaining choice once the ranch lodging is filled (about 40 capacity). Closest is Fountain Hills (8-10 miles from the ranch) and also Mesa has a number of motels about the same distance.

If this is your choice, then the ranch charges a “Day Use” fee for your use of the facility. The charge does include lunch.

• Day use only (including lunch), price is $54/day or $215 for 4 days; $269 for 5 days.

Menu

Note: We veterinarians practicing homeopathy have focused on the goal of alleviation of suffering in our patients and many of us, along the way, have come to the realization that for this goal to be achieved this focus must include all of our brothers and sisters. We cannot be partial in the sense of extending compassion to certain animals while ignoring what is happening to the rest of the animal kingdom. While not all have taken this step, those of us putting on this program have chosen to make the gesture of providing a primarily vegan menu at the ranch. There will be some choice exceptions for those not ready for this, but almost all the dishes will be made without requiring the suffering or death of animals. We have offered this menu for the last six years and those attending have found it quite enjoyable.

Transportation

If flying, come to the Sky Harbor Phoenix airport. The ranch is outside of Phoenix proper, about a 30-40 minute drive and one option is to rent a car. However, once at the ranch, there is really no need for a car so it may be easiest to use the available taxi services.

George Transportation, (602) 509-6669, charges by the number of people, so check with him on rates (last time it was about 80-100 for a group, one way). A limitation will be the amount of luggage you have so I anticipate 2-3 people sharing that ride is a practical limit. By appointment.

Of late, some people have taken Uber or Link. We do not know of the cost of this choice as relatively new, but likely to be more reasonable than a taxi.

If you are driving, the address for the ranch is 13020 Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215. You can check their website for information and a map.

REGISTRATION

This is not active at this time. We will establish reservations for the 2024 meeting once we have organized the details and determined the pricing for that time.

Other Questions?

Contact Kathy Combs, secretary to the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy who is helping us out. You can reach her  at (760) 230-4784