VLSS 2026: Confirmed Speaker Lineup + Tentative Schedule

The American Laser Study Club is excited to announce the confirmed faculty and the initial tentative schedule for the 2026 Veterinary Laser Surgery Symposium (VLSS), taking place May 15–16, 2026, in Summerlin (Las Vegas), NV, at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa. This is an education-forward program built around practical, case-based learning designed to help veterinary teams integrate CO₂ laser surgery into everyday practice—efficiently, safely, and with repeatable technique.

Why VLSS 2026

VLSS is designed for veterinary professionals who want clinic-ready guidance and real-world decision-making—what to do, why it works, and how to apply it the next time you’re in the OR. You’ll learn from experienced faculty, including board-certified surgeons, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and seasoned general practitioners.

Primary Clinical Focus Areas

• BOAS and upper airway procedures (including step-by-step technique)
• General soft-tissue surgery workflows and complication reduction
• Dermatology and lesion management for high-frequency conditions
• Ophthalmic applications, including eyelid tumor procedures
• CO₂ laser fundamentals: power, focus, speed, depth, and time-on-tissue

Confirmed 2026 VLSS Faculty

• Jakub Kaczmarek, DVM, Dipl. ECVS, Dipl. EBVS
• Jason Pieper, DVM, MS, DACVD
• Michael Canfield, DVM, DACVD
• Lori MacDougall, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, MVSc
• John Godbold Jr., DVM
• Noel Berger, DVM, MS
• Josh Broadwater, DVM, DACVO
• Boaz Man, DVM
• Ursula Mayer, DVM, Dipl. ECVD
• Ray Arza, DVM
• C. Kumar N. Patel, PhD, inventor of the CO₂ laser
• Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys (laser physicist)

Continuing Education

We are anticipating applying for 13.25 hours of RACE continuing education credits. This program is being developed to meet RACE Standards and will be submitted for approval. (Details will be posted as they are finalized.)

Tentative Schedule at a Glance

Note: The schedule below is tentative and may be refined. Hands-on laser lab participation requires advance registration for a specific time slot.

Friday, May 15, 2026 (Lectures + Ceremony + Reception)

• Physics & technique fundamentals: power, focus, speed, depth
• Clinical performance concepts: time-on-tissue for optimal results
• BOAS: CO₂ laser paradigm shift + prophylactic BOAS surgery
• Kumar Patel Laser Surgery Prize 2026 Award Ceremony
• Dermatology: CO₂ laser solutions for dermatologic conditions
• Advanced outcomes session: more power, fewer complications
• Evening cocktail party reception

Saturday, May 16, 2026 (Breakouts + Labs)

Saturday is designed for choice and depth. Attend the sessions most relevant to your practice, including concurrent breakouts and scheduled labs.

• Hands-On Laser Labs: “SmartSet Technology Assisted Laser Surgery Basics” (multiple time slots)
• BOAS: step-by-step instructional surgical technique
• Dermatology Labs: Ear Canal Lab sessions led by dermatology faculty
• General practice workflow: CO₂ laser as a true surgical multi-tool
• Ophthalmology: minimally invasive laser removal of eyelid tumors (including nonanesthetized dogs)

Early Registration Savings

Save $251 by registering before March 1st (rates increase starting March 1, 2026).

Location

JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa
221 N Rampart Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89145

Register + Learn More

Speaker details, updates, and the most current agenda will be posted on the event site. Space is limited—reserve your spot now at vlss.net.

*Information, terms, speakers, and program details are subject to change without prior notice.