2026 Spring Conference

Jeffrey Bowersox, DVM, DACVO

Veterinary Ophthalmologist & Owner, Veterinary Ophthalmology of Delmarva, LLC



Dr. Jeff Bowersox earned both a degree in Molecular Genetics and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University. He completed an internship at Veterinary Specialists of Connecticut in West Hartford, CT, then entered general practice for four years in Alexandria, VA. He completed his residency training and obtained Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in Arizona and then was employed as a clinical ophthalmologist in Maricopa County Arizona and Orange County California for four years before relocating and joining the Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware as an owner, partner, and staff ophthalmologist. Dr. Bowersox has enjoyed volunteering with several animal and wildlife rehabilitation shelters in both Arizona and the Mid-Atlantic region. He currently is a consultation with Tri-State Bird Rescue, and the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington as well as a medical consultant for Canine Partners for Life, a nonprofit that raises and trains service dogs. He also screens therapy pets for ocular disease from PAWS for People annually.

Dr. Bowersox is a career-long member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and has lectured at the AVMA National Convention as well as several local and regional veterinary meetings in Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. He remains active in organized veterinary medicine, including as a member of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Associate where he currently serves on the DVMA Executive Board and the DVMA Government Relations Committee. Dr. Bowersox sees patients in Newark, Delaware out of the Blue Pearl Christiana office as well as in other mobile locations throughout Delaware, Maryland, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey.

SPONSORED BY:

Petra Cerna, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA, DABVP (Feline), MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)

Assistant Professor, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine



Dr. Černá is an ACVIM and ECVIM diplomate in Small Animal Internal Medicine as awell as ABVP (Feline) diplomate and RCVS Recognized specialist in Feline Medicine. She graduated from the University of Veterinary Sciences in the Czech Republic in 2018 where she also obtained her first PhD in 2023. She completed Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency at Colorado State University, USA in 2023 and her second PhD focusing on feline infectious peritonitis in 2025. She has particular interest in feline medicine and is focusing her research on feline infectious diseases and especially FIP and is currently an assistant professor at the University of Georgia.

SPONSORED BY:

Alyson Frederick, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal)

Staff Surgeon, BluePearl Christiana



I am a Delaware native, born and raised. I attended Penn State for my undergraduate degree and University of Georgia for vet school. I received the contract seat for a Delaware student to attend UGA starting in 2011, and I received the DVMA annual scholarship in 2013 both of which were hugely helpful for my career. My internship and surgical residency were in Pittsburgh, PA.  I returned to Delaware to be near family and started at BluePearl Christiana in 2019. I became board-certified in 2020 and have maintained that certification with annual CE. I am most passionate about minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopy and arthroscopy, fracture stabilization, thyroid/parathyroid surgery, and emergency abdominal surgeries. I live in northern Delaware with my husband and two rambunctious children. I love long-distance running, swimming, and cycling.

Brittany Laflen, RVT, VTS (Neurology)

Lead Neurology Technician, Purdue University



Brittany earned her Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. Following graduation, she joined the Neurology department at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. In this role, Brittany provides clinical case support and patient care, as well as teaching the fundamentals of neurology and neurologic diseases to students. In 2019, she achieved her Veterinary Technician Specialist designation in Neurology. In 2022, Brittany served as President for the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT). Brittany’s favorite activity is quietly reading with a cup of tea and a warm blanket.

Erik Peterson, DVM, MSc

Equine Professional Services Veterinarian,

Dechra Veterinary Products

Erik Peterson, DVM, MSc, is an Equine Professional Services Veterinarian with Dechra Veterinary Products. In this role, he provides field-based clinical education, technical support, and scientific engagement to equine veterinarians, supporting evidence-based use of Dechra’s equine portfolio. Prior to joining Dechra, Dr. Peterson served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, where he taught equine medicine, clinical skills and mentored veterinary students. He also held the position of Associate Dean of Alumni Relations, fostering engagement and collaboration with a global alumni network. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Peterson has experience in equine practice and practice ownership, providing him with practical insight into both clinical decision-making and practice operations.  Dr. Peterson is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in New York and is USDA accredited. His professional interests include equine sports medicine, veterinary education, and strengthening partnerships between practitioners and industry to advance equine health.

SPONSORED BY

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