VMX 2026 Preview: Preventive Care and Smarter Diagnostic Decision-Making
Get a first look at Antech’s VMX 2026 education program — built around the realities of clinical practice and the growing need to apply contextualized diagnostics . Join Dr. Michelle Evason (BSc, DVM, DACVIM, MRCVS), Director of Education & Outreach at Antech, and Tammi Lesser, LVT, Regional President, Mars Science & Diagnostics, North America for a behind-the-scenes preview of this year’s key themes, including preventive care, case-based learning, and what’s new in diagnostic innovation. You’ll hear how topics like GI parasite testing, vector-borne disease, and imaging are being brought to life through practical case examples. Plus, gain insight into how veterinary teams can better connect diagnostics to decision-making, communication, and everyday workflow.
Tails from the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.
Just a quick note before we jump into today’s episode. Our guests today are Tammi Lesser and Michelle Evason who are employed by Antech. We’re sharing this so you have full transparency about the relationships involved.
Meet Your Hosts
Brad Ryan, MSC, DVM, MPH
Dr. Brad Ryan graduated cum laude with his Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Miami University in 2003, his Master of Science in mammalian biology with distinction from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2008, his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016, and his Master of Public Health in veterinary public health from The Ohio State University College of Public Health in 2017. Dr. Ryan has treated small animals, exotic pets, and wildlife in veterinary hospitals across the United States and served as Program Manager for the Smithsonian Global Health Program at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. His professional interests include veterinary public health and abating the spillover of zoonotic diseases from animals to people. Speaking/presenting topics: zoonotic diseases, vector-borne diseases, parasitology, and promoting “One Health”.
Dr. Ryan resides in Ohio with his giant schnauzer, Evan Williams. He is an avid outdoorsman, has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine and successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. He enjoys wildlife photography and international travel. In May 2023, Dr. Ryan completed his journey to all 63 U.S. National Parks with his 93-year-old Grandma Joy, the oldest person to accomplish this feat. He is an accomplished keynote speaker advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the great outdoors, mental health, and the power of intergenerational connection.
Holly Brown, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Holly is a veterinarian, board-certified clinical pathologist, and figurative hand-holder. She practiced small animal medicine before, during, and after her specialty training — grateful to have combined her love of clinical practice and the laboratory diagnostics that support it. Holly remains in the trenches at a general, referral, and emergency practice. She loves making an impact at the interface of laboratory data and patient care. Holly recently transitioned into her new role as Chief Veterinary Educator for Antech Diagnostics — exercising her passion for delivering education about maximizing diagnostic testing. When away from the office, she enjoys traveling with her family, snuggling her sugar-sweet bird dog and tripod cat, and dreaming of home renovations that rarely come to fruition.
