Wildlife Medicine Symposium

2026 Event Dates Announced

Join us! The Wildlife Symposium is set for September 4–6, 2026. Registration opens in May.
For questions, please contact wildlifesymposium@lmc.edu 

Wildlife medicine is a continuously growing field of veterinary medicine that impacts both our local communities and global human and ecological health systems. This year our symposium aims to present topics that span the breadth of this impact from the latest clinical wildlife medicine techniques to research and conservation efforts both local and abroad, encompassing a wide array of species. Speakers are seasoned experts in the fields of avian, exotic, zoological, aquatic, preventative health, and wildlife medicine. Twenty (20.0) hours of continuing education are provided for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, including the required annual two (2) hours of diversion control. Wildlife rehabilitators, veterinary technicians, students, and others interested in the above-mentioned fields are all welcome and encouraged to attend.

The North Carolina Wildlife Medicine Symposium is now a three-day conference! Earn 20 hours of continuing education in beautiful Banner Elk, North Carolina!

Campus Map

Cost 

In Person

  • Veterinarians: $450
  • Veterinary technicians, wildlife rehabilitators, current students: $250
  • Lees-McRae students: $200


Virtual Attendance Cost

  • Veterinarians: $200
  • Veterinary technicians, wildlife rehabilitators, current students: $100

The in-person cost covers a light breakfast and full lunch each day of attendance as well as an evening social on Saturday, Sept. 27. 

Lodging

Lodging options

About the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

The Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is situated adjacent to the Elk River on the campus of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. The Center annually admits more than 1,500 injured and orphaned wildlife patients from the western part of North Carolina. 

Under the guidance of Director Nina Fischesser and veterinarian Dr. Amber McNamara, students simultaneously contribute to the success of the rehabilitation program while engaging in a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience.  Open 365 days per year, students comprise a large portion of the rehabilitative operations at the Center. 

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Spend the Weekend
in Banner Elk

Banner Elk is a popular getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the North Carolina High Country. It’s a place that blends small town relaxation with the amenities of a larger city.

Visitors enjoy a richness of culture and adventure. Within 15 minutes of the town’s lone stoplight you can experience the great outdoors, fabulous dining, theater and the arts, family attractions, and the two largest winter sports venues in the South. (via bannerelk.com)



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With questions, contact wildlifesymposium@lmc.edu. 

This program will be submitted for 20 hours of continuing education credit by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.