Passports for U.S. Citizens are not required for the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving (such as a birth certificate and photo ID). Passports are required for trips to the British Virgin Islands should you choose to visit while in the Caribbean.
 

Our 14th summer tropical seminar

St. Thomas   USVI 

July 6 - 9, 2009

Sandy beaches. Gentle breezes. Inviting pools. And plenty of soothing sunshine. Best of all, you’ll find it all just a short flight away. The only thing you might lose track of is the hectic pace back home. You're invited to take a trip to paradise.

hSt. Thomas, the most populous of the four major U.S. Virgin Islands, is located 50 miles east of Puerto Rico. Though “discovered” by famed explorer Christopher Columbus on his second journey to the New World in 1493, and a popular port for pirates in the two centuries that followed, the earliest inhabitants of St. Thomas were indigenous tribes such as the Ciboney, Arawaks and Caribs.

Today, the picturesque white beaches, idyllic climate, rich history and natural beauty of St. Thomas attract visitors from the world over. From ample fine dining and duty-free shopping, to the plethora of active outdoor adventures such as kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, sport-fishing and more, the tropical playground St. Thomas offers tourists the finest life has to offer.

Overlooking the turquoise waters of Great Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is a secluded hideaway set amid dazzling white-sand beaches and lush tropical gardens. The resort has recently completed a  $40 million renovation and enhancement project. These renovations bring a new level of service and luxury to this award-winning Caribbean destination.

The Ritz-Carlton Club; three dining venues: Bleuwater, Great Bay Lounge, and Coconut Cove; the Spa; and recreational facilities, including Lady Lynsey, will continue to offer the legendary service expected from The Ritz-Carlton.

At The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas guests can explore the underwater world, enjoy gourmet dining and exceptional levels of personalized service.

Welcome to Patagon Dive Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands

We are currently re-designing our website. Some pages are still being developed. We encourage you to check back often! Experience the beauty and wonders of our surrounding sea, the "Patagon Style"!! With more than 40 years of combined local marine knowledge, our Patagon Team consistenly delivers the most fun, exciting, safe, and personalized diving services in St. Thomas. Our credentials are validated by serving customers known for demanding quality and high standards. Our staff is praised for their attentive service, high safety standards, and professional skills. Frequently, those compliments come from well traveled divers who can compare our "Patagon Style" with many of other dive destinations all over the World.

Ritz Carlton St. Thomas

     There is a 4 night minimum stay required   

Group room rate

Resort view: $229.00 double/night- limited availability

Ocean view: $289.00 dbl/night

Club rooms and Exec suites available on request.

Not included in the room charge:

•  The above rates are subject to an 8% state and local taxes.

 

• The maximum number of people per guest room is three (3) adults or two (2) adults and two (2) children.  A maximum of two (2) children per room, under the age of twelve are complimentary.  There will be an additional charge of $30.00 per day for each additional person over age 12 and/or over two (2) adults in a guestroom.  Charges for roll-aways and cribs may apply.

   

  Club Level guest rooms carry an additional charge of $100.00 per day for each additional person over the age of 12 and/or over two (2) adults in a guestroom.

   

   

In addition to the room rate, there is a twenty-five dollar ($35.00) resort fee charged per room/per day. The resort fee covers the following wide variety of additional services and activities provided for your enjoyment:

 (Because of our long term relationship- the Ritz- Carlton has agreed to discount the $55.00 resort fee to $35.00)

           

                           The Resort fee now includes:

                     Baggage Handling:  Normally $20.00 total, in and out

                     Room Attendant:   Normally $5.00 per day, per room

         Complimentary valet parking

         Complimentary use of the Tennis Courts

Complimentary local phone calls

Complimentary Wireless, high speed Internet access

Complimentary use of the following non-motorized water sports equipment (weather permitting and based on availability):

o        Hobie Cats

o        Kayaks

o        Snorkeling Equipment

o        Windsurfing

Complimentary participation in the following activities (weather permitting and based on availability):

o        Beach Power Walk & Run

One motion Studio class per day

 

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Situated on a 30-acre secluded estate along Great Bay on the eastern tip of St. Thomas Caribbean hotel featuring 180 guestrooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace Spa, salon and fitness center  Infinity-edge pool, traditional pool and Jacuzzi Great Bay and Coconut Cove beaches Aquatic Center featuring non-motorized water activities on property The Lady Lynsey, a 53-foot luxury catamaran, available for day sails, sunset cruises and private charters Four dining venues featuring Caribbean-inspired cuisine and spectacular island views More than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and function space perfect for business meetings, retreats, weddings or receptions   LOCALE 20 minutes from Charlotte Amalie 30 minutes from Cyril E. King International Airport 15 minutes by ferry to St. John 15 minutes from the Mahogany Run 18-hole championship golf course   ADDRESS/PHONE The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas 6900 Great Bay St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802 U.S.A. Phone: (340) 775-3333 Fax: (340) 775-4444 DINING For dining reservations call (340) 775-3333. Sails- Oceanfront Grill Sails is a casual oceanfront dining experience. Bleuwater- A Seafood Restaurant Island casual, yet decidedly sophisticated. Bleuwater captures the tranquil beauty of ocean waters and inspires the palate with the freshest local seafood. Great Bay Lounge- Spirits, Wines and Small Plates Great Bay Lounge is a relaxed, evening retreat featuring light fare. Coconut Cove Beach Bar and Grill Tropical breezes await you at this casual beachfront restaurant serving traditional island favorites. SUGGESTED TRANSPORTATION If you require transportation assistance, or if you have other personal requests, please call Guest Services at (340) 775-3333.     The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas offers 180 luxurious guestrooms, including ocean view and deluxe rooms and suites. Featuring décor inspired by the Caribbean sand and sea, the newly remodeled accommodations are tucked into Mediterranean-style villas overlooking Great Bay. In-Room Features Private balcony or terrace with all guestrooms 24-hour room service Twice-daily housekeeping In-room safe 32-inch high-definition, LCD flat-panel television Wireless, high-speed Internet access Nintendo 64 systems Evening turndown Fully stocked refreshment cabinet Coffee maker with complimentary coffee Laundry service Bath butler and bath menu services

 

Call 1-800-487-5650 for rooms at the group rate

The seminars

 

       

FAQ's- answers to common medical & surgical problems

Gary Oswald D.V.M., dip. ACVIM

Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists

Howard Seim D.V.M., dip. ACVS

Professor, Small Animal Surgery

Colorado State University

 

Dr. Oswald received his Veterinary degree from The Ohio State University and completed his medical residency at Colorado State University. Gary has been the chief Internist with Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists since 1993. 

Howard Seim received his Veterinary degree from Washington State University and completed his surgical residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He is currently Professor and Head of Small Animal Surgery at Colorado State University.

                                                        

CARDIAC

                               Pimobendan – when should I use this new drug ?

 

                               ACE inhibitor controversy – which ACE inhibitor should I use and when should I start it ?

 

Sildenifil (Viagra) – why should I give this drug to a dog ?

 

What is the best congestive heart failure treatment in cats ?

 

Can I prevent thromboembolism in cats ?

  Thoracic cavity

                                  How can I successfully treat puppy pneumonia ?

                                   Can I really stop the cough in that old dog ?

 

                                   What is the best treatment for feline asthma ?

 

                                   Are there medical therapies for feline chylothorax ?

 

                                    Any secrets on placing chest drains in dogs and cats?

 

                                    Oronasal fistula; any tips to improve success?

 

                                    What are you doing with those feline nasopharyngeal polyps?

 

                                    Laryngeal paralysis; tips on diagnosis? Is surgery safe?

 

                                    Diaphragmatic hernia; should I be doing them in my practice?

 

ABDOMINAL CAVITY

 

                        HEPATIC

                                    

                                    When should I be concerned about elevated liver enzymes ?

 

                                    What are the new medical treatments for chronic-active hepatitis ?

 

                                    Are all yellow (icteric) cats dead cats ?

 

                                    What can I do to save the “fatty liver” cat ?

 

                                    Hepatic lipidosis? Just feed ‘em, I’ll show you how?

 

                                    Liver biopsy; no more ‘non-diagnostic’ samples!

 

                                    Gall bladder mucoceles; what’s up with these?

 

                        GASTROINTESTINAL

                                   

                                   Why run more GI panels ?  What does serum cobalamin & folate really tell me ?

 

Endoscopic GI biopsies – should I buy an endoscope for my practice ?

 

What are the best treatments for IBD in dogs and cats ?

 

What are the best treatments for PLE/lymphangectasia ?

 

Is probiotic therapy really useful in managing GI patients ?

 

                                    Intestinal biopsy; I’ll guarantee you get ‘full thickness’ biopsies.

 

                                    Intestinal surgery; make it leak proof every time.

 

                                    Let’s do some GI surgery cases: foreign bodies, tumors, linear                                                foreign bodies, intussusception, subtotal colectomy, and more.

 

                                    Tips on the surgical management of abdominal trauma; don’t miss                                              a thing!

 

 

 

                        PANCREATIC

 

                                    How do I quickly and accurately diagnose pancreatitis ?

 

                                    How important is the PLI test ?

 

                                    Why pancreatic enzyme supplements do not always work in EPI ?

 

                                

                       

                        URINARY

 

                                  

                                    Is there anything new in chronic renal failure (CRF) treatment ?

                                               

What’s with all the new urinary diets ?  Will they really prevent urinary stones ?

 

                                    What’s the secret to managing feline cystitis/LUTD ?

 

                                    What’s the secret to managing urinary incontinence ?

 

                                      Cystic and urethral calculi; never leave a stone unturned!

 

                                    Any tips on exploring uroabdomen cases?

 

                                    Can surgery help incontinent dogs? Maybe so!

ENDOCRINE

 

                        ADRENAL

 

                                    What is the best way to diagnose Cushings disease ?

 

What does atypical Cushings disease really mean ? - the adrenal panel dilemma.

 

Which drug is better – Lysodren vs Trilostane vs Anipryl ?

 

DIABETES

 

            What is so special about Vetsulin ?

 

            Glargine vs PZI – which is best in cats ?

 

            Do we still use hypoglycemic agents in cats ?

 

            What is the best way to monitor diabetic patients ?

THYROID

 

                                    Feline hyperthyroidism; what if you don’t have access to                                                                                    radioactive iodine therapy?

 

 

Seminar schedule:

                    Monday   July 6:                                                                          Registration:  1.30pm - 2.00pm

Lectures: 2.00pm - 6.30pm

                   Tuesday July 7:

                  Wednesday July 8:

Lectures: 2.00pm - 6.30pm

                   Thursday July 9:

Registration fee: (American Association of Veterinary State Boards RACE approved for 18 CE hrs.)

	Earlybird  by May 8                US$645.00
	Advanced by June 8             US$665.00
	Regular after                           US$685.00

•             Complete seminar notes
•             Welcome reception for all.
•             Continental breakfast Tuesday & Thursday
•             Certificate of completion

Cancellation: 90% refund to 30 days. Seminar transfer only, inside 30 days

CE credits

IVS is an AAVSB RACE approved provider of Continuing Education.

This program meets the requirements for 18 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's RACE approval: however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Call IVS at 800-487-5650 for further information.