16th World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
The Minds Behind 16th WCVAA 2028
The Organizing Committee for the 16th World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia is dedicated to delivering a world-class event that blends scientific excellence with a true Canadiana experience. Set against the iconic landscapes of Northern Ontario, the Congress will bring together leading experts to explore the future of veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia under the theme, Veterinary Anesthesia at the Crossroads of a New Medical Frontier. Through innovative education, meaningful collaboration, and memorable cultural experiences, the committee aims to create an inspiring Congress that celebrates both our profession and the unique character of Canada.
The Organizing Committee
The Organizing Committee for the 16th World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia is dedicated to creating an outstanding experience for delegates from around the world. By combining Canadian hospitality with international collaboration, the committee aims to foster meaningful connections, celebrate scientific excellence, and showcase the future of veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia in an unforgettable setting.
Dr. Annatasha Bartel
Co-Chair, 16th World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Dr. Bartel’s career has taken her from Canada to the United States and Singapore, where she has built a reputation as a leader in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. She earned her BScH in Biology from Queen’s University in 2002 before graduating with Distinction in BVM&S from the University of Edinburgh in 2008. After several years in small animal general practice and emergency medicine across North America, she completed advanced specialty training in Anaesthesia and Analgesia at Cornell University in 2015.
In addition to her clinical and academic work, Dr. Bartel has played an active role in shaping the veterinary profession internationally. She has served as President of the North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society, contributed to the examination committee for the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, and acted as a councillor for the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
Her leadership appointments have included Staff Instructor at the University of California, Head of Surgery and Anaesthesia at Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital, and most recently, Head of Anaesthesia and Analgesia at Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Singapore. She currently serves as Chief Medical Officer of Small Animal Medicine at King Animal Hospital, Canada’s largest privately owned veterinary referral centre.
In her limited free time, Dr. Bartel enjoys travelling, baking, SCUBA diving, and caring for her spoiled cats.
Dr. Flavio Freitag
Co-Chair, 16th World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Dr. Flavio Freitag began his veterinary journey in Brazil, earning his DVM degree with honours from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR) in 2015. Driven by a passion for anaesthesia and pain management, he went on to complete a residency and a Master of Veterinary Science at the Federal University of Paraná before moving to Canada in 2019 to pursue an Anesthesia Residency and Doctor of Veterinary Science degree at the Ontario Veterinary College.
Following his specialty training, Dr. Freitag relocated to Newfoundland, where he achieved Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA) in 2023. In 2024, he returned to Ontario to join the team at King Animal Hospital, where he provides advanced anaesthesia services and leads the hospital’s Pain Clinic. His dedication to the field was further recognized in 2025 when he became a Founding Fellow of the ACVAA in Pain Management and earned certification as a Veterinary Acupuncturist.
Throughout his career, Dr. Freitag has remained committed to advancing veterinary anaesthesia, analgesia, and patient welfare through clinical practice, education, and collaboration. As Co-Chair of the 16th World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, he is excited to help bring together colleagues from around the world for an inspiring scientific program and a uniquely Canadian experience in 2028.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Freitag enjoys travelling, painting miniatures, reading, and playing video games.