Solutions to everyday practice challenges with added emphasis on sustainability of the profession took center stage at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 68th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 18–22. Attendance reached 4,821 veterinary professionals, students, technicians, guests and exhibitors, with more than 520 additional equine practitioners and students registering for the virtual education experience.
“While our annual convention continues its longstanding role as a trusted and primary source for practical knowledge and personal connection with peers, we were particularly pleased this year to expand our offerings focused on non-clinical aspects essential to practitioner well-being and career fulfillment,” said AAEP Executive Director David Foley. “The sustainability of the profession is AAEP’s top strategic priority, and the convention is an important platform to maintain the momentum of our Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability as its more than 80 member volunteers develop solutions and programs that address core issues over the next few years.”
With 138.25 hours of practical and innovative continuing education offered, practitioners discovered new clinical approaches to improve patient care across the equine veterinary spectrum and acquired strategies to prioritize their own well-being and boost the viability, enjoyment and appeal of an equine veterinary career.
Beyond clinical education, practitioners and students rekindled old friendships and made new ones during numerous networking and social events. They also shopped for their next practice investment among 307 exhibiting companies within the trade show.
Installation of 2023 officers: Dr. Rob Franklin of Fredericksburg, Texas, was installed as AAEP’s 69th president. He is joined as a 2023 officer by President-Elect Dr. Katherine Garrett of Lexington, Ky.; Vice President Dr. Tracy Turner of Stillwater, Minn.; Treasurer Dr. Amy Grice of Virginia City, Mont.; and Immediate Past President Dr. Emma Read of Dublin, Ohio.
New members of the board of directors are Dr. Betsy Charles of Murrieta, Calif., and Dr. Tegan Easton of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Presentation of annual awards: Four AAEP members were honored for outstanding contributions to the horse and profession during the Nov. 21 President’s Luncheon:
Distinguished Educator Award – Academic: Dr. Harold Schott, Bath, Mich.
Distinguished Life Member: Dr. Richard Mitchell, Flat Rock, N.C.
Sage Kester Beyond the Call Award: Dr. Nathaniel White II, Hamilton, Va.
President’s Award: Dr. Monty McInturff, Thompson’s Station, Tenn.
Award of scholarships: Through the generosity of its scholarship program partners, The Foundation for the Horse awarded $395,000 in scholarships to 20 veterinary students and three graduate research students.
The AAEP’s 69th Annual Convention will be held in San Diego, Calif., Nov. 29–Dec. 3, 2023.
About AAEP
The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.
Note: Photos of officers, new board members and award recipients are available by contacting Giulia Garcia at ggarcia@aaep.org. Press releases about the award recipients and new board members are available at https://aaep.org/newsroom.
Contact: Giulia Garcia
Communications Coordinator
ggarcia@aaep.org