The 57^th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, held Nov. 18 – 22 in San Antonio, Texas, attracted nearly 6,400 veterinary professionals, guests and exhibitors, ranking the meeting among the top five conventions by attendance sponsored by the association.  The AAEP Convention continues as the world’s largest education event for equine veterinarians.

“This was one of the AAEP’s best-ever conventions for so many reasons.  Attendance was very strong.  Dr. John Mitchell and the Educational Programs Committee put together yet another outstanding scientific program and the city of San Antonio rolled out the red carpet,” said David Foley, AAEP executive director.  “I’m very appreciative of the outstanding work of both our staff and volunteers to make this event happen and run so smoothly.

Highlights from the 2011 convention include:

Installation of new officers and board members.  John S. Mitchell, DVM, of Boca Raton, Fla., was installed as the 58^th president.  Other 2012 officers are Ann E. Dwyer, DVM, Scottsville, N.Y., president elect; Jeff A. Blea, DVM, Sierra Madre, Calif., vice president;  James Morehead, DVM, Lexington, Ky., treasurer; and William Moyer, DVM, College Station, Texas, immediate past president.

New members of the board of directors are: District I – Carolyn M. Weinberg, DVM,  Newtown, Conn; District II – Steven S. Trostle, DVM, Earlysville, Va.; District III – Margo L. Macpherson, DVM, Gainesville, Fla.; District IX – Elizabeth S. Metcalf, DVM, Sherwood, Ore., and Director at Large – Karen A. Nyrop, DVM, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Annual awards presented.  The association honored several outstanding individuals during the Nov. 21 President’s Luncheon.

George Stubbs Award:  Sue McDonnell, Ph.D.

Distinguished Educator Award:  Jill Beech, VMD

Distinguished Life Member:  Douglas G. Corey, DVM

President’s Award:  David D. Frisbie, DVM, and Mr. David Foley

Auctions raise funds for AAEP Foundation:  The annual live and silent auctions held during the Foundation Celebration raised more than $80,000 to help fund student scholarships, benevolence work and equine research.

Good Works for Horses Honorees Named:  Dr. Mary Beth Hamorski and Dr. Christina Wilson of Califon Animal Hospital in Lebanon, N.J., were presented with the Good Works for Horses Veterinarian of the Year Award during the Foundation Celebration.  A $1,000 donation will be made in the names of Drs. Hamorski and Wilson to Mylestone Equine Rescue, the equine organization which the two veterinarians support.  In addition, Pfizer Animal Health donated $1,000 in vaccines for use at the rescue.

The AAEP’s 58^th Annual Convention will take place Dec. 1 – 5, 2012, in Anaheim, Calif.  More information is available at www.aaep.org

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, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

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Photos of officers and award winners are available digitally by contacting Sally Baker at 859-233-0147 orsbaker@aaep.org.  In addition, individual releases about each award winner and the new directors are available.