The 58^th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, held Dec. 1 – 5 in Anaheim, Calif., attracted 5,730 veterinary professionals, students, guests and exhibitors. The Trade Show featured 571 booths offering the latest products and services in the equine veterinary market.

More than 100 in-depth, how to, table topic, dry lab and subject-specific sessions were presented during the four-day Convention, covering topics ranging from lameness to reproduction to ophthalmology.

“Planning for each convention begins 18 months in advance,” said David Foley, AAEP executive Director. “I extend sincere appreciation to this year’s program chair, Dr. Ann Dwyer, and the Educational Programs Committee for developing an extremely well received and comprehensive experience.”

Highlights from the 2012 convention include:

Installation of new officers and board members.  Ann E. Dwyer, DVM, Scottsville, N.Y., was installed as the 59^th president.  Other members of the 2013 Executive Committee are Jeff Blea, DVM, Sierra Madre, Calif., president-elect; Kent Carter, DVM, College Station, Texas, vice president; Jim Morehead, DVM, Lexington, Ky., treasurer; and John S. Mitchell, DVM, Boca Raton, Fla., immediate past president.

New members of the board of directors are: District IV – Monty McInturff, DVM, Thompson's Station, Tenn.; District V – Wendy Vaala, VMD, Alma, Wis.; and District VI – Kenton Morgan, DVM, Pleasant Hill, Mo.

Annual awards presented.  The association honored several veterinarians and a faith-based coalition of veterinarians during the Dec. 4 President’s Luncheon.

Distinguished Life Member:  Nat T. Messer IV, DVM

Distinguished Service Award:  Midge Leitch, VMD

Distinguished Educator Award:  Jill Johnson, DVM

Equine Welfare Award – The Lavin Cup:  Christian Veterinary Mission

President’s Award:  Jay Merriam, DVM

Events raise funds for AAEP Foundation:  The annual silent auction held during the Foundation Celebration, along with a golf tournament, sporting clay tournament and individual donations, combined to raise more than $100,000 to benefit the Foundation’s outreach programs.

The AAEP’s 59^th Annual Convention will take place in Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 7 – 11, 2013.  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 or sbaker@aaep.org.  In addition, individual releases about each award winner and the new board members are available.