Edward Kanara, DVM, DABVP, who since 2010 has overseen a revamp of the AAEP’s educational programs as well as the design and implementation of a campaign that provides a blueprint for equine veterinarians to deliver care and services most desired by clients, received The President’s Award during the Dec. 10 President’s Luncheon at the American Association of Equine Practitioners 59^th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

The President’s Award, selected by the sitting AAEP president, honors an AAEP member who has demonstrated a dedication to the association during the past year by contributing a significant portion of time and expertise to benefit the health and welfare of the horse.

After being named AAEP educational programs consultant in 2010, Dr. Kanara led an analysis of the association’s entire educational planning process, instituted a multi-year calendar for topical content and formalized many processes to increase efficiency. In 2012, he worked on a horse owner survey that identified key areas in which equine veterinarians could enhance service to clients. That survey became the impetus for creation of AAEP Touch, the recently launched program designed with extensive input from Dr. Kanara to help AAEP members better connect with their clients and clients’ horses.

“I am delighted to salute the tireless role Dr. Kanara has played behind the scenes – with our educational programs, with AAEP Touch and with other AAEP initiatives,” said 2013 AAEP President Ann Dwyer, DVM. “Through his service to AAEP, Dr. Kanara has truly helped every member of our organization and every single horse we care for.”

Dr. Kanara, of Kennett Square, Pa., earned his DVM from the University of Illinois in 1979. After 11 years in private practice with emphasis on performance horses and reproductive medicine, Dr. Kanara left clinical practice in 1990 to join the Animal Health Team at Pfizer where he spent more than two decades in a variety of positions, including senior director of strategic initiatives for veterinary medicine research and development. An AAEP member since 1979, Dr. Kanara served on the AAEP’s board of directors from 1996-1999.

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. 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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