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4075 Iron Works Parkway • Lexington, KY 40511 |
About The AAEP
Our History
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) was founded in 1954 by a group of 11 charter members who saw that together they could direct the focus of equine veterinary medicine. Today, the AAEP, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., serves over 9,000 members worldwide and reaches more than 5 million horse owners. The AAEP represents an educated group of men and women dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse, covering a broad range of equine disciplines, breeds and specialties.
Our Mission
The AAEP seeks to further the professional development of its members, and to provide resources and leadership for the benefit of the equine industry. These principles have guided the AAEP for over 50 years in the activities and services it provides. The AAEP's work includes the development and promotion of recommended practice guidelines; advocacy on behalf of the horse, veterinarians and horse owners; support for research and education; and providing timely distribution of information on health matters important to the equine industry.
Our Commitment to the Health and Welfare of the Horse
As an organization, our mission is to support practices that improve the health and welfare of the horse. The AAEP takes very seriously its responsibility in offering an objective opinion regarding the treatment of horses in any situation. Advances in equine medicine have enabled veterinarians to treat many illnesses and injuries once considered life threatening. The AAEP is involved actively in developing and promoting guidelines and policies in response to these medical advances to ensure the horse receives humane care and its overall welfare needs are met.
A Resource for the Experienced Practitioner
The health of the horse depends on the equine veterinarian understanding new disease developments and staying up-to-date on the best methods of diagnosis and treatment of equine medical conditions. Enhancing our members' professional development through quality continuing education is a guiding principle, and the AAEP offers relevant, scientific programs to keep the equine veterinarian informed on the most current research findings, emerging diseases, and the latest practice guidelines and techniques. Among the programs and services offered include:
· The AAEP Annual Convention – The world's largest gathering of equine veterinarians, this four-day convention provides a showcase and opportunity for discussion on the latest advances in equine health care.
· Practice Management Seminar– Recognizing that our members are more than just veterinarians, the AAEP hosts an annual seminar to help members better balance their work and personal lives, build their medical practices, and address common problems practitioners face.
· Professional Resource Tools – The AAEP offers several resources to keep our members up-to-date on the latest issues in horse health. Among these are a bi-monthly scientific journal, a collection of scientific papers from the Annual Convention, and a popular resource library that addresses several horse-health topics.
A Resource for New Graduates and Veterinary Students
The needs of the new graduate differ from the experienced practitioner. To help new veterinarians as they enter private practice, the AAEP offers programs to give them a chance to work in established practices. The AAEP also maintains its presence with schools of veterinary medicine and equine research institutions and organizations throughout the world. Programs and activities include:
· AAEP Avenues Internship/Externship Program – This unique program provides new graduates with an opportunity to partner with experienced practitioners, enabling them to gain practical experience in all aspects of equine medical practice. Those still in veterinary school can participate in externships.
· AAEP Student Chapters– The AAEP has more than 2,100 student members at 34 veterinary school chapters throughout North America. To nurture their understanding of equine medicine, student members have access to the same educational materials provided to experienced practitioners.
Equine veterinarians are uniquely qualified on health issues affecting the horse, and the AAEP stands as a solid source for information for the entire equine industry. The AAEP is actively involved in public education programs regarding prevention and treatment of injury and disease, and has focused the industry’s attention on such issues as the unwanted horse and racehorse medication. AAEP initiatives include:
· On Call – Established in 1991, this program provides media-trained veterinarians to assist racetrack management in responding to press inquiries during live broadcast racing events, allowing event veterinary staff to attend to the equine athlete. Since its inception, the On Call program has been at every major racing event, including the Triple Crown races and the Breeders' Cup, and arena events such as the AQHA World Championship Show.
· Client Education Brochures – The AAEP makes available educational resources for veterinarians to distribute to trainers and owners. Current topics include immunization, emergency care, dental care, euthanasia, and caring for the older horse.
· Horse Owner Education– Knowing that quality information is essential for all involved with the care of the horse, the AAEP has devoted a section of its Web site to providing equine health resources to horse owners. In addition, the twice-a-year Healthy Horses Workshop features leading veterinarians discussing the latest issues in equine health with horse owners and caregivers.
The AAEP Foundation
Established in 1994, the non-profit AAEP Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of the horse through the support of research, education, benevolence and the equine community. The Foundation has most recently improved horse health and advanced veterinary medicine through its sponsorship of the 8th Annual Colic Research Symposium and its coordination of the first-ever Equine Research Summit. In response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Foundation’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund distributed more than $75,000 to help horses in Louisiana and Mississippi. Over $750,000 has been allocated by the Foundation since its inception. Learn more about the AAEP Foundation at www.aaepfoundation.org.
Copyright © 1996-2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners.
All rights reserved.
American Association of Equine Practitioners
4075 Iron Works Parkway • Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 859-233-0147 • Fax: 859-233-1968
e-mail: aaepoffice@aaep.org