The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) 54th Annual Convention united equine practitioners across the globe in San Diego, CA, December 6-10. As the world’s largest meeting for equine veterinarians, the convention provided quality education to 3,201 veterinarians, students and veterinary technicians. Total convention attendance was 6,579.

David Foley, AAEP Executive Director, considered the third largest AAEP convention turnout a success in the midst of a staggering economy. “In a year in which many conventions experienced low turnouts, we were pleasantly surprised with attendance at our meeting,” Foley said. “An outstanding scientific program, coupled with the attractive San Diego location, helped set the stage for another terrific AAEP meeting.”

Highlights from the convention include:

—Installation of new officers and board members. The 2009 Executive Committee and new members of the board of directors took office on December 9. The members of the Executive Committee are Harry W. Werner, VMD, North Granby, CT, president; Nat White II, DVM, Leesburg, VA, president-elect; William Moyer, DVM, College Station, TX, vice president; Eleanor M. Green, DVM, Gainesville, FL, immediate past president; and Jeffrey T. Berk, Ocala, FL, treasurer.

—New members of the board of directors are: District I – Peter C. Bousum, VMD, Ringoes, NJ; District II – B.A. Rucker, DVM, Lebanon, VA; District III – Scott A. Hay, DVM, Fort Lauderdale, FL; District IX – Debra C. Sellon, DVM, Pullman, WA; Director at Large – Carol K. Clark, DVM, Belleview, FL; and International Director Desmond P. Leadon, MVB, FRCVS, Naas, County Kildare, Ireland.

The AAEP honored the 2008 recipients of several awards. The following were recognized at the December 9 President’s Luncheon:

—Distinguished Educator Award: Timothy R. O’Brien, DVM, MS, PhD, and the late John V. Steiner, DVM, Dipl. ACT

—Distinguished Life Member: Larry R. Bramlage, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS

—Distinguished Service Award: Susan L. White, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM

—George Stubbs Award: John K. and Marianne Castle

—Equine Welfare Award – The Lavin Cup: Hanover Shoe Farms

—President’s Award: Midge Leitch, VMD

Healthy Horses Workshop. This annual day of seminars for horse owners attracted 143 attendees. Articles based on the presentations will soon be available at www.aaep.org/horseowner.

Auctions raise funds for AAEP Foundation. The annual live and silent auctions held during the Foundation Celebration raised over $118,000 to go toward programs to help the horse.

The AAEP’s 55th Annual Convention will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, December 5–9, 2009. More information is available on www.aaep.org.