Member Spotlight - Dr. Scott Hay: 2021 AAEP PRESIDENT

Scott Hay, DVM, was installed as president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) during the AAEP’s 66th Annual Convention & Trade Show, which was held virtually on December 9, 2020.

“I have had the great fortune to be able to work in a practice of people that have always believed in being involved in organized veterinary medicine,” Dr. Hay said of his new role. “Being able to serve the AAEP as its president is exciting as well as extremely humbling. Having been from a practice that had three previous presidents of the AAEP, and two previous presidents of the FAEP as well, gives me large shoes to fill. It's great to know I get the chance to try.”

Dr. Hay is the president and managing shareholder of Teigland, Franklin and Brokken DVMs, Inc. (also known as TFB Equine), a Florida-based racetrack practice in Fort Lauderdale. A second-generation veterinarian, Dr. Hay joined TFB Equine soon after graduating from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. He is the fourth veterinarian from his practice to lead the AAEP as president, following Dr. M.B. Teigland (1961), Dr. Ben Franklin (2000) and Dr. Tom Brokken (2006). Dr. Hay notes that this past year and the year ahead present unique challenges, but he and the AAEP are homing in on specific issues that need to be tackled in equine veterinary medicine.

“My year as president of the AAEP will be focused on our current strategic plan,” Dr. Hay said. “I hope that we can continue to make progress on the plan, which focuses on the profession, education and the horse. Each part of the plan has its challenges. Within the profession, work continues on issues of diversity and inclusion, not only within our organization but in veterinary medicine as a whole. Attracting new veterinarians and retaining them in the equine space is another challenge that the AAEP is attempting to address. Both issues have task forces working aggressively to find solutions to these issues. Hopefully, we can identify ways to effectively combat these problems.”

Dr. Hay (right) in front of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum.

Image courtesy of Dr. Scott Hay.

Dr. Scott Hay, DVM, of Teigland, Franklin and Brokken DVMs, Inc.

Image courtesy of Dr. Scott Hay.

In addition to these challenges and the ever-present focus on the welfare of the horse, Dr. Hay notes that, like many associations around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the AAEP to move their conferences and other continuing education meetings online. However, while the pandemic may have pushed the profession into the online education experience a little early, good things have still come of the challenge. Looking ahead, he is eager to make further progress on the strategic plan with the help of the many great people in the veterinary profession.

Dr. Hay is a longtime member of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) and the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP). He serves on the AAEP’s Educational Programs Committee, Finance and Audit Committee and as a veterinary spokesperson for the On Call program. He previously served on the board of directors from 2009-2011, as chair of the Racing Committee, as a member of the Professional Conduct and Ethics Committee, and served on the GraysonJockey Club Research Foundation Advisory Committee. He is also a member and former chair of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium’s Scientific Advisory Committee.

Dr. Hay’s clinical focus is on lameness, performance evaluations and purchase examinations. When not in South Florida attending to racehorses, he travels to many thoroughbred sales where he consults with clients on potential purchases.

Dr. Hay (pictured right center) at dinner with friends and colleagues. Image courtesy of Dr. Scott Hay. Dr. Hay (right) in front of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum.

Image courtesy of Dr. Scott Hay.