News Notes

Dr. Emma Read Takes Reins as AAEP's 2022 President

Emma Read, DVM, MVSc, DACVS, associate dean for professional programs at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, became the president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners during the 67th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

Dr. Read joined Ohio State in 2018 after 11 years on the veterinary faculty at the University of Calgary, which included stints as chair of the Clinical Skills Program, associate dean academic and interim dean. She also taught at the Ontario Veterinary College and worked for a private specialty referral practice in Alberta.

While in Calgary, Dr. Read worked with national and international equine athletes and riders as part of the treatment team at Spruce Meadows show jumping facility. She also helped develop and validate several simulator models that were later commercialized by Veterinary Simulator Industries.

Dr. Read said that retaining graduates will be a goal for her presidency. “I look at our current issues with retaining new graduates and really want to help that situation so others have the opportunity to make the most of a career in this field and feel like they belong in a welcoming, inclusive profession with a bright future.”

Immediate Past President Dr. Scott Hay (left) welcomes incoming President Dr. Emma Reed.

Courtesy of AAEP

Dr. Read earned her veterinary degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 and became board certified in veterinary surgery in 2004. She has served on various boards and committees at the AAEP, including on the board of directors from 20112013. Dr. Read also serves on the Competency Based Veterinary Education working group and the Council for International Veterinary Medical Education for the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.

In related news, AAEP Past President William “Bill” Moyer, DVM, received the Distinguished Life Member Award for his leadership and service to the association during his 51 years of membership.

Dr. Moyer retired from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in 2015 but continues to serve as a professor emeritus.

Throughout his career, Dr. Moyer has been an enthusiastic advocate of the AAEP and a leading voice for its educational programs. Those efforts have been instrumental in recruiting academic leaders to become more involved with the association. Dr. Moyer’s 2 terms on the AAEP board of directors culminated in his role as president in 2011. Since 1981, he has served on numerous councils, committees and task forces, including as chair of the Nominating and Equine Insurance committees, and member of the Farrier Liaison, Professional Conduct & Ethics, Public Policy and Racing committees. Dr. Moyer remains active within The Foundation for the Horse, specifically assisting in the area of disaster medicine. He served as lead author of the AAEP’s Disaster Medicine Guidelines published in May 2021. “Dr. Moyer has served our association in many and varied capacities for over 40 years,” said nominator Harry Werner, VMD. “Chairing or sitting on multiple committees, forums and task forces as well as serving on our board of directors and as our president, Dr. Moyer has helped shape the vision and achieve the goals of the AAEP throughout his career.”

Dr. William "Bill" Moyer (left) accepts the Distinguished Life Member Award from Dr. Scott Hay.

Courtesy of AAEP

He received his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1970 and completed his surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in 1973. In 1993, he joined Texas A&M University following 13 years on faculty at New Bolton Center.

Jackie Christakos, DVM, associate veterinarian at Littleton Equine Medical Center in Colorado, joined the AAEP's board of directors. Upon receiving her veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 2012, Dr. Christakos completed an internship at Littleton Equine, where she became an assistant veterinarian to Terry Swanson, DVM, before becoming a full-time associate in 2015. Her primary areas of focus are lameness/sports medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound, but she also enjoys general practice/wellness care, emergency field work and acupuncture.