58th annual American Association of Equine Practioners convention draws 5,700 to Anaheim, Calif.

The 58th annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), held Dec. 1-5, 2012, in Anaheim, Calif., attracted 5,730 veterinary professionals, students, guests and exhibitors. The trade Show featured 571 booths offering products and services in the equine veterinary market. More than 100 educational sessions covered topics ranging from lameness to reproduction to ophthalmology.

Highlights from the 2012 convention include:

Installation of new officers and board members. Ann E. Dwyer, DVM, of Scottsville, N.Y., was installed as the 59th president. Other members of the 2013 Executive Committee are Jeff Blea, DVM, of Sierra Madre, Calif., president-elect; Kent Carter, DVM, of College Station, Texas, vice president; Jim Morehead, DVM, of Lexington, Ky., treasurer; and John S. Mitchell, DVM, of Boca Raton, Fla., immediate past president.

New members of the board of directors are Monty McInturff, DVM, of Thompson's Station, Tenn. District IV; Wendy Vaala, VMD, of Alma, Wis., District V; and Kenton Morgan, DVM, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., District VI.

Presentation of annual awards. The association honored several veterinarians and a faith-based coalition of veterinarians during the Dec. 4 president's luncheon.

• Distinguished Life Member: Nat T. Messer IV, DVM

• Distinguished Service Award: Midge Leitch, VMD

• Distinguished Educator Award: Jill Johnson, DVM

• Equine Welfare Award, The Lavin Cup: Christian Veterinary Mission

• President's Award: Jay Merriam, DVM

Fundraising events. The silent auction held during the AAEP Foundation celebration, along with a golf tournament, sporting clay tournament and individual donations, raised more than $100,000 to benefit the foundation's programs.

The AAEP's 59th annual convention will take place in Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 7-11, 2013.