Jeffery T. Berk, VMD, a central Kentucky-based thoroughbred practitioner exclusively focused on domestic and international sales work, was installed as president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners during the Dec. 4 President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 64th Annual Convention in San Francisco, Calif. A 1981 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Berk began his career at a racetrack practice in Cleveland, Ohio, before starting his own practice in Ocala, Fla. He ran the practice for 19 years before merging with and becoming a partner in Ocala Equine Hospital in 2000. In 2010, he joined Equine Medical Associates PSC in Lexington, Ky., where, in addition to his sales work, he does pro bono work for New Vocations racehorse adoption program.

He served as chairman of the AAEP Foundation from 2014-2016; as AAEP treasurer from 2009-2011; on the board of directors from 2004-2006; as chair of the Professional Conduct and Ethics Committee; and as a member of the Biologics and Therapeutic Agents, Convention Planning, Finance, Public Policy and Purchase Exam committees. He also has volunteered on various AAEP task forces and presented at both the AAEP’s Annual Convention and Resort Symposium continuing education meetings. Dr. Berk praises the training and mentorship he received at the University of Pennsylvania, especially from Dr. Charles Raker and Dr. Loren Evans. He credits his professors for instilling in him the value of membership in AAEP, an association he joined as a student and to which he has dedicated significant time to its advancement.

John graduated from University College Dublin UCD with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2005. He icompleted a 1 year surgery internship in Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Returning to Ireland in 2006, John took up an ambulatory position at O Byrne and Halley in Fethard, Co. Tipperary and has continued working there ever since. The majority of his work is focused on the Racehorse and Sales work with particular interest in Two year old Breeze-up, Yearling and foal sales.

Chris graduated from the University of Sydney and stayed on completing an internship at Camden. He joined the Randwick Equine Centre in 1997 and in mid 2000 left to further his training in surgery undertaking a residency at The Ohio State University in the USA. Chris obtained specialist status in the USA returning to Randwick Equine Centre in 2003, becoming a partner in 2008. 

Chris has multiple first author publications and a text book chapter. Chris services Sydney racetracks and is predominately based in the hospital at Randwick. He also travels as a consultant to NSW Southern Highlands and South Coast.

Pete graduated from the University of Sydney 1994. He subsequently worked in the cattle industry in the Kimberley region of Northern Australia before moving to the UK in 1996. Here, he gained experience in large animal practice in the West Country (Kingston Vets, Sherborne and Horsepond Vets, South Molton) before joining the racing team at Rossdale & Partners in Newmarket in 1998. He became a partner in 2005.

Pete's clinical research interest is the early detection and improved management of racehorse orthopaedic injuries. In August 2014, CRC Press published his book The Racehorse: A Veterinary Manual - the first comprehensive textbook wholly dedicated to veterinary management of the racehorse.

In 2018 Pete was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice. Fellowship is the highest level of membership of the RCVS for members who have demonstrated significant original contribution in their subject.