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.