Elizabeth “Betsy” Charles, DVM, MA, a radiology consultant in Murrieta, Calif., and vice president of learning and leadership development for Southfield, Mich.-based Mission Veterinary Partners, has joined the board of directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She was installed Nov. 21 during the AAEP’s 68th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Her three-year term expires in 2025. 

After receiving her veterinary degree from Washington State University in 2003, Dr. Charles completed an internship at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital in Bonsall, Calif. She joined San Dieguito Equine Group in San Marcos, Calif., as an associate before becoming director of its imaging center. In 2009, Dr. Charles received her master’s degree in organizational leadership and entered an alternative track residency at Western University of Health Sciences. She stayed on faculty until 2017, concurrently serving as executive director of the Veterinary Leadership Institute from 2011–2021.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Charles built an online radiology teaching platform for veterinary students called RadiologyRules before joining Mission Veterinary Partners in October 2021 overseeing leadership development across the corporate veterinary business.  

Dr. Charles serves on the AAEP’s Member Engagement and Wellness committees. She previously served on the Educational Programs, Leadership Development and Student Relations committees as well as on task forces devoted to Student Programs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In addition, Dr. Charles served on the AVMA’s Council on Education, and she has presented frequently at the AAEP Annual Convention and other conferences on the topics of business, leadership and wellness. 

About AAEP 

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.