Carol Clark, DVM, DACVIM, and Amy Grice, VMD, MBA, who have been integral to tackling the ongoing issue of retention and recruitment of equine veterinarians, received the President’s Award during the December 7 President’s Luncheon at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 67th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

The President’s Award, selected by the sitting AAEP president, honors an AAEP member(s) who has demonstrated a dedication to the association during the past year by contributing a significant portion of time and expertise to benefit the health and welfare of the horse.

Dr. Clark, a partner in Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care in Ocala, Fla., serves as chair of the AAEP’s Retention Task Force, created in 2020 to gather data and formulate solutions to the retention and recruitment issue.

“Dr. Carol Clark has spent endless hours of working with the task force via email, Zoom meetings and extensive phone interviews,” said 2021 AAEP President Dr. Scott Hay. “The work of the task force is still ongoing, but their findings, which were presented at this convention, will be keys to the changes that we will need to make to solve this dilemma. There is no doubt that her efforts leading this task force will make a difference.”

Dr. Clark received her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University in 1991. She joined Peterson Smith Equine Hospital as an associate in 1996 and became a partner in 2003. Dr. Clark served on the AAEP board of directors from 2009–2011, and previously served on the Biological & Therapeutic Agents, Educational Programs, Nominating and Student Relations committees.

Dr. Grice, a veterinary business consultant in Virginia City, Mont., was recognized for her development of the Decade One program that has been described as a “paradigm shift” and “game changer” by international industry professionals.

“Dr. Grice developed the Decade One groups providing business training and networking for practitioners in their early years of equine practice,” said Dr. Hay. “It’s making a difference for the retention of those veterinarians, and it is a testament to her that international groups want to emulate her efforts.”

Dr. Grice received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. She resigned in 2015 as managing partner of Rhinebeck Equine in Rhinebeck, N.Y., to establish Amy Grice VMD, MBA, LLC to help veterinarians navigate challenging practice environments to lead more successful and satisfying lives. Dr. Grice is AAEP treasurer and previously served on the Foundation Advisory Council as well as the Educational Programs, Leadership Development, Nominating, Owner Education and Wellness committees.

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.