AAEP Honors Past President Dr. Terry Swanson with Distinguished Life Member Award

The American Association of Equine Practitioners presented Terry Swanson, DVM, with the Distinguished Life Member Award for his leadership and considerable volunteerism within the association during his 46 years as a member.

The Distinguished Life Member Award honors an AAEP member who has made outstanding contributions to the association throughout their career. Dr. Swanson, longtime partner in Littleton Equine Medical Center in Littleton, Colo., who served as AAEP President in 1996, was honored Dec. 9 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 60^th Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.

During his presidency, the AAEP deployed a new governance structure that made it easier for members to volunteer for committee and board service, approved the proposal for the annual State-of-the-Art Lecture at the AAEP Annual Convention, developed a position statement for the stewardship of the horse and funded the first AAEP website.

An AAEP member since 1969, Dr. Swanson served two separate terms on the AAEP board of directors. He currently serves on the President’s Advisory Council and previously volunteered his time and expertise as a member of numerous committees, including Constitution and By-Laws, Nominating, Pediatrics, Professional Conduct and Ethics, Public Policy Coordinating and Scientific Program.

A 1967 graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Swanson sold his ownership interest in Littleton Equine Medical Center in 2011 but continues to practice with emphasis on lameness and performance horses.

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.