Colorado State Researcher Dr. David Frisbie Takes Reins of AAEP as 2020 President

David D. Frisbie, DVM, Ph.D., DACVS, DACVSMR, esteemed orthopaedic surgeon, researcher and professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University, was installed as president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners during the Dec. 10 President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 65th Annual Convention in Denver, Colo.

A 1992 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Frisbie completed a surgical internship at Cornell University followed by a surgical residency and master’s degree in joint pathobiology at Colorado State University, where he joined the faculty as an assistant professor of equine surgery in 1999.

His research into musculoskeletal treatments and pathogenesis include translational and novel therapeutics such as stem cells and other biologic treatments influencing veterinary and human health. He founded one of the first regenerative therapies focused on improving treatments for horses; and he created and described innovative, minimally invasive orthopaedic techniques.

In addition to his responsibilities at Colorado State, Dr. Frisbie is a partner in Equine Sports Medicine, LLC, among the first sports medicine practices focused on Quarter Horse shows, and he served six years as the official veterinarian for the AQHA World Show Series. He also co-founded eCORE North Texas, one of the first veterinarian-owned and veterinarian specialist-run rehabilitation facilities.

Most recently, as interim director of operations and founding director of Colorado State’s C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, Dr. Frisbie played an integral role in creating the vision and mission of the high-tech medical innovation hub.

An AAEP member since 2001, Dr. Frisbie served on the board of directors from 2013-2015 and as a member and chair of the Educational Programs Committee, his contributions to which earned him the President’s Award in 2011.

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, the 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.