Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith Receives AAEP’s Distinguished Educator – Academic Award

Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc,PhD, DSc, FRCVS,DACVS, a University Distinguished Professor and Barbara Cox Anthony University Endowed Chair Emeritus at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, received the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 2025 Distinguished Educator – Academic Award for his groundbreaking contributions to orthopedic surgery and joint disease that have revolutionized treatment protocols and influenced immeasurable equine veterinarians worldwide. 

The Distinguished Educator – Academic Award recognizes an individual who by her or his actions and commitment has demonstrated a significant impact on the development and training of equine practitioners. Dr. McIlwraith accepted his award Dec. 9 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 71st Annual Convention in Denver, Colo. 

A New Zealand native who received his veterinary degree in 1970 from Massey University, Dr. McIlwraith has a storied record of achievement and contributions to veterinary orthopedics and translational medicine during his more than 40 years at Colorado State University and in private practice. He pioneered the use of arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of equine joint injuries, and his research interests have focused on equine orthopedic surgery and joint disease, including novel treatments for osteoarthritis and articular cartilage repair, mesenchymal stem cell and gene therapies, and early diagnosis of osteoarthritis and pre-fracture disease using imaging and fluid biomarkers.  

Dr. McIlwraith founded the university’s Orthopaedic Research Center and is namesake of the Translational Medicine Institute. He has authored seven textbooks and more than 500 scientific publications and textbook chapters, many serving as foundational resources for veterinarians and students alike. Dr. McIlwraith has also delivered more than 700 presentations, seminars and workshops internationally, including an annual short course at Colorado State to teach basic and advanced equine arthroscopy techniques to colleagues from around the world. 

“From the beginning of his career to the end, Dr. McIlwraith has been instrumental in the education and professional development of innumerable veterinarians, residents and graduate students,” said his co-nominator, Dr. Erin Contino. “Reaching far beyond his personal graduate students are the hundreds to thousands of veterinarians that he has taught in the equine arthroscopy course, a course that he has run every year for 40 years. Additionally, he worked to advance veterinary education and training by starting the minimally invasive fellowship through the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and by creating an entirely new specialty college: the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.”  

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.