University of Kentucky Professor, Outreach Veterinarian Joins AAEP Board of Directors as Vice President

Emma Adam, BVetMed, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM, DACVS, associate professor and industry liaison at the University of Kentucky’s Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington, Ky., was installed as the 2026 vice president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners on Dec. 9 during the AAEP’s 71st Annual Convention in Denver, Colo. She was elected in August by a vote of the membership and will assume the role of AAEP president in 2028.

A second-generation equine veterinarian who grew up on a commercial breeding farm in Newmarket, England, Dr. Adam brings unique perspective to the office having practiced in four countries on three continents and in positions encompassing clinical practice, research, and academia with a focus on industry outreach.

After receiving her veterinary degree in 1993 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. Dr. Adam served as assistant trainer for champion racehorse trainer Sir Michael Stoute in Newmarket, which reinforced her passion for the health, safety and welfare of equine athletes. Dr. Adam also worked in various racing- and breeding-related positions around the world, including in Melbourne, Australia, before venturing to the U.S. in 2000 to further her clinical education.

Dr. Adam completed an internship at Colorado State University, an internal medicine residency at Texas A&M University and a surgical residency at New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, achieving board certification in both specialties. She then spent several years as a surgeon and internist in private practice in New York and Deauville, France.

In 2016, Dr. Adam completed her PhD in regenerative medicine as it relates to articular cartilage using RNA sequencing at the University of Kentucky, where she serves as an associate professor and industry liaison in which she supports the profession and equine industry, conducts equine research, mentors and teaches undergraduate and veterinary students, and assists with the pre-vet program at the university.

Dr. Adam served on the AAEP’s board of directors from 2021–2023. She currently chairs the Member Engagement Committee and previously served on the Nominating and Racing committees. Beyond the AAEP, Dr. Adam is vice president of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners and will assume the role of KAEP president in 2026.

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.

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