The American Association of Equine Practitioners recently presented University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine alumnus James P. Morehead, DVM, with its 2021 Distinguished Service Award. Morehead, a 1983 graduate of the CVM, now resides in Lexington, Kentucky, where he established Equine Medical Associates, PSC, in 1991. The Distinguished Service Award honors exemplary service to the AAEP to the benefit of the horse, horse industry or profession of equine veterinary medicine. Morehead received the award during the Dec. 7 President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 67th annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners, which is headquartered in Lexington, was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through more than 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.
Following Morehead’s graduation from the CVM, he moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, joining Equine Medical Associates. He then relocated to Lexington in 1986, where he joined Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital prior to establishing his current practice in 1991.
Morehead’s 37-year career has included leadership and membership in numerous organizations focusing on equine veterinary medicine. He has been a member of AAEP since 1984, where he’s held multiple roles, including service on the board of directors and as treasurer from 2012-2014. Morehead has also served as the president of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners and has been a member of the Kentucky State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory Advisory Committee, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and multiple other organizations.
In an AAEP press release, Morehead’s nominator spoke of the honoree’s commitment to equine veterinary medicine. “Along with his attitude of service to the AAEP and veterinary profession, Jim is characterized by the great commitment and tenacity that comes along with his involvement,” said Kenton Morgan, DVM, a fellow graduate of the CVM Class of 1983 and equine veterinary specialist with Zoetis. “He is never the silent observer or bystander. If he commits to a post, Jim is all in, and he will not stop until the objectives have been achieved.”
By Nick Childress
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