The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recognized a pair of past presidents who were pivotal in the development and growth of the AAEP’s award-winning “On Call” program when presenting its 2014 Distinguished Service Award to Larry Bramlage, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, and C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, DSc, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR.

The Distinguished Service Award honors exemplary service to the AAEP or a similar organization to the benefit of the horse, horse industry or profession of equine veterinary medicine. Bramlage and McIlwraith were honored Dec. 9 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 60th Annual Convention, taking place Dec. 6-10 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Created in 1991, the On Call program delivers accurate veterinary information to broadcast and print journalists through media-trained veterinarians who respond to crisis situations and answer questions about the health of the equine athlete. The program serves all nationally televised equestrian events and received the 2008 Special Eclipse Award for its contributions to Thoroughbred racing.

During their 23 years of On Call service, Bramlage and McIlwraith were instrumental in elevating the program to its current status within the racing industry and, by extension, the AAEP to its position as the respected authority on equine health and welfare for the media and viewing public. Each sacrificed considerable time away from family and practice annually to serve AAEP as On Call “spokesdoctors” at Thoroughbred racing’s premier events—the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup World Championships—and other televised races throughout the year. The 2014 Breeders’ Cup was the pair’s final On Call assignment