Ernest “Ernie” Martinez, II, DVM, MBA, a field care veterinarian at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky, has joined the board of directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. He was installed Dec. 9 during the AAEP’s 71st Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado. His three-year-term expires in 2028. 

Raised on a large Standardbred breeding farm in New Jersey, Martinez received his veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, in 2003 and an MBA in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship from Penn State University, in University Park, in 2018.  

Following veterinary school, Martinez completed a rotating field internship at Hagyard Equine and remained with the practice, where he focuses on Thoroughbred farm breeding work, mare and foal care, stallions, herd health, and dentistry. Martinez also oversees the practice’s internship and externship programs. 

Martinez serves on the AAEP’s Early Career Committee and is the association’s primary representative to the AVMA’s Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee. He previously chaired the Foreign Veterinary Graduates Task Force as well as the Student Programs Group within the Scientific Review and Editorial Committee. Dr. Martinez also served on the Member Engagement Committee and Foundation Advisory Council.