The American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS) Foundation Board of Trustees presented the esteemed ACVS Foundation Legends Award to Charles W. Raker, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, in November.

The ACVS Foundation Legends Award recognizes ACVS Diplomates who have developed a surgical or diagnostic procedure of significant value, proven by becoming the treatment or test of choice for a given condition. The procedure or test has
“withstood the test of time” and, while perhaps modified over time, remains the treatment or diagnostic method of choice or the scientific basis for the current treatment of choice. The procedure or test is novel and involves advancements in veterinary surgical science and not reapplication of general medical science.

For decades, Raker was considered the expert on most upper respiratory surgical techniques applied to the horse. His wisdom about such treatments and his vast case experiences from New Bolton Center gave him unsurpassed credibility. Raker authored or coauthored numerous papers in refereed journals and unselfishly mentored and encouraged others to present these new ideas.

Dean W. Richardson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, lead surgeon for the team that treated Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, says Raker “was the pre-eminent expert in equine upper airway problems for many years, but he also was a pioneer of joint surgery in horses. Most importantly, he served as a broad minded mentor for those that followed him. He actively encouraged the development of new technologies by his younger staff and gave selflessly to all of his residents, interns and students. None of those who worked with him has any doubts that he is a legend of veterinary surgery