The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) honored two members for their longtime dedication to the association, including continuous efforts to promote equine welfare and the equine veterinary profession, during a luncheon held yesterday in Las Vegas, Nev.

C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, DSc, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, professor and director of equine orthopaedic research at Colorado State University (CSU), and Tom R. Lenz, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT, a champion for equine welfare throughout his career, received the Distinguished Lifetime Member award. They were recognized at the President's Luncheon, which was a part of the organization's 55th Annual Convention.

An AAEP member of more than 30 years, McIlwraith served as AAEP president in 2001 and was a member of the board of directors from 1992 to 1994. He has been chair of the Educational Programs, Research, President's Advisory, Professional Conduct, and Ethics committees, as well as a member of several other committees and task forces. He is the current chair of the Foundation Advisory Committee. In addition, McIlwraith participates in the AAEP's On Call Program, which provides veterinary expertise to print and broadcast media during major equine sporting events. McIlwraith has provided "On Call" expertise during the Breeders' Cup Thoroughbred World Championships since 1995 as well as major Quarter Horse races.

McIlwraith is the director of the Equine Orthopaedic Research Center and the Barbara Cox Anthony University Endowed Chair on orthopaedics at CSU. In 2009 he received the title of University Distinguished Professor at the university. He is a past president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Veterinary Orthopaedic Society. He is widely recognized as a leader in the field of equine orthopaedic surgery and research