The American Association of Equine Practitioners will recognize a past president who has guided the AAEP in racing and welfare issues with the annual Distinguished Service Award during the 55th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. AAEP Past President Scott Palmer, VMD, Dipl. ABVP, of Clarksburg, N.J., will receive the award Dec. 8 at the annual President's Luncheon.

Palmer, director and staff surgeon of New Jersey Equine Clinic, is internationally recognized for his studies in equine sports injuries, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and minimally invasive surgery using lasers. He has been a key leader in preserving the public image of Thoroughbred racing and is currently the chair of its 2009 AAEP Racing Committee. He was instrumental in the AAEP's development of a racing white paper, which included crucial veterinary recommendations for ensuring the safety of racehorses.

During his term as AAEP president in 2005, Palmer brought attention to the nation's unwanted horse issue with the Unwanted Horse Summit in Washington, D.C. He also helped expand continuing education offerings to international members during his presidency. He has served as an On Call representative for Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing at the Meadowlands or at Monmouth Park racetracks. He assisted racing telecasts on CBS Sports, ESPN, The Fox Network, and The Learning Channel.

Palmer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, in 1976. He is a past president of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners and was twice named New Jersey Veterinarian of the Year