As AAEP president, Green makes member outreach a priority
Dr. Eleanor M. Green is an unintentional trailblazer. Not only is she the first woman to chair the University of Florida's Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, but in December 2007, Dr. Green became the first female president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the world's largest professional organization dedicated to equine veterinary medicine.
About such accomplishments Dr. Green is nonchalant. She'd much rather talk about what she hopes to achieve as AAEP president, such as helping members strike a balance between their career and personal life.
"They have a lot of questions today about lifestyle," Dr. Green said. "How do we deal with the changing demographics of our members? How do we deal with generational preferences? How do we make sure equine practice is appealing to the new generation and to the more mature generation as well? How do we serve both sets of members?"
Like much of the veterinary profession, equine veterinary medicine is undergoing major gender and generational changes. Forty percent of the 9,000 AAEP members are women—a percentage sure to increase since 75 percent of new veterinary graduates are women.
That outreach to members, along with all other AAEP initiatives, requires forging partnerships among academia, private practitioners, industry, and government, according to Dr. Green. "One of the waves of the future is partnerships and collaborations in all facets of what we do," she explained, adding that her years in academia have equipped her with the experience to make those connections.
The Tampa, Fla., native began her career in veterinary academia shortly after receiving her DVM degree from Auburn University in 1973. Before joining the faculty at FSU, she taught at Mississippi State University, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the University of Tennessee.
Her extensive career in organized veterinary medicine also began at graduation. "No sooner did I become an AAEP member than I looked for ways to be active," Dr. Green explained. She's served the association in various capacities, including as a district director, chair of the Internship and Student Relations Committee, and chair of the AAEP Foundation's Student Scholarship Task Force.
Additionally, Dr. Green has been president of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and American Association of Veterinary Clinicians.
"Dr. Green brings many terrific qualities to the AAEP presidency—enthusiasm, an unmatched work ethic, and most importantly, the desire to do what is best for the horse," observed David L. Foley, AAEP executive director.
Dr. Green's passion for horses extends beyond her professional life. She is a longtime Quarter Horse enthusiast and has competed in numerous events. Dr. Green will compete again when her tenure as president ends in December.
Another goal of Dr. Green's presidency is to follow one of the AAEP's strategic goals of increasing the association's student members. "We're a lot more connected to the student groups, but we're not quite there yet," Dr. Green said. "We need to continue building relations with student chapters and especially the advisers."
Other officers
Joining Dr. Green on the AAEP Executive Committee are Drs. Harry W. Werner, North Granby, Conn., president-elect; Nat White II, Leesburg, Va., vice president; Doug Corey, Adams, Ore., immediate past president; and R. Reynolds Cowles Jr., Free Union, Va., treasurer.
