Ernest ErnieMartinez, II, DVM, MBA,a field care veterinarianatHagyardEquine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky, has joined the board of directorsof the American Association of Equine Practitioners. He wasinstalledDec. 9during the AAEPs 71stAnnual Convention in Denver, Colorado. His three-year-termexpires in 2028.Raised on alargeStandardbred breeding farm in New Jersey, Martinez received his veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, in 2003and an MBAincorporate innovation and entrepreneurship from Penn State University, in University Park, in 2018.Following veterinary school, Martinezcompleteda rotating field internship atHagyardEquineandremainedwith the practice, where hefocuses onThoroughbred farm breeding work, mare and foal care, stallions, herdhealth,and dentistry.Martinezalso overseesthepracticesinternshipand externshipprograms.Martinez serves on the AAEPs Early Career Committee and is the associations primary representative to the AVMAs 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.