AAEP Virtual Wednesday Round Table 2022: Innovative Emergency Coverage Solutions for a New Era in Equine Practice

Drs. Kerry and James Beckman founded Gas Light Equine Veterinary Practice, a three-doctor ambulatory practice near Louisville, Ky., in 2006. In January 2021, the Beckmans spun off Gas Light Equine’s after-hours emergency service into a wholly owned subsidiary, Bluegrass Equine Emergency Service, staffed by two full-time veterinarians who see emergencies for area practitioners who have chosen to reduce or relinquish their on-call coverage responsibilities. Dr. Kerry Beckman earned her veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 2002. She worked as an associate in an equine clinic in Oklahoma before completing an equine sports medicine residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. James Beckman received his veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University in 2004 and spent two years as an associate in a private practice in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Liz Fish of Pawling, N.Y., is the owner of Shadowrock Equine Veterinary Services. She provides veterinary services as a relief veterinarian covering both routine appointments and emergency call. After receiving her veterinary degree in 2008 from Cornell University, Dr. Fish completed an internship at Rhinebeck Equine. Dr. Fish is also a major in the U.S. Army Reserve Veterinary Corps. She deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel from 2019–2020 and was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service.

Dr. Mark Fitch has practiced equine medicine in the Boulder, Colo., area for more than 40 years. A native of Wyoming, he is a 1976 graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and completed an internship at Littleton Large Animal before establishing his own practice. Dr. Fitch’s professional interests include dentistry, lameness and behavioral counseling. He has worked with area colleagues to cover after-hours call as part of an emergency cooperative for many years.