Ann E. Dwyer, DVM
Dr. Dwyer has practiced at Genesee Valley Equine Clinic since earning her veterinary degree from Cornell University in 1983. Throughout her career, she has pursued interests in equine ophthalmology—lecturing nationally and internationally and publishing multiple papers and book chapters on the subject. In 2012, she was named an honorary member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology.
Dr. Dwyer is active in organized veterinary medicine and served as president of the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) in 2013. Since 2019 she has served on the Council of Education for the American Veterinary Medical Association. At the time of her My Mentor induction in November 20201, Dr. Dwyer is vice chair of the Advisory Council for the veterinary college at Cornell and a member of the Cornell Zweig Committee that allocates funds for equine research. She is also a member of the advisory board of the Flaum Eye Institute at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and continues to collaborate with several research projects underway at veterinary schools that study equine ocular problems.
Dr. Dwyer enjoys travel, kayaking, writing, yoga and playing the cello in her spare time.
Mentee Comments
I have been a career long mentee of Dr. Dwyer. I rode with the veterinarians of Genesee Valley Equine Clinic in the summer of 1992, just before starting my 3rd year of veterinary school. This practice had its small clinic about a mile away from my home and I watched activities there from the school bus each school day. I was elated to finally have enough “status” as a veterinary student to be able to shadow the veterinarians of GVEC! Dr. Dwyer did not disappoint! I learned many lessons about medicine, but also about clients, trust, and relationships.
Some time passed and I graduated from Cornell and headed to my internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. I had not been there very long when I heard over the intercom that I had a call from Dr. Dwyer. I picked up the call in the transfer area where we were prepping a foal for surgery. Right in that very spot she offered me a position. I hesitated slightly, mentioning that I might want to pursue a residency. She mentored me yet again saying, “You know, all of those great referral cases have to come from somewhere, so I hope you will think about it!”
I joined the team at GVEC in 1995. Under Ann’s tutelage I learned to become a road warrior and then in 2001 I joined her as a partner. She taught me most of what I know about running a business. Together we have tried to be a model for sustainable practice; a practice that allows women to do great equine veterinary work, but also to raise families, have hobbies, ride their horses!
I am 100% certain that had I not landed my first “real veterinary job” with Dr. Ann Dwyer, I would not have many things in my life including practice ownership, a love of the profession, and the gifts of a full family life.
– Amy R. Leibeck, DVM, Genesee Valley Equine Clinic, Scottsville, NY.
I first met Dr. Dwyer when I was a high school student. I was interested in going to vet school and she was one of the equine veterinarians in my hometown. I had no idea how incredibly lucky I was to meet such an amazing mentor and veterinarian through one of my first experiences with a horse vet. She made equine practice look appealing to me, especially the high level of care that she provided, but she never sugar coated anything about the realities of practice.
I stayed connected with Dr. Dwyer through college and vet school, during which time she provided invaluable advice and support, and was always willing to let me ride along with her or her colleagues. She encouraged me to do an externship at a Kentucky practice, which I really had not considered before. I ended up as an intern at that practice after vet school and still work there today, so I have Ann to thank for so many things in my career.
I have been so grateful to have Ann as a mentor throughout my entire career to this day (and hopefully many days beyond). For example, I never dreamed that I would end up in AAEP leadership, but she has been right there supporting me and cheering me on the entire time. I can say with complete honesty that I owe much of my career to Dr. Dwyer and the strong foundation she provided. She is so utterly deserving of this honor and the profession is better for having her in it. Thank you, Ann!
– Katherine Garrett, DVM, DACVS, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY.
Ann Dwyer has mentored three generations of equine practitioners. It began with her desire to understand the complexities of contemporary scientific ophthalmology. This hard-earned education she translated into practical, useful knowledge and techniques for everyday equine practice.
In sharing this, she also came to personify collegiality by teaching with very good communication skills and unique grace. All of this while establishing a very successful multi-DVM equine practice.
Because of her deep and abiding commitment to organized veterinary medicine, the pivot to visionary and inspired leadership of AAEP was a very natural and fortunate consequence.
– Charles D Vail, DVM, Littleton Equine Medical Center, Littleton, CO.
I have “known of” Ann for decades via her wonderful reputation as an expert in equine ophthalmology; but perhaps more importantly as being a kind, generous, and giving teacher.
Her involvement with AAEP led to knowing Ann – her musical talents, impressive history of her career, meeting her family (that alone has been of gift to my wife and I), her “crazy” schedule in practice and providing great CE, leadership at AAEP, and her so very consistent kindness to all. Thus, it is extremely easy for me personally to support honoring my friend Ann in the “My Mentor” program. Ann Dwyer is a legend and now a Wall of Famer!
– Bill Moyer, VMD, Billings, MT.
Dr. Ann Dwyer became a mentor early in my exploration of a career in equine practice. She has demonstrated the unique ability to build a successful business while promoting life outside of veterinary practice and the value of organized veterinary medicine. She has continued to provide support as a friend, mentor, and colleague for over 20 years and my life would not be the same without her! Thank you, Ann!
– Rebecca Stinson, DVM, Carolina Equine Hospital, Reidsville, NC.