Carlson G.

Dr Gary P. Carlson graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, in 1966. He spent a year as a large animal intern in Brisbane, Australia, joined a mixed practice in California, then returned to Davis for his PhD, which was completed in 1973, and joined the faculty at UC Davis. Dr Carlson is Board certified in both Large Animal Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and Clinical Pathology (ACVP).

Dr Carlson is internationally known for his work in large animal internal medicine, exercise physiology, and fluid and acid-base balance. He was a fixture at several of the California equine endurance races, including the strenuous Tevis Cup, which crosses the Sierras. It was at these events that Gary defined many of the problems the horses encountered, determined why they occurred, and found practical solutions. Dr Carlson was a member of the team of faculty in equine in-house medicine who taught students and residents for 30 years. Many of his former students and residents are now leaders in equine practice, industry, and academia. He guided dozens of residents through their research projects and mentored them to become outstanding clinicians. Gary also served as Chair of the Department of Medicine and Epidemiology for a number of years. He helped organize the International Committee on Equine Exercise Physiology and served as Secretary/Treasurer for 12 years. He was active in the AAEP and American Association of Equine Sports Medicine. His legacy will live for generations. During his career, Dr Carlson contributed more than 90 peer-reviewed papers and 37 book chapters. He was widely sought after as a speaker and has spoken on all the continents. He was a respected professor and won the School’s Norden Distinguished Teacher Award. He was always low-key, reasonable, and practical, and he always found better ways to do things. He never seemed to tire of examining another horse and helping diagnose and treat whatever ailed it. Dr Carlson served the ACVIM as Vice President, President-Elect, President, and Chairman of the Board of Regents. He has kept balance in his life and, now retired, enjoys hunting with his dog, fishing, spending time with his family, and playing with his grandchildren