Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington has announced that Dr. William True Baker joined the practice as a surgeon at the Davidson Surgery Center, effective Jan. 1.
Baker graduated with honors from Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine and then served an internship and surgical residency at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Fla. After concluding his residency in 2010, he joined his father, Dr. Bill Baker, at Woodford Equine Hospital in Versailles, Ky.
Baker has received his board certification as a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
"The members, associates and interns here at Hagyard are excited to have Dr. Baker join the practice and are looking forward to working with him," Dr. Jeff Pumphrey, member of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, said in a release. "He brings with him knowledge and expertise that will be an asset to our practice."
Baker has published research on conformation and angular limb deformities as well as equine colic and is pursuing on-going research in the equine acute abdomen and the effects of osteochondral lesions on racing performance, according to the Hagyard release.
Baker is also a volunteer at the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center at the Kentucky Horse Park, helping rehabilitate and re-train retired Thoroughbred racehorses for new careers in dressage, jumping and three-day eventing.
"I am very excited to be joining such a well-respected hospital and knowledgeable team," Baker said. "In my short time here, I have been impressed with the expertise of the clinicians and staff and the level of care they provide to their patients. Joining Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will allow me to continue my practice at the highest level."
Founded in 1876, Hagyard is currently composed of over 50 veterinarians, with 12 board certifications in specialty areas of medicine, surgery, critical care, and theriogenology.