Dickson D. Varner, DVM, M.S., Diplomate ACT, will present the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture at the AAEPs 53^rd Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla., on December 3.  Dr. Varners presentation, titled From a Sperms Eye View Revisiting Our Perception of This Intriguing Cell, will focus on the equine spermatozoon and will follow its development in the testis and its sojourn through the epididymis and the reproductive tract of the mare. The mechanisms required for fertilization and the current methods for evaluating and processing equine spermatozoa will be highlighted.

Dr. Varner received his veterinary degree in 1978 from the University of Missouri.  He received his M.S. in 1990 from Texas A & M University in the field of veterinary anatomy. After completing his residency in 1983, Dr. Varner served as the lecturer in large animal reproduction, director of the Hofmann Center for Reproductive Studies, and director of Endometrial Biopsy Interpretation Service, all at the New Bolton Center. In 1984, he received Diplomate status from the American College of Theriogenologists. Between 1986 and 1997, Dr. Varner was the assistant professor, then associate professor, of the Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at Texas A & M University.  He is currently the professor and chief of theriogenology at Texas A & M. 

Dr. Varner received the Texas VMA Research Award in 1990 for recognition as an outstanding research scientist.  In 2002, the American College of Theriogenologists recognized Dr. Varner by presenting him with the Theriogenologists of the Year Award.  He is a member of the AVMA, ACT, Society for Theriogenology and American Society of Andrology. 

Dr. Varner joined the AAEP in 1979, and has since served two terms on the Reproduction Committee, the last term as chair, and as a member on the Abstract Review, Educational Programs and Equine Insurance committees.

The Frank J. Milne Lecture debuted at the 1997 convention, and will be brought to you this year by the AAEP Foundation, Inc.  Named for AAEP past president and distinguished life member Frank J. Milne, the lecture series focuses on subjects and techniques considered state of the art by the equine veterinary profession.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

 Source:http://www.aaep.org