Juan C. Samper DVM MSc, PhD, Dipl. ACT, Adjunct Project Director.
A L I F E T I M E in P u r s u i t of
Equine REPRODUCTION
ADVANCEMENT
EXCELLENCE.
By Karen Berk
and
Juan Samper, was raised on a family dairy farm in Colombia,
where most of the work revolved around reproduction. His Dad
also bred Percherons and played Polo. Improving the quality and
quantity of the herd meant higher profits and stronger turn over.
Early on he recognized the life lessons of successful cattle and
horse breeding. The farm Veterinarian, Dr. Stasiukynas, along
with his Dad helped form his early veterinary goals. AAlways an over achiever, with his path clear ahead of
him, Juan was accepted in both Medical and Veterinary
School. He opted for the latter with a passion for Large
Animal, particularly horses.
Juan C. Samper graduated from veterinary school in 1982
and later on did a residency and earned his Masters and
PhD degrees from the University of Minnesota and then
became board certified with the American College of
Theriogenologists in 1990.
Dr. Samper served on the Faculty of the Ontario Veterinary
College, Kansas State University, Ross University School of
Veterinary Medicine and most recently at the University of
Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
In addition to the academic career, Dr. Samper worked as
an associate and then establish his own equine practice in
Vancouver, British Columbia, for 25 years which he recently
sold. Dr. Samper has consulted extensively in North and
South America and in Europe. He is a frequent speaker at
national and international conferences, is well published
with several articles and book chapters in equine reproduction
and is the editor of two editions of Equine Breeding
Management and Artificial Insemination and co-editor of
Current Therapy in Equine Reproduction. Dr. Samper served
on the editorial board of Clinical theriogenology and is an
associate editor of Frontiers of Veterinary Science. He has
an AVMA member and has been an active member of the
AAEP serving on the educational programs committee. In
addition, was a board member and past-president of the
Society for Theriogenology, and the North East Association
of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Samper served as chairman
of the International Symposium on Stallion Reproduction
and on the board of directors of the American College of
Theriogenologists and served a consultant for Sexing Technologies.
Health
Between 2014 and 2017 Dr. Samper served as the
EQUINE Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at RUSVM and in December
of 2017, accepted the position as Associate Dean for
Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine.
44 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com When asked recently of his future goals, he responded
“When you feel that you have achieved all your goals
you start to lose interest in life. My passion is education.
Educating veterinary students, sharing experiences with
other veterinarians and
sharing knowledge with
horse breeders. I still
have a lot to learn from
horses, but what I have
learned I am eager to
share. As for my visions
for the future path and
expansion of Theriogenology
or Reproduction/
breeding, it is
the basis for the sustainability
of all living industries.
Imagine that we
went several years with
no foal crops, or no
calf crops. Those industries
and economies
would shrink and eventually
disappear. But
breeding has to be
done responsibly, efficiently
and cost conscious.
The vet needs
to know the motivations for people breeding and has to
be partner with the breeder to facilitate and help solve
problems.”
“My simple guidelines for improving efficient and effective
Horse Breeding revolve around a partnership between the
owner and the person assisting (vet/breeding manager).
/www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com