Interview with Dr. Bramlage

This week we are interviewing Dr. Bramlage. Dr. Bramlage is one of our surgeons with a special interest in orthopedics. He is very involved with the Thoroughred racing industry and is the veterinary media contact for the Triple Crown and Breeders Cup races. He has been president of two major veterinaray organizations, The American College of Veterinary Surgeons and The American Association of Equine Practioners.

Dr. Bramlage is heavily involved in research, mentoring younger associates in scientific study. Recent work has included analysis of base sesamoid fragments in yearling Thoroughbreds and surgical correction of carpal (knee) angular limb deformities. We will keep you posted on these topics and many others as they become published.

At what age did you know you were going to become a veterinarian?
I guess I "knew" the day I graduated from veterinary school, but I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian starting when I was a junior in high school. As part of the fall school curriculum we had to produce a desired career path. I chose veterinary medicine. My father worked for a cattle company, so it was not a very big stretch.

When did you realize you have a special interest in racehorses?
January of my junior year in veterinary school. That is the first time I spent a morning on the backside of a racetrack watching the horses train. I didn't know if I would ever realize my dream, but that is when I first wanted to work on Thoroughbred racehorses.

Is there any organization which you haven't already been president of that you wish you were?
No, the only two professional organizations I wanted to be president of were the AAEP and the ACVS. I have no desire to be president of any other professional organization. I was president of my college fraternity, I wanted to do that. I ran for president of my high school class, but lost. Does that count? Then I guess that would be it.

Favorite racehorse of all time?
Personal Ensign is the winner. I think she was awesome. She did a lot for my credibility; at that time it was not usual to put screws in a horse and expect them to race. Now we do it routinely, but in 1986 it was not an expected result. However, Rachel Alexandra would be second by a neck. The end of her story is yet to be written.

Career highlight thus far?
The Breeders Cup Distaff 1988, when Personal Ensign ran down Winning Colors in the last stride. Accepting the AAEP Presidency, giving the Milne Lecture,

Favorite color? Red

What do you do for stress relief?
Work on our little farm. It was really in disrepair; making it better is very relaxing to me.

Favorite quote?
"To be an orthopedic surgeon you must think like a bone and feel like a joint."

Most rewarding aspect of your profession?
Solving a very difficult surgical problem for a horse and owner. Helping a junior associate present and publish their first paper. Creating new Information and treatments, and documenting their success.

Advice to young veterinarians?
Choose your first mentor carefully. If you surround yourself with people who excel you will begin to think with the same mindset.