Dr. K. Leann Kuebelbeck - DVM 1991

American Association of Equine Practitioners 2016

Dr. K. Leann Kuebelbeck, Lithia, Florida, was selected to receive a 2016 Alumni Recognition Award at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) annual conference in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 5, 2016.

Dr. Kuebelbeck was born in Tonganoxie, Kansas, where she grew up riding horses, and enjoyed barrel racing and pole bending. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree in 1989 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1991, both from Kansas State University. She completed an internship and surgical residency at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Florida. She then moved to Brandon, Florida to co-found Brandon Equine Medical Center, then known as Surgi-Care Center for Horses, in 1995. She became the sole-owner of the practice in March 2009. Dr. Kuebelbeck's professional interests include both orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

“I am truly honored to receive this Alumni Recognition Award from the Veterinary Medical Alumni Association,” Dr. Kuebelbeck said. “I know there are many deserving candidates, so I was humbled to even be considered for this award. Thank you to the College of Veterinary Medicine for presenting me with this great distinction. Go Wildcats!”

“Dr. Kuebelbeck is an outstanding equine surgeon and practitioner, as well as a leader in several professional veterinary associations,” said Dr. Tammy Beckham, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “She has also participated in academic research about conditions such as omentectomy, which can be problematic for horses. The annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners gives us a perfect opportunity to recognize Dr. Kuebelbeck for her lifelong passion and contributions to the profession.”

Dr. Kuebelbeck is a member of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American College of Veterinary Surgeons and North American Veterinary Community. She has been a former president of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners and currently serves as vice president of the North American Veterinary Community board of directors. Dr. Kuebelbeck also served on the resident credentialing and symposium committees for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS).

Dr. Kuebelbeck received the Gold Star Award in 2010 and the Code of Ethics Awards in 2015 and 2016, all from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Kuebelbeck and her spouse, Deb Hunseder, say they get tremendous joy watching Grace, their 9-year-old daughter, ride Lightning, a “saintly” pony, around the home property. Dr. Kuebelbeck enjoys spending time with her family and participating in outdoor sports. She has completed two Ironman triathlons (Louisville and Kona) and achieved a personal best in the Ironman 70.3 in Lawrence, Kansas in 2010.