Welcome ICVA’s New Board Chair, Dr. Fernando J. Marqués
“It is an interesting and exciting time to look forward and to be agile and adapt. I am a person who loves challenges. When there are changes, there are opportunities.” – Dr. Fernando Marqués
ICVA welcomes Dr. Fernando J. Marqués to his new role as the Chair of the ICVA Board of Directors, which began at the June 2023 Board Meeting.
Meet Dr. Fernando J. Marqués
Dr. Marqués began his practice in veterinary medicine in Argentina in 1987, where he practiced for a number of years before moving to the United States to pursue board certification as a Specialist in Large Animal Internal Medicine (“Diplomate ACVIM”). Following his certification and residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he moved to Canada to work in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan as an Associate Professor. He served as one of the Board-Certified Specialists at the Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC), a renowned referral clinic serving all of western Canada.
While in Canada, he was granted tenure status and held key leadership positions such as Assistant Hospital Director for the Large Animal Clinic at the VMC, Chair of the Equine Health Research Fund, and Chair of the Equine Health and Welfare Committee of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation. Following his time in Canada, he returned to the United States, joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an Associate Professor, and became board-certified in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (“Diplomate ACVSMR”).
In addition to his work as a Board-Certified Specialist in Internal Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation, Dr. Marqués was also a show jumping instructor and rider for several years. He enjoys both coaching and competing and has experience leading equestrian teams in competition.
In 2022, Dr. Marqués joined the Palm Beach Equine Clinic team, providing services in the fields of Equine Internal Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation. He works in Wellington, Florida, during the winter equestrian season and in Georgia and North Carolina the rest of the year.
His Involvement With ICVA
Dr. Marqués began his work with ICVA during his tenure at the University of Saskatchewan. Inspired by his former mentor, who was an item writer at the time, he began his first role with the organization, writing items in the field of equine practice. He continued his work with ICVA for several years, later joining the Assessment Development Committee and Talent Management Committee, serving as Chair of both committees over the years.
A passionate contributor of 15 years, he has been involved in many projects with ICVA, a notable project being the work to develop a coding system for the NAVLE. In 2013, Dr. Marqués was appointed as an Equine Subject Matter Expert. He joined the Board of Directors in 2019 and served as a member at large before becoming Chair-Elect in 2022.
Looking Ahead
As a practitioner and academician with experience in Argentina, Canada, and the United States, Dr. Marqués was drawn to ICVA’s international involvement and dedication to developing strong assessment tools to protect animals, the public, and world affairs. He values the diversity of thought that working with practitioners from different backgrounds and countries encourages. He believes that differences in perspective inform how things can be approached differently and how assessment should be shaped.
An inclusive team player, Dr. Marqués approaches leadership as he approaches coaching and teaching, valuing the unique input and strengths that each individual member brings. He hopes to create an environment where his colleagues and team members are supported, encouraged, and provided with the tools they need to bring the goals of the organization to fruition.
As Board Chair, Dr. Marqués looks forward to helping his colleagues on the board approach the challenges of the rapidly changing world. He is excited to continue to study new trends, learn new technology, develop new relations, and continue to develop new assessment tools that best serve the field of veterinary medicine. In the words of Dr. Marqués, adaptation is key.