Suzan Oakley
DVM, DACVSMR, DABVP (Equine), Cert. ISELP
Few professionals in equine veterinary medicine embody the depth of expertise, innovation, and dedication to performance horse care as Suzan Oakley. A dual board-certified specialist and internationally recognized educator, Oakley has built her career at the forefront of equine sports medicine, rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging.
Her pioneering work in musculoskeletal ultrasound and her passion for teaching have made her one of the most trusted voices in the field today.
A Strong Academic and Professional Foundation
Suzan Oakley earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991, following a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cornell University. Just a few years later, she became board-certified in Equine Practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP), demonstrating her early commitment to advanced equine care.
Over the next two decades, she continued to deepen her expertise, achieving certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 1995, and earning distinction as one of the few U.S. veterinarians certified by the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP), an elite global organization dedicated to lameness diagnosis and advanced imaging of the equine athlete.
In 2016, she reached another professional milestone by becoming board-certified in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR).
A Leader in Equine Sports Medicine
Today, Suzan Oakley is the owner of Equine Sports Rehab of Wellington, where she provides high-level sports medicine and diagnostic services to elite performance horses in Wellington, Ocala, and Orlando, Florida. Her clinical work emphasizes a whole-horse approach to lameness diagnosis and rehabilitation, ensuring accurate assessments that guide effective treatment plans.
Her expertise in ultrasound imaging is especially distinguished, and she continues to advance her knowledge through the equine imaging and ultrasound CE offered by the Practitioner’s Program, applying these skills to detect, monitor, and rehabilitate injuries in sport horses.
She integrates this diagnostic precision with innovative therapeutic modalities, including Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), therapeutic ultrasound, and laser therapy, to support recovery, maintain soundness, and maximize performance.
Educator, Mentor, and Innovator
Beyond clinical practice, Suzan Oakley is deeply committed to advancing veterinary education. She is a frequent lecturer at national and international conferences, where she shares her expertise in equine sports medicine and ultrasound with veterinarians and veterinary students.
As an instructor for ISELP and other specialized ultrasound training programs, she has helped hundreds of equine practitioners expand their diagnostic and clinical skills.
In 2023, she launched Foundations Equine Ultrasound, a training initiative offering both in-person and online learning opportunities for veterinarians. This program reflects her long-standing mission: to make equine ultrasound approachable, practical, and transformative for practitioners in the field.
Her role as a Courtesy Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Florida further underscores her influence in shaping the next generation of veterinarians.
Leadership and Service
Suzan Oakley’s leadership extends beyond the clinic and classroom. She has served as President of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP), promoting excellence and professional development among equine veterinarians.
She is also an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), where she has contributed her expertise to advancing best practices in equine health care.
Contributions to Veterinary Knowledge
Over the years, Suzan Oakley has authored and presented extensively on topics related to equine ultrasound and lameness. Highlights include:
“Ultrasound: Our Window into the Foot” – presented at the AAEP Annual Convention in Salt Lake City (2014).
“Ultrasound Anatomy of the Back and Neck” – delivered at the Ocala Equine Conference (2015).
Published works in The Practitioner and other veterinary platforms focusing on ultrasound findings in lameness cases.
Her ability to translate complex anatomical and diagnostic information into practical, clinical insights has made her a highly sought-after speaker worldwide.
A Personal Connection to the Sport Horse
In addition to her veterinary career, Suzan Oakley is a classical dressage rider, a passion that enriches her understanding of the physical and biomechanical demands placed on equine athletes. She often incorporates classical dressage exercises into rehabilitation protocols, blending her veterinary expertise with horsemanship to support both healing and performance.
Why Suzan Oakley Matters
With more than three decades of experience, Suzan Oakley has become a vital figure in equine veterinary medicine. Her rare combination of clinical mastery, advanced imaging expertise, and dedication to teaching has elevated the standard of care for sport horses worldwide.
Whether diagnosing a complex lameness case, lecturing at a global conference, or mentoring veterinarians through ultrasound training, Oakley continues to shape the future of equine sports medicine.
Her work ensures that horses not only recover from injury but return to competition stronger, healthier, and more resilient, a legacy that cements her reputation as a leader, educator, and innovator in her field.
Enhance your clinical expertise and confidence through the Practitioner’s Program – a transformative learning experience created by equine veterinarians, for equine veterinarians. Join world-class clinicians including Dr. Sue Dyson, Dr. Warwick Vale, and Dr. Wendy Periam, as they share practical, evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and case management. Designed for those committed to excellence in equine care, this program bridges theory and real-world practice – helping veterinarians elevate patient outcomes and professional fulfilment.