Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Tennessee, in cooperation with the Colorado State University Orthopaedic Research Center, developed the world’s first university-based credential program in equine rehabilitation. The Equine Rehabilitation Certificate Program (CERP) is a blended learning specialization for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, physical therapists, or students of these professions.

Program Description

The CERP Program is designed to guide the practitioner from the theoretical foundations to the clinical applications of equine physical medicine and rehabilitation. Candidates complete the program by submitting case studies and completing a comprehensive examination. The program includes modules in equine anatomy, gait analysis, confirmation, lameness evaluation, and neurologic examination. Graduates of this course have received training to identify and implement the most effective modalities and therapies for their patients.

Program Courses

• Equine I – Online Lecture Series (52 hours)
• Equine II – Live Hands-on Lab (32 hours, Knoxville, TN is 48 hours)
• Equine III – Final Examination and Case Reports (15 hours)

Meet Your Instructors

Dr. Steve Adair

• Education:
  • 1986 – 1989, Large Animal Surgical Residency, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 1984, DVM Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 1980, Master of Science Veterinary Microbiology, Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 1978, Bachelor of Science Microbiology, Auburn University
• Board of Certification:
  • Diplomate – American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Diplomate – American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS) – 1993
• University Appointments:
  • 1997 – Current – Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville, TN
  • 1991 – 1997 – Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville, TN
  • 1989 – 1991 – Assistant Professor – University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville, TN
• Practice Experience:
  • 1997 – Current – Associate Professor, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
  • 1989 – 1997 – Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
  • 1986 – 1989 – Large Animal Surgery Resident, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Rural Practice
  • 1984 – 1986 – Associate Veterinarian, Monticello Large Animal Clinic, Lake Charles, LA
• Clinical Interests: General interest in musculoskeletal problems of the equine. Primary interest in equine laminitis.
• Research Interests: Microcirculatory blood flow and its relationship in the development of laminitis.

Dr. João Paulo Marques

• DVM J. Paulo Marques received his Veterinary Degree from the University of Veterinary Medicine (FMV-UTL) in Lisbon in 1995.
• He is certified in Animal Chiropractic by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), certified in Veterinary Acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CERP) by the University of Tennessee.
• He is an FEI Official Veterinarian for Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Driving.
• A past Member of the Board of Directors of the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) and Honorary Member of this Association, he is presently a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT) and President of the Portuguese Association of Veterinary Acupuncture (APAMV).
• He was a guest professor at Lusófona University (ULHT) and Technical University (FMV-UTL) in Lisbon, on Equine Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Chiropractic.
• He is the founder and Director of the equine veterinary practice Equidesporto in Portugal, and he was co-founder and Director of the Equine Rehabilitation Centre Hidrovet.
• His main areas of interest are Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sport Medicine and Integrative Medicine in the performance horse.
• Dr. Marques is a member of the Veterinary Physiotherapy Team at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.