Dr. Ben Martin, Pioneer in Equine Sports Medicine, Dies at Age 68
Photo courtesy of New Bolton Center.
Information courtesy of New Bolton Center
Benson (Ben) Bennett Martin, Jr., VMD, of Kennett Square, PA, died March 18, 2015, at the age of 68, after a long illness.
Dr. Martin was a pioneer in equine sports medicine and specialist in surgery, working his entire 34-year veterinary career at New Bolton Center, the large animal hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet).
Dr. Martin was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, on October 8, 1946, to Benson Bennett Martin and Janeth (Nancy) Martin, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Fairfield Prep, and served in the United States Navy in Vietnam. He graduated from the University of Connecticut, and in 1980, was awarded his VMD from Penn Vet. After completing an internship and a large animal surgery residency, Dr. Martin became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dr. Martin had a long and distinguished career as a faculty member at New Bolton Center, specializing in equine sports medicine and serving as the Director of the Jeffords High Speed Treadmill facility and the Equine Performance Clinic. During the majority of his career, Dr. Martin was an integral member of Penn Vet’s Admissions Committee and enthusiastically mentored many veterinary students. He retired from the faculty as an Associate Professor of Equine Sports Medicine in July of 2014.
Dr. Martin was the consummate horseman, having grown up in the horse business. He worked in Thoroughbred racing for his uncle, Hall of Fame trainer James W. Maloney, and later at Calumet Farm in Lexington, KY, as well as in the show horse world. Dr. Martin traveled throughout the world, but chose the north shore of Kauai and Hanalei Bay as his second home. With his friends and family, he explored the island and what it had to offer to its fullest, sailing to Niihau, hiking, kayaking the NaPali, making lasting local friendships, and absorbing the culture. He was a prolific reader.
Dr. Martin, the oldest of six children, was an awesome friend, a devoted son, and a big brother to all of his siblings. He had a tremendous passion for his family and friends. He is survived by his brothers, Bruce and Robert Martin, and their wives, Debi and Sue Martin; his sisters, Eve and Laurie Martin; and his sister-in-law, Maria Martin. A third sister, Anne Miserocchi, preceded him in death. Dr. Martin also leaves behind three nephews, Glenn Martin, Robert Martin, and Mark Miserocchi; a niece, Allyson Giordano; a godson, Edward van Eps; and his three best friends for life, Dr. Ginny Reef, New Bolton Center Chief of Sports Medicine and Imaging, Lolly Clarke, and Ray Poland. Dr. Reef was his life partner and remained by his side until his last day.
The time and location of the celebration of Dr. Martin’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dr. Martin’s memory for student scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Please make checks payable to the “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania” and mail to New Bolton Center Development Office, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square PA, 19348.
About Penn Vet
Penn Vet is a global leader in veterinary medicine education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the only veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health Initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 4,000 patient visits a year, while the Field Service treats nearly 36,000 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 31,000 patient visits a year.
For more information, visit www.vet.upenn.edu.
