Dr. Karen A. Hassan supports HISA’s Veterinary Team and the Directors of Racetrack Safety and Operations, Research and Strategy in advancing equine safety and welfare policies nationwide. As Chair of HISA’s Exercise-Associated Sudden Death Working Group, she directs four specialized subgroups and oversees related research initiatives. Her responsibilities include leading veterinary outreach programs, coordinating advisory committees and addressing stakeholder inquiries related to equine health and welfare. Additionally, Dr. Hassan serves as the veterinarian for the Racetrack Accreditation Team, focusing on the implementation of racetrack veterinary protocols.

A Board-Certified Equine Surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience in referral lameness and equine surgery, Dr. Hassan also brings extensive regulatory expertise. She has served as a regulatory veterinarian for 1/ST Racing in California and the California State Fairs, with experience spanning Fédération Équestre Internationale competitions and the Tevis Cup endurance events. For more than 20 years, she has served as an American Endurance Ride Conference Control Judge and treatment veterinarian. She is deeply committed to research, education, outreach and mentoring within the veterinary and equine communities.

Dr. Hassan earned her veterinary degree from the University of California, Davis, completed a surgical internship at Tufts University and completed her surgical residency in surgery at the University of California, Davis.