Peter Hester, M.D., is HISA’s National Medical Director.

An Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Dr. Hester currently practices at Lexington Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky, where he serves as the Director of Sports Medicine and Head Team Physician for numerous colleges, high schools, and club teams in Kentucky.

As National Medical Director for HISA, Dr. Hester focuses on jockey health and welfare, including mitigating risk of injury, securing elite medical care, improving and optimizing health care services, and developing and sourcing affordable medical insurance for these athletes and their families.

He previously served on HISA’s Racetrack Safety Standing Committee as an independent member.

Dr. Hester completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before attending medical school and completing his Orthopedic Surgery residency at the University of Kentucky. He pursued a Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery Fellowship at The Hughston Clinic and has practiced at Lexington Clinic since 2002.

Dr. Hester grew up in Garden City, New York. His passion for the sport of Thoroughbred racing developed while working at Belmont Racetrack for Dr. William O. Reed, a renowned Equine Veterinary Surgeon. During medical school, he worked as a night watchman and farm hand at Ballindaggin Horse Farm.