2025 California Thoroughbred Foundation Louis R. Rowan Fellowship Awarded to Dr. Camilo Jaramillo-Morales

Congratulations to Dr. Camilo Jaramillo-Morales for being selected as the recipient of the 2025 California Thoroughbred Foundation Louis R. Rowan Fellowship. Board-certified in equine internal medicine, Dr. Morales has made important contributions to advance equine veterinary medicine in the U.S. as well as internationally. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology under the mentorship of Dr. Heather Knych while completing the Clinical Pharmacology residency program at UC Davis.

The fellowship, funded by the California Thoroughbred Foundation with financial assistance from the Oak Tree Racing Association, was established in memory of Louis R. Rowan, a founder of the California Thoroughbred Foundation. In addition to being a noted racehorse owner and breeder, Rowan was active in many areas that benefited people and horses in the Thoroughbred world.

Dr. Jaramillo-Morales’ dissertation research focuses on characterization of vonoprazan, a promising medication for the treatment for gastric ulcers, which is a significant health concern in Thoroughbred racehorses. This drug offers several potential advantages over omeprazole, the only currently approved treatment for this condition. Dr. Jaramillo-Morales presented the findings from his first study at the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics/American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Biennial Symposium, where he was awarded the “Best Graduate Student Presentation.”

Dr. Jaramillo-Morales’ dedication to equine research extends well beyond his own dissertation research. Early in his graduate education, he was awarded a fellowship from the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium to evaluate a novel approach for detection of prohibited performance enhancing substances, such as erythropoietin and bisphosphonates, in Thoroughbred racehorses. 

As part of his training in equine pharmacology, Dr. Jaramillo-Morales has contributed to several projects, including a series of studies to characterize metformin, a current drug of concern in horse racing. He has also helped design, execute, and analyze data for research assessing the effects of transdermal buprenorphine, oral amantadine, and oral morphine in horses.

“Dr. Jaramillo-Morales has demonstrated a clear commitment to a career in equine research,” said Knych. “I am confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to further improve equine welfare.”

Congratulations Dr. Jaramillo-Morales!