The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the Winn Feline Foundation announced the recipients of the 2020 joint scholarships for feline clinical practice and feline clinical research scientist. The scholarships are awarded to veterinary students that show a passion for feline health and welfare and believe the advancement of feline medicine is crucial across all veterinary practices.
Ms. Emily King, a junior at The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, was awarded the clinical research scientist scholarship due to her exceptional promise in feline medicine. “Bit by the research bug,” early on in her education, Ms. King was drawn to investigation into feline-specific research. This led her to explore the role anatomic pathologists play and how the research integrated into feline medicine. “With the knowledge and experience I hope to gain from this next step, I’d eventually love to apply this to feline-specific research (such as FCoV or FIV).”
The feline clinical practice scholarship was awarded to Ms. Jessica Tondo who currently is a third-year veterinary student at Western University of Health Sciences. Ms. Tondo always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and after receiving her B.S. in Physiology from the University of Washington in Seattle, she decided to focus on her passion and start her journey to becoming a veterinarian. “I hope to advocate for feline health and wellness. I have grown up with cats my whole life, and am forever grateful for the love and compassion they provide.”
The AAFP and Winn support veterinary students on their journey to elevate feline medicine and welfare. The two joint $2,500 scholarships offered by these organizations provide students with a helpful resource to further their education and passion. “Supporting students with interest in feline health research is very important in the continuation of Winn Feline Foundation’s mission.” said Julie Legred, CVT and Executive Director of Winn. Heather O’Steen, CAE and CEO of the AAFP, adds, “Their passion for clinical research and clinical practice, respectively, has already led to phenomenal success. We’re excited about what they will bring to the future of feline medicine and research.”