University of Georgia Student Awarded $2,500 Scholarship
(Wyckoff, NJ; Hillsborough, NJ; May 25, 2016) – The Winn Feline Foundation (Winn) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are proud to announce that Annette Louviere, a senior at the University of Georgia’s (UGA) College of Veterinary Medicine, is the inaugural recipient of the Winn/AAFP Joint Scholarship. The $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Annette based on her academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to and excellence in the study of feline medicine, health and welfare.
The Boards of Directors of both the AAFP and Winn enthusiastically approved the collaboration of these two leading feline-dedicated organizations in developing and implementing this first ever joint scholarship. Students were asked to answer two essay questions explaining his/her specific interest and background in feline health and welfare, and their plans for future participation in feline medicine.
“Annette’s lifelong passion to better understand cats and strong drive to pursue feline-focused medicine since a young age really made her stand out among other applicants,” said Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline) and Executive Director of Winn.
“Annette has held multiple student leadership positions and activities, including UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Student Ambassador, Feline Club president, volunteer at the local feline Humane Society shelter, and clinical research assistant, all which have enabled her to share this passion with fellow veterinary students and local communities,” said Heather O’Steen, CAE and Executive Director of the AAFP.
“We are so thankful that the AAFP and Winn recognized one of our brightest stars,” said Amy Thompson, M.Ed. and Program Coordinator for the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Annette’s postgraduate mission is to continue highlighting the uniqueness of feline medicine and significance of understanding feline behavior for owners and veterinarians alike. Annette is a wonderful role model and so deserving of this award.”
The AAFP has new resources housed in the Student Center on their website, including a Toolkit for
Veterinary Students. The toolkit contains materials for veterinary students to embrace a feline perspective and obtain further knowledge about the standards needed to elevate care for cats. Winn offers various educational resources on their website (Cat Health News Blog, educational articles, podcasts and videos) and provides an annual continuing educational Symposium. Information regarding research grant awards and cat health study findings are also available on the website or through subscribing to their monthly e-newsletter.
About Winn Feline Foundation
Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Since 1968, Winn Feline Foundation has funded over $5.5 million in health research for cats at more than 30 partner institutions world-wide. This funding is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. Research supported by Winn Feline Foundation helps veterinarians by providing educational resources that improve treatment of common feline health problems and prevent many diseases. For further information, go to www.winnfelinefoundation.org.
About the American Association of Feline Practitioners
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) improves the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education and scientific investigation. The AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record in the veterinary community for facilitating high standards of practice and publishes guidelines for practice excellence which are available to veterinarians at the AAFP website. Over the years, the AAFP has encouraged veterinarians to continuously re-evaluate preconceived notions of practice strategies in an effort to advance the quality of feline medicine practiced. Launched in 2012, the Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) program was created to improve the treatment, handling, and overall healthcare provided to cats. Its purpose is to equip veterinary practices with the tools and resources to reduce stress associated with the visit and elevate the standard of care provided to cats. Find more information at www.catvets.com.