Second- and third-year veterinary students pursuing a career in equine medicine are encouraged to apply for one of five $5,000 scholarships being awarded through the newly created Merck Animal Health/American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation Scholarship program.

The scholarship program is open to AAEP student members who are active within any of the AAEP’s 40 student chapters at colleges of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. Each chapter can submit one candidate to compete for these five scholarships.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on a combination of academic standing, leadership roles and dedication to a career in equine healthcare. Some consideration also will be given to financial need.

“Through this scholarship program, we are reinforcing our longstanding commitment to education, personal development and the science of healthier animals,” said Brett Whitehead, equine business unit head, Merck Animal Health. “It also allows us to help support the cost of veterinary education, as well as recognize and celebrate the next generation of leaders. Every year, Merck Animal Health collaborates with numerous educational and veterinary organizations to ensure the advancement of animal health and we are proud to partner with the AAEP Foundation on this initiative.”

Interested students must submit a completed application to their AAEP student chapter faculty advisor by Oct. 23. The AAEP faculty advisor must select a candidate and forward their application to the AAEP Foundation by Nov. 2.

For an application, instructions and complete eligibility requirements, visit the “Scholarships” page of the AAEP Foundation’s website, www.aaepfoundation.org.

About Merck Animal Health:

Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @MerckAH.

About AAEP Foundation:

The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994, serves as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners to improve the welfare of the horse. Since its inception, the Foundation has disbursed more than $3.3 million to support its mission. For more information, visit www.aaepfoundation.org.

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