Five veterinary students committed to careers in equine medicine are the inaugural recipients of $5,000 scholarships through the Merck Animal Health/American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation scholarship program. The scholarships were presented during the Dec. 7 Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture at the AAEP’s 61^st Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Sarah Colmer, University of Pennsylvania

Leanne Fowler, University of Tennessee

Alaina Kringen, Iowa State University

Elisabeth Leahy, Michigan State University

Brenna Pugliese, Tufts University

The Merck Animal Health/AAEP Foundation scholarship program rewards second- and third-year veterinary students dedicated to equine medicine for their academic excellence, leadership in their school and AAEP student chapter, and their long-term goals. This 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.

“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.”

“As an Educational Partner of the AAEP, Merck Animal Health has provided longstanding support towards the education of veterinarians and veterinary students for which we are very appreciative,” said Jeff Berk, VMD, chairman of the AAEP Foundation Advisory Council.  “These scholarships underscore the company’s leadership and commitment to the equine industry, the veterinary profession and students, especially at a time when student debt load is at an all-time high.”

For more information about AAEP Foundation scholarship programs, please visit www.foundationforthehorse.org/scholarships.

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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