More than $500,000 given to 107 students in the last six years

Fifteen veterinary students from across the nation have received the AABP Foundation – Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarships to support their careers in large-animal veterinarian medicine. The scholarships, made possible by a collaboration between Zoetis and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Foundation, helps veterinary students.

The 15 veterinary students were awarded the scholarships at the AABP Annual Conference held Sept. 18-20 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The recipients each received a $5,000 scholarship and paid travel to the conference.

"AABP and Zoetis are committed to the next generation of veterinarians," said M. Gatz Riddell Jr., DVM, AABP executive vice president. "Our hope is these students will soon enter the field of veterinary medicine and become leaders in our industry."

The 2014 scholarship recipients are: Jonathan Angel, The Ohio State University; Jayton Bailey, Texas A&M University; Lindsey Borst, University of Minnesota; Patrick Brinson, North Carolina State University; Elizabeth Brock, Cornell University; J.D. Folsom, Oklahoma State University; Julia Herman, Colorado State University; Alissa Hunter, The Ohio State University; Andy Kryzer, University of Minnesota; Brendan Martin, Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Lee Michels, University of Minnesota; Aaron Schaffer, Kansas State University; Douglas Shane, Kansas State University; Megan Thompson, University of Minnesota; and Holt Tripp, Oklahoma State University.

Commitment to Veterinarians
One of last year's recipients, Thomas Cully, Cornell University, plans to pursue a career in dairy production medicine. The scholarship and support of Zoetis and AABP have helped him toward his career goals of assisting others to produce safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food, Cully said.

"Animal health and veterinary medicine are very strongly correlated," Cully said. "By working to advance animal health, veterinarians everywhere benefit. Zoetis demonstrates its commitment to vets with philanthropic scholarships, support for student events and support for veterinary functions."

Zoetis supports veterinarian medicine through this scholarship program, part of the Zoetis Commitment to Veterinarians™ platform. The platform offers support through training and education, research and development, investing in the future of the veterinary profession and philanthropy.

One of those efforts supports first- or second-year veterinary students by allowing them to take part in the Zoetis Externship Program. "As part of the externship, students spend more than four weeks in a veterinary practice gaining firsthand experience and acquiring skills they need after graduation," said Doug Braun, DVM, veterinary segment manager, strategic initiatives marketing, Zoetis.

"Some of the best learning happens outside the classroom, and the externship program is a great learning experience," Braun said. "It connects students with those who are effectively servicing their clients and managing a thriving veterinary medicine practice. Our Commitment to Veterinarians provides financial support and access to additional resources such as continuing educational and networking opportunities. We feel these can lead to a successful career and a robust veterinary community."

About Zoetis
Zoetis (z?-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2013, the company generated annual revenues of $4.6 billion. With approximately 9,800 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2014, Zoetis has a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 27 manufacturing facilities in 10 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetisUS.com.

Zoetis is the proud sponsor, with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, of the mobile educational exhibit Animal Connections: Our Journey Together. Families visiting the exhibit will explore the vast bonds between people and animals and learn about the important role veterinarians play in protecting animal and human health. For more information, visit http://www.zoetis.com/animal-connections-tour/.

AABP is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization serving cattle veterinary medicine professionals across the United States, Canada and other countries. For more information, visit www.aabp.org.Return to Industry Buzz.

9.30.2014