FelineVMA, Merck Animal Health award 2026 feline medicine scholarships

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association and Merck Animal Health named two veterinary students as 2026 Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Feline Healthcare recipients on July 30, 2026. Each student gets $10,000 and conference registration as the groups push mentorship and evidence-based care for cats.

Why it matters: - The scholarships support the next generation of veterinarians focused on feline care. - The award package helps students with both tuition support and access to the 2026 FelineVMA Annual Conference. - FelineVMA says the program is meant to advance compassionate, evidence-based care for cats through mentorship, education and professional development.

What happened: - The Feline Veterinary Medical Association and Merck Animal Health announced the 2026 Scholarships for Academic Excellence in Feline Healthcare on July 30, 2026. - Apryl Buffington of Washington State University, Class of 2028, and Brooke Paisley of Kansas State University, Class of 2028, are the recipients. - Each student receives a $10,000 scholarship and complimentary registration to the 2026 FelineVMA Annual Conference. - The two students were recognized for their passion for feline medicine and their interest in improving feline healthcare.

The details: - Heather O’Steen, FelineVMA CEO, said the recipients show the dedication and leadership that will shape the future of feline medicine. - O’Steen said their commitment to learning, advocacy and service reflects the impact veterinary students can have on the profession. - Apryl Buffington wants to become a feline-only practitioner and focus on compassionate care for cats and caregivers across every stage of life. - Buffington is president of the FelineVMA Student Chapter at Washington State and social media chair for the school’s Shelter Medicine Club. - Brooke Paisley said her interest in veterinary school came from working with cats. - Paisley wants to work in clinical practice and research. - Paisley aims to help close the data gap in feline medicine compared with other species. - Paisley also wants to help veterinarians better care for feline patients. - Paisley is president of the FelineVMA Student Chapter at Kansas State, a College of Veterinary Medicine Student Ambassador, Class of 2028 secretary and a Purina Student Ambassador. - FelineVMA thanked Merck Animal Health for its support. - FelineVMA urged veterinary students interested in feline healthcare to join a local student chapter or start one if none exists. - FelineVMA directed students to its Student Center for more information. - The organization said it supports members through high standards of practice, continuing education and evidence-based medicine. - FelineVMA said it develops practice guidelines, feline-specific education and resources, and caregiver support. - The organization is home to the Cat Friendly Practice® and Cat Friendly Certificate programs.

Between the lines: - The scholarship announcement doubles as a recruitment message for the FelineVMA student network. - The focus on research, advocacy and caregiver support shows the association is trying to broaden feline medicine beyond clinical practice alone. - Merck Animal Health’s backing gives the program financial support and industry visibility.

What's next: - The scholarship recipients are expected to attend the 2026 FelineVMA Annual Conference. - FelineVMA is encouraging more veterinary students to engage through student chapters and the Student Center. - The organization’s broader education and certification programs remain part of its effort to raise the standard of feline care.

The bottom line: - FelineVMA and Merck Animal Health are investing in student leaders they believe will shape the future of feline medicine.