Winn Feline Foundation
Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline)
Executive Director, Winn
888-963-6946, extension 702
Media Info
Kristina Bottone
Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator, AAFP
(800) 874-0498
Media Info
For Immediate Release
Wyckoff, NJ; Hillsborough, NJ; May 23, 2017: Winn Feline Foundation (Winn) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are proud to announce the two recipients of the 2017 joint scholarships for clinical practice and clinical research scientist. Kaarin Muller, a fourth year veterinary student at Washington State University,was selected for the clinical practice scholarship and Liberty Sieberg, a third year veterinary student at Colorado State University, was selected for the clinical research scientist scholarship. Both of the $2,500 scholarships were chosen on individual academic achievements, admirable leadership, and profound dedication to the study of feline medicine, health and welfare.
Kaarin Muller
winn-aafp-joint-scholarship-press-release-rev “Both Kaarin and Liberty have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and accomplishments, and are passionate about understanding the unique needs of cats which highlight their enthusiasm for feline medicine,” said Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline) and Executive Director of Winn.
In 2016, the Boards of Directors of both the AAFP and Winn approved the development and implementation of a joint scholarship offered by these two leading feline-dedicated organizations. After a wave of applicants and prestigious feedback from veterinary education programs, the boards decided to offer this opportunity again, expanding the selection to two recipients in the categories of clinical practice and clinical research scientist. The application process prompted students 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.
“We are all impressed by the tremendous success shown by Kaarin and Liberty at such early stages in their careers,” said Heather O’Steen, CAE and Chief Executive Officer of the AAFP. She continues, “Their passion for clinical practice and clinical research, respectively, has enabled both of them to dedicate themselves to the health and welfare of felines.”
Liberty Siberg
The AAFP and Winn are both dedicated to advancing and enhancing standards in feline care. The 2017 AAFP has several resources for veterinary students housed in the Student Center on their website, including complimentary webinars and a Toolkit for Veterinary Students. The toolkit contains materials to help veterinary students embrace a feline perspective and obtain further knowledge about the standards needed to elevate care for cats. Winn also offers various educational resources on their website including the Cat Health News Blog, educational articles, podcasts, videos, and 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.
Other educational opportunities from Winn and the AAFP can be found on their websites, listed below. The AAFP is accepting abstracts for poster presentation through June 2, 2017. Accepted abstracts will be presented at the AAFP Annual Conference in Denver on Oct. 19-21.
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 almost $6.0 million in health research for cats at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide. 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. Grants are awarded at least twice yearly with the help of the foundation’s expert review panel. For further information, go towww.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.