2024 Merck Animal Health Scholarship

“I am deeply grateful to receive the Merck Animal Health Scholarship, which provides invaluable support in advancing my clinical training and hands-on experience as I work toward becoming a large animal practitioner. I am eager to give back in the future by delivering veterinary care and education to underserved rural communities, as well as having the opportunity to support future veterinary students in their journey, just as AVMA has supported mine.”

“I am so honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Merck Animal Health Scholarship. This generous support will significantly ease the financial burden of my degree allowing me to focus on gaining valuable  experience, pursuing specialized training, and seeking opportunities that will further my knowledge and skills as an equine veterinarian. I am very thankful for Merck’s commitment to supporting future veterinarians, and I look forward to using this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of equine medicine.”

“Receiving this scholarship goes beyond financial support—it is a meaningful recognition of my dedication to animal health and a powerful motivator to continue striving toward my goals in veterinary medicine. It provides invaluable resources that will allow me to deepen my education and gain essential hands-on experience, ultimately shaping me into a more skilled and compassionate emergency veterinarian for all species. Most importantly, this scholarship strengthens my unwavering commitment to improving the lives of animals and their communities, inspiring me to make a lasting impact on the future of veterinary care.”

“I am grateful to be one of the lucky recipients of the Merck Animal Health Scholarship. As I am entering my clinical year, which will come with its own set of worries and stress, this scholarship will definitely help to alleviate the pressure of also having to fund my journey through veterinary school. Thus, I can focus a bit more on my education and becoming the best doctor that I possibly can.”

“This scholarship serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible opportunities available through organizations like Merck Animal Health. I am committed to using this support to further my knowledge and skills, ultimately working to improve the health and well-being of both companion and production animals. My goals as a practitioner include advocating for animal welfare in production animal settings, supporting producers, and consulting on health protocols to ensure best practices that maximize animal welfare, efficiency and profitability of livestock operations.”

“I am grateful and honored to have been chosen for the Merck Animal Health Scholarship. I feel supported by my veterinary community to reach my professional and financial goals. This scholarship will help relieve the financial obligation of student loans sooner, allowing me the freedom to pursue my passion in low-cost preventative health projects. I look forward to the day I can use my education and resources generously for those who need a helping hand in the same way I have been shown kindness during my journey to becoming a veterinarian.”

“I am grateful to receive this scholarship, especially as a mature student. Returning to student life after building a career presents financial challenges, but the opportunity to follow my interest in aquatic medicine makes it all worthwhile. This scholarship will allow me to focus on gaining knowledge and hands-on experience with fish, both in and outside the classroom. Beyond providing financial support, this scholarship validates my career path and strengthens my commitment to advancing aquaculture while continuing my education.”

“I am truly honored and deeply grateful to be awarded the AVMF/Merck Animal Health Scholarship. This generous support will significantly ease the financial burden of veterinary school, especially during my clinical year, and will allow me to focus more fully on my education. It also inspires me to pursue further training through an internship and residency after graduation. Thank you for investing in my future and supporting me on my journey in veterinary medicine.”

“With my clinical year approaching in the next few months, this scholarship will provide critical financial support for my out of state rotational externships, allowing me to focus entirely on my education and hands on clinical experiences without the stress of financial burdens. Knowing that organizations like Merck Animal Health and the AVMF believe in my potential strengthens my passion to give back, both as a future veterinarian and as an advocate for accessible veterinary care.”

“This generous award not only helps alleviate some financial burden but also brings me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a veterinarian. Being selected for this prestigious scholarship serves as a powerful reminder of the passion and dedication that led me to this field and motivates me to continue demonstrating leadership, not only at St. George’s University, but across all aspects of veterinary medicine. I am deeply grateful for the scholarship committee for recognizing my hard work and commitment to my veterinarian education since moving to Grenada.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the support and will use this award towards furthering my future career in veterinary medicine. I am inspired by the Merk and the AVMF’s commitment to supporting the next generation of veterinarians, and am inspired to give back to future generations during my own career one day.”

“Scholarship represents a commitment to personal growth, academic excellence, and contribution to society. Personally, scholarship is a strongly affirming force for my future that inspires me to push boundaries and pursue knowledge with passion and purpose to achieve a positive impact on the lives of both the animals and communities I serve.”

“I am so honored to have been awarded the AVMF/Merck Animal Health Scholarship, which serves as both financial support and recognition of my dedication to veterinary medicine. This generous scholarship will help me to further my knowledge in mixed animal medicine while alleviating my financial stress associated with tuition. I am immensely grateful for this scholarship and excited for my future veterinary endeavors.”

“This scholarship reminds me of the importance of community and how community work makes a meaningful and beneficial difference every time. I am more grateful than ever to belong to the veterinary profession. I am motivated to continue learning and growing as I work towards my dreams for myself and my community. Receiving this scholarship alleviates the financial burden as an out-of-state student and allows me to reduce my work hours during the school year so that I may focus on my studies. I am also excited to pursue externships that enhance my classroom education and expand my clinical skills.”

“I am truly honored to receive this scholarship from Merck Animal Health. Beyond easing the financial burden, it serves as a powerful affirmation of my passion for veterinary medicine. This support allows me to focus on my studies and further my commitment to serving animals and communities with dedication and care. My goal is to become a shelter veterinarian, providing compassionate care to the animals who need it most and making a meaningful impact in underserved communities.”

“I am incredibly grateful for Merck’s support. I pride myself on being an extremely hard worker and fiscally responsible. Since starting college, I have always had at least one job, if not more, to pay for tuition and living expenses. However, I must reduce my work hours as I approach my clinical year. That is why this scholarship is so important to me, especially at this time. Dr. Norman Stewart was a veterinarian at Merck and a long-time mentor of mine before his passing. Thanks to him and his team, I have the utmost respect for Merck as a company, which makes this recognition even more significant.”

“This scholarship not only supports my education but also reinforces my commitment to providing compassionate care to animals in need. My journey has been shaped by a deep desire for emergency medicine and dedication to continuous learning. With this support, I can continue developing the skills necessary to provide high-quality, life-saving care — both in emergency settings and in communities with veterinary services are scarce. This award is a stepping stone toward my goal of making veterinary medicine more accessible and impactful. I am incredibly grateful to AVMF and Merck Animal Health!”

“Veterinary medicine requires resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to animal welfare. I have worked to develop both the technical skills and compassionate approach necessary to serve animals in need. This scholarship alleviates financial burdens and reinforces my confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the profession. I am grateful for this opportunity and for the AVMF’s commitment to supporting future veterinarians. This award strengthens my motivation to continue working hard and advocating for the well-being of animals, ensuring they receive the care and protection they deserve.”

“Winning the AVMA Merck Animal Health Scholarship is an incredible honor that has lifted the financial burden of my final year of vet school. This support allows me to fully focus on my studies, engage in crucial externships, rotations, and remote community outreach that were previously unattainable. I am deeply grateful and hope to one day give back to the veterinary community in a similar, transformative way.”

“This means far more to me than just financial assistance—it is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and a step closer to my goal of becoming a compassionate and skilled veterinarian. The generosity behind this scholarship fuels my motivation to excel academically and professionally, knowing that I am not only working toward my personal goals but also upholding the faith you have placed in me. I will strive to honor this award every day through my commitment to advancing exotic animal medicine and contributing to wildlife conservation efforts abroad.”

“With this scholarship, I am able to pursue my concurrent DVM/MPH degrees and future board certification in shelter medicine/community outreach with less financial concerns and stress. This will allow me to focus on honing my clinical and personal skills to become the best veterinarian and person I can be. I believe in being an advocate for those without advocates, which is a central theme within shelter medicine and community outreach. With this in mind, I greatly appreciate Merck and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation advocating for me.”

“This scholarship significantly alleviates the financial burden of higher education, allowing me to focus on my studies and career development. My passion for agriculture, food security, and sustainable poultry production has driven me to take on leadership roles in veterinary organizations, such as serving as Poultry VP for the Production Animal Medicine Club and representing my peers in SAVMA. This support enables me to continue immersing myself in these opportunities, strengthening my expertise in population medicine, and contributing to the future of the poultry industry.”

“Receiving this scholarship is more than just financial relief—it is a reflection of my dedication and passion for veterinary medicine. It allows me to focus on my education and the animals I am committed to helping, while strengthening my ability to provide compassionate, high-quality care. With this support, I can continue to grow as a skilled veterinarian, strengthen the human-animal bond, and contribute meaningfully to the field I love. I am truly honored and deeply grateful for this scholarship, which brings me one step closer to my dream of making a lasting impact in veterinary medicine.”

“I am honored and incredibly grateful to have my dedication to veterinary medicine recognized by the AVMF Merck Animal Health Scholarship. As I continue my veterinary education, this scholarship will allow me to explore valuable externship opportunities during my clinical year, helping me advance my skills and knowledge in livestock and poultry medicine. I deeply appreciate the support from Merck and the AVMF in making these opportunities more attainable, and I look forward to using this experience to contribute to animal health and welfare in the future.”

“As a first-generation American, this scholarship represents more than just financial support. It is also a testament to the opportunities that hard work and perseverance can create. It helps minimize the added financial stress of veterinary school and motivates me to give back to the profession in meaningful ways. I am passionate about ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds feel represented and supported in this profession. This scholarship reinforces my commitment to fostering a more inclusive veterinary community where veterinary medicine is more accessible, equitable, and welcoming to all.”

“This scholarship allows me the opportunity to travel to amazing hospitals for externships during my clinical year. As an individual interested in ECC, I can now visit hospitals in different states and not worry as much about my loans having to stretch further than they are able. Because of this I will be gaining invaluable experience and hopefully building lasting connections within the veterinary community.”