Five Dedicated Equine Veterinary Students Awarded $5,000 Merck Animal Health Scholarships by The Foundation for the Horse

Five outstanding veterinary students’ intent on careers in equine practice have each received $5,000 Merck Animal Health Scholarships awarded by The Foundation for the Horse:

  • Alexandra Bettencourt, Texas A&M University
  • Scarlett Loya, University of Pennsylvania
  • Lauren Obermeyer, The Ohio State University
  • Harrell Phillips III, Kansas State University
  • Cassidy Scatena, Texas A&M University

The Merck Animal Health scholarship program, managed through The Foundation, rewards veterinary students at colleges of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, and West Indies for their academic excellence, leadership in their school and American Association of Equine Practitioners student chapter, and their long-term goals in equine practice. Applicants apply during their second and third year of school and must also have the support of AAEP members and their clinical instructors.

Bryant Craig, DVM, Equine Professional Services for Merck Animal Health, expressed immense pride in backing the development of five prospective equine veterinarians. This support is made possible through the ongoing collaboration with the AAEP and its philanthropic branch, The Foundation for the Horse. Dr. Craig highlighted the students as pivotal contributors to the future of equine care and welfare, noting that Merck Animal Health is confident in their leadership abilities to propel the organization’s mission forward by advancing the science of promoting healthier animals.

Foundation for the Horse established the Merck Animal Health scholarship program in 2016. The award is made possible through gifts made by AAEP Educational Partner Merck Animal Health.

For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through The Foundation for the Horse, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org

About Merck Animal Health
For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. 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 ranges 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, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.

About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and programs impacting Horses at Risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation annually awards over $1 million annually in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.

Contact: Allison Chick
(913) 238-8379
achick@foundationforthehorse.org