EveryCat Health Foundation, AAFP Partner for Feline Clinical Scholarships

Press release: AAFP

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and EveryCat Health Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 joint scholarships for a feline clinical practice and feline clinical research scientist.

Amanda Diaz, a third-year veterinary student at Colorado State University, receives the 2022 clinical research scientist scholarship, and Alison Legett, a doctoral candidate at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, receives the 2022 feline clinical practice award. Selections were made based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership and a dedication to feline veterinary medicine.

“We are proud to support these exceptional students on their journey to elevate feline medicine and well-being,” said Heather O’Steen, CEO of the AAFP. “These scholarships will help Amanda and Alison further their education and fulfill their passion for treating feline patients.”

A third-year veterinary student at Colorado State University, Amanda Diaz is passionate about performing research to advance feline medicine. In her scholarship application,

“My dream is to have a positive impact on how we treat our feline patients, with a special interest in treating and managing cats with chronic kidney disease,” Diaz said. She has been involved in five different research projects aimed at diagnostics, medication effects and dosages, and improving the supportive treatment of cats with chronic kidney disease.

“My ultimate career goal is to become a boarded small animal internal medicine specialist and ultimately obtain a staff or assistant professor position at CSU,” she added.

Alison Legett is a doctoral candidate at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. A fierce advocate for the health and wellbeing of her feline patients, Alison volunteers at a local feline rescue and makes crochet blankets by hand for the cats at another shelter. With an expected graduation date in May 2022, Legett has accepted a full-time position at a feline veterinary clinic starting in July.

“There is a large emphasis on client education, which is something I am passionate about,” commented Legett on her new position. “In addition to working at the feline clinic, I plan to get involved with local rescues/shelters and build a working relationship with them.”

“Amanda and Alison represent the best qualities we were looking for amongst the candidate pool,” said Jackie Ott Jaakola, executive director of EveryCat Health Foundation. “The passion for feline healthcare they share is inspirational.”

EveryCat Health Foundation is the world’s only nonprofit focused solely on funding feline health studies. Nearly 200 million cats bring joy to their companions across the world. Though cat ownership keeps growing, feline health research remains underfunded compared to many other animals. Since 1968, EveryCat Health Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in grants for groundbreaking cat health research at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide. This funding is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. Research supported by EveryCat Health Foundation helps veterinarians by providing educational resources that improve treatment of common feline health problems and prevent many diseases. Grants are reviewed and awarded with the help of the foundation’s expert Scientific Review Committee.

AAFP supports its members and improves the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine (catvets.com). As a trusted leader in the veterinary community, the AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record for facilitating high standards, including guidelines for practice excellence and educational resources. Over the years, the AAFP has encouraged veterinary professionals to continuously re-evaluate preconceived notions of practice strategies in an effort to advance the quality of feline medicine practiced.