WCVM grad wins equine scholarship

Fourth-year veterinary student Becky Gilday. Photo: Myrna MacDonald.

Dr. Becky Gilday (WCVM ’14) is a Zoetis/AAEP Foundation scholarship recipient. Photo: Myrna MacDonald.

Dr. Becky Gilday, a 2014 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is one of nine equine-focused veterinarians in North America to receive $4,000 scholarships from Zoetis and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation.

The scholarships were announced during the AAEP’s Focus on Sport Horses and Focus on Students summer meetings in Louisville, Ky., July 19-22.

The annual Zoetis/AAEP Foundation Scholarships reward graduating veterinary students with a dedication to equine medicine for their academic excellence, leadership in their school and chapter, and their long-term goals.

Gilday, the only scholarship recipient from Canada, is a longtime horseowner who grew up in Carvel, Alta. During her time at the WCVM, she was an active member of the college’s Equine Club and served at the undergraduate representative on the WCVM’s Equine Health Research Fund from 2011-2012.

Gilday was one of eight North American veterinary students to receive a $2,500 Markel/American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation scholarship during the 2013-2014 academic year. Last fall, she also received a $1,500 educational scholarship, sponsored by the Alberta Equestrian Federation and Capri Insurance.

After graduating from the WCVM this spring, Gilday began a one-year clinical internship at the Littleton Equine Medical Center in Littleton, Colo.

Douglas Braun, DVM, MBA, manager of veterinary marketing with Zoetis’ Veterinary and Reseller Marketing group, said the company proudly honours excellence among North America’s newest veterinarians. “As an AAEP educational partner, we are delighted to honour these exceptional graduating veterinary students who have taken a special interest in equine medicine,” Braun said.

“We also recognize the vital role our dedicated customers play in sponsoring these scholarships, and we are pleased to continue supporting the leadership established by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the AAEP Foundation.”

The $4,000 awards are available thanks to the donations of Zoetis customers who participated in the Industry Support Program from Feb. 1 through April 30, 2013. These veterinarians designated that a portion of their product purchases be used for scholarships for AAEP student members.

Veterinary student applicants are nominated for the scholarships by representatives from their colleges. In addition to academic excellence, recipients are evaluated on their leadership abilities and involvement in activities benefiting the health and welfare of horses.

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