Through a new program for veterinarians interested in a PhD called the Pfizer Animal Health-Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) Veterinary Fellowship for Advanced Study, Allen Page, DVM, will receive a substantial four-year stipend to complete his PhD at the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center.
The recipients of the fellowships are practicing veterinarians returning for a PhD. The funding is provided equally by MAF, Pfizer Animal Health and the student's academic institution for living expenses and tuition while pursuing advanced veterinary study. Graduates must commit to staying in animal health research for at least four years upon graduation, where they will help fill a much needed role in the veterinary medical field.
Page, who interned at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., will research the epidemiology of
Lawsonia intracellularis (LI), a bacterium that causes intestinal disease, at the Gluck Center. While interning at Hagyard, Page's exposure to a diverse caseload and treatment techniques--from conducting ultrasounds to developing fluid resuscitation plans--piqued his interest in veterinary research. While at Hagyard, he began studying LI.
"Little is known about LI," Page said. "I have seen firsthand what dedication to a project can accomplish. I look forward to spending the next couple years conducting research at a premier institute like the Gluck Center."
Page is one of seven recipients of the fellowship that includes equine, canine, and feline researchers. The program commits a minimum of nearly $1.7 million over four years toward a solution to the growing need for trained veterinary scientists.
David Haworth, DVM, PhD, director, global alliances for Pfizer Animal Health, said "Many practicing veterinarians may wish to become veterinary scientists but can't continue their educational journey due to financial constraints, such as high student debt. The Pfizer Animal Health–MAF fellowships help these professionals pursue a new career path and provide a unique solution to the critical need for more veterinary scientists."
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Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.
