WAVMA supports many programs which serve the discipline of aquatic veterinary medicine; advancing the profession for the betterment of animals, society at large, and the world we live in. Two of the programs that focus specifically on veterinary students are the WAVMA Aquatic Veterinary Student Externship List and the John L. Pitts Aquatic Veterinary Education Awards Program.
The Education Awards Program was started in 2010 to honor the late John L. Pitts, DVM, who was passionate about student involvement in the profession and a global approach to aquatic veterinary medicine. His service to the profession began as a veterinary student in 1969, when he helped create a national chapter for the Student American Veterinary Medical Association. John also helped in the formation of the National Association of State Aquaculture Coordinators and the Aquaculture and Seafood Advisory Committee of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He also worked tirelessly to shape and encourage the passage of the Minor Uses and Minor Species Act of 2004. To continue John’s vision, a small all-volunteer committee comprised of individuals representing private practice, academia, past recipients, WAVMA student members, and the Pitts family work to administer this program.
The Program’s goal is to assist veterinary students and new veterinary graduates become more involved with aquatic veterinary medicine by providing financial support for activities that broaden their understanding of the varied career opportunities within the field. Since its inception, the Program has awarded over $38,000 to 58 veterinary students and recent graduates from 37 colleges and universities across 4 continents. These funds, which have come from a small number of individuals and organizations, have helped recipients participate in externships at public, private, and academic institutions and attend conferences, workshops, and short courses all over the world. From the number of applications that are received each year and the remarkable quality of the applicants, it is clear the Program is filling an important need and making a difference in the lives of people who are shaping the future of aquatic veterinary medicine.
Please consider making a donation to this great program. Your donation to the John L. Pitts Aquatic Veterinary Education Awards Program will make a difference and expand the number of students who are finding their place in the global field of aquatic veterinary medicine. To make a donation and to learn more about this exciting program, please visit www.wavma.org/scholarships or contact the WAVMA Treasurer (treasurer@wavma.org).