Awards recognise written reports on a chosen feline topic
The winners of Cats Protection’s annual vet student awards, which celebrate individuals who have complete Extra Mural Studies (EMS) with the charity, have been announced.
The EMS placements give veterinary students a chance to experience feline medicine in a shelter at one of the organisation's adoption centres. Afterwards, the students submit a written report on their chosen subject for a chance to win a prize of £500 or £250.
This year's winner was 23-year-old Molly George, a final year student at the University of Bristol. Molly scooped first prize for her paper ‘FIV and FeLV testing in rescue and rehoming organisations – why, which cats, how, when?’.
Hertfordshire-based Molly undertook her placement at Cats Protection National Cat Adoption Centre in Sussex. Commenting on her award, Molly said:
“Being a final year vet student with an interest in feline medicine, I wanted to experience more shelter medicine and the National Cat Centre in Sussex was a great and fulfilling placement. I chose to write my report on FIV and FeLV testing in rescue and rehoming shelters and related this to what should be done in general practice. I found it really interesting to write about as it is so vital, especially in a shelter environment.”
Second place went to 24-year old Christine Lee Hui En from the RVC, London. Christine was awarded £250 for her paper, ‘Feline shelter medicine principles for the vet in general practice.’
Christine, who now lives in Singapore, said: “I am honoured to have won this award. My EMS placement with Cats Protection was memorable and meaningful as it gave me the opportunity to see first-hand the unique challenges faced in a shelter.”
Cats Protection’s head of clinical services Dr Vanessa Howie said: “We’re always impressed with the standard of entries to our annual EMS awards, and this year was no exception. Molly and Christine both offered some exceptional insights into feline medicine, each recognising what can be learnt from shelter medicine to benefit cats in general practice.
“Both students have a great understanding of feline medicine and we wish them all the best in their future careers as veterinary professionals.”
Image (C) Cats Protection
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
