Published: 12 Dec 2014 | Last Updated: 12 Dec 2014 13:53:29

A Royal Veterinary College undergraduate was one of eight veterinary students invited to a convention in America and awarded scholarships, having been deemed exceptional students and advocates of equine welfare.

Molly Muedeking was the only British or European student to receive a $2,500 scholarship from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation and insurance group Markel. The other recipients came from the US and Canada.

The scholarships were presented during a special lunch at the AAEP’s 60^th Annual Convention, which took place between Dec 6^th and 10^th in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Commenting on her award and the event, final year BVetMed student Molly said: “I was thrilled to receive the news that I had won the Markel Scholarship. It was an amazing experience to be able to go to Salt Lake City for the national AAEP Conference to meet other dedicated students and listen to leading veterinarians discuss emerging research and difficult cases​.”

Now in its 26^th year, the scholarship programme awards financial support to veterinary students who are proven leaders at their veterinary schools, advocates for equine welfare and academic achievers. Students are nominated for the scholarship by representatives from their institutions with supporting references from AAEP members and clinical instructors.

Paying tribute to the recipients, Julian Bowen-Rees, managing director of Markel specialty, equine and livestock, said: “We are delighted to honour these exceptional senior veterinary students who have taken a special interest in equine medicine and surgery. We understand and appreciate the role of veterinarians.”