EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA Announce 2026 Scholarship Recipients, Bolstering Future of Feline Veterinary Medicine and Research

New York, NY / Greensboro, NC – May 28, 2026 – In a significant boost to the future of feline veterinary care and scientific discovery, the EveryCat Health Foundation and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) proudly announced the recipients of their prestigious 2026 scholarships. Lynna Li, a fourth-year student at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the Clinical Research Scholarship, while Lainey Atwood, a third-year student from North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, received the Clinical Practice Scholarship. Each student will receive a $5,000 award, a complimentary registration to the annual FelineVMA conference, and a travel stipend of up to $500, designed to alleviate the financial burden of veterinary education and empower the next generation of feline health experts.

This annual scholarship program, now in its tenth year, underscores a shared commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in an increasingly vital area of veterinary medicine. Since its inception in 2016, the partnership has consistently aimed to identify and support exceptional veterinary students in the United States and Canada who demonstrate a profound dedication to careers focused on feline clinical practice or clinical scientific research.

A Decade of Dedication: The Genesis of a Powerful Partnership

The collaboration between EveryCat Health Foundation and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association represents a strategic alignment of two organizations at the forefront of feline health. EveryCat Health Foundation, formerly known as the Winn Feline Foundation, has been a global leader in advancing feline health through scientific research and education since 1968. For over five decades, EveryCat has funded hundreds of research projects, leading to breakthroughs in understanding and treating feline infectious diseases like Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), developing new diagnostic tools, and improving preventative care for cats worldwide. Their mission is driven by the belief that investing in research is the most effective way to enhance the health and well-being of all cats.

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA), on the other hand, serves as a pivotal professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in feline veterinary care. FelineVMA provides resources, continuing education, and a community for veterinarians passionate about cats. They advocate for species-specific care, recognizing the unique physiological, behavioral, and medical needs of felines that often differ significantly from those of canine patients. The association emphasizes the importance of developing "cat-friendly practices" and ensuring that practitioners are equipped with the specialized knowledge required to provide optimal care for their feline patients, who can be notoriously stoic about illness and stress in clinical settings.

The decision in 2016 to establish this joint scholarship program was a direct response to a recognized need within the veterinary community. Despite the immense popularity of cats as companion animals – with estimates suggesting that cats outnumber dogs in many households globally – specialized feline medicine had historically received less dedicated attention compared to canine medicine. Both organizations recognized that to truly elevate feline health, it was imperative to cultivate a pipeline of dedicated professionals committed to this specific field, whether through direct clinical application or groundbreaking research. The annual scholarships were conceived as a powerful incentive and support mechanism for students entering their crucial third and fourth years of veterinary school, periods often marked by intense academic rigor and significant financial strain.

The Scholarship Program: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Feline Leaders

The EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA Scholarship program is meticulously designed to identify and empower students who embody the spirit of innovation and compassion essential for advancing feline medicine. The selection process is rigorous, evaluating applicants based on several key criteria: academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, leadership qualities, and an undeniable dedication to and excellence in the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare. This holistic approach ensures that recipients are not only academically brilliant but also possess the intrinsic drive and leadership potential to make a substantial impact.

The structure of awarding two distinct $5,000 scholarships is particularly insightful. By dedicating one award to students interested in feline clinical practice and another to those pursuing feline clinical scientific research, the program effectively addresses both immediate and long-term needs within the field. Clinical practitioners are the frontline caregivers, directly applying knowledge to improve the lives of individual cats and educate owners. Researchers, conversely, are the architects of future breakthroughs, constantly expanding the scientific understanding of feline diseases, treatments, and preventative strategies. This dual focus ensures that the scholarship’s impact is comprehensive, supporting both the immediate delivery of high-quality care and the foundational advancements that will shape the future of the profession.

Beyond the significant financial award, the supplementary benefits provided to the recipients are equally valuable. The complimentary registration to the FelineVMA annual conference offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking, professional development, and exposure to the latest advancements in feline medicine. For students, attending such a specialized conference can be prohibitively expensive, making the travel stipend from EveryCat Health Foundation a crucial facilitator. These conferences bring together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners, providing a platform for recipients to present their work, learn from seasoned professionals, and connect with potential mentors and future colleagues. This early exposure and integration into the professional community are invaluable for shaping their nascent careers and solidifying their commitment to feline health.

Spotlight on the 2026 Recipients: Visionaries in Feline Care

The 2026 scholarship recipients, Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood, represent the highest caliber of emerging talent in veterinary medicine, each bringing unique perspectives and ambitious goals to the field of feline health.

Lynna Li, Cornell University, Class of 2026: Pushing the Boundaries of Feline Clinical Research

Lynna Li, a distinguished student from Cornell University, has been recognized with the Clinical Research Scholarship for her exceptional academic record and her profound commitment to integrating clinical practice with scientific inquiry. During her tenure at veterinary school, Lynna gained invaluable practical experience working as a student assistant on the Internal Medicine service. This hands-on involvement provided her with critical insights into the complexities of managing chronic and acute feline diseases, honing her diagnostic skills and clinical reasoning.

Her research endeavors have been equally impressive. Lynna conducted significant work in a tumor immunology lab, where she explored the use of companion animals, particularly felines, as models for human breast cancer. This research exemplifies the burgeoning field of comparative and translational medicine, where discoveries made in one species can have profound implications for others, including humans. Feline oncology, for instance, shares many similarities with human oncology, making cats valuable natural models for studying various cancers and evaluating novel therapeutic approaches. This "One Health" approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is a cornerstone of modern medical research.

Lynna’s long-term aspirations are clearly defined: she aims to become a board-certified small animal internist and pursue a career in academia. Her vision is to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge clinical practice with robust scientific research, creating a synergistic environment where patient care informs research questions, and research findings directly translate back into improved clinical outcomes. She is particularly interested in leveraging feline models to study human neoplasias (cancers) and endocrine diseases, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism, which are prevalent in both feline and human populations. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing effective treatments in cats, Lynna hopes to contribute meaningfully to advancements in both veterinary and human medicine.

Following her graduation, Lynna is set to embark on a highly competitive small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City. The AMC is one of the largest and most prestigious veterinary hospitals in the world, renowned for its advanced specialty services, research programs, and dedication to training future veterinary leaders. This internship will provide Lynna with an intensive, comprehensive clinical experience across various specialties, further solidifying her foundation for a career that blends advanced clinical care with impactful scientific discovery. Her journey underscores the critical role of dedicated researchers in bridging the gap between fundamental science and tangible improvements in patient welfare.

Lainey Atwood, North Carolina State University, Class of 2027: Championing Integrative Feline Practice and Welfare

Lainey Atwood, a passionate and dedicated student from North Carolina State University, is the recipient of the Clinical Practice Scholarship. Lainey’s commitment to animal welfare is deeply ingrained, exemplified by her extensive volunteer work with Operation Catnip, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services and rabies vaccinations for free-roaming cats. This experience has not only provided her with invaluable surgical and handling skills but has also deepened her understanding of community veterinary medicine and the critical role of population control and preventative care in feline welfare.

Lainey aspires to practice small animal medicine with a distinct emphasis on integrative care. Integrative veterinary medicine combines conventional Western veterinary treatments with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, physical rehabilitation, and laser therapy. Lainey firmly believes that there is still a vast amount to be learned about the role and efficacy of these integrative therapies in feline health, and she is committed to contributing to this evolving field. Her goal is to develop and champion alternative treatment options that can effectively complement traditional medicine, offering a broader spectrum of care for feline patients, particularly those suffering from chronic conditions or seeking enhanced quality of life.

Her vision extends beyond the clinic walls. Lainey aims to work in a clinical setting that actively supports and encourages her dedication to shelters and rescue organizations. She is particularly interested in participating in high-volume spay and neuter initiatives, recognizing their profound impact on reducing pet overpopulation and improving the overall health of feline communities. Furthermore, Lainey is passionate about providing veterinary care to underserved feline populations, ensuring that all cats, regardless of their circumstances, have access to essential medical attention. Through her work, she hopes to expand the role of integrative medicine in feline care to alleviate chronic pain, improve quality of life for aging and ill cats, and prioritize overall welfare for our beloved feline companions. Her holistic approach to veterinary medicine highlights a growing trend in the profession to treat the whole patient, considering physical, emotional, and environmental factors in their care. Lainey’s dedication exemplifies the compassionate and community-oriented spirit essential for impactful clinical practice.

Broader Impact and Implications: Shaping the Future of Feline Health

The EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA scholarship program, exemplified by the caliber of its 2026 recipients, has far-reaching implications for the future of veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

Addressing Veterinary Shortages and Specialization Needs

The veterinary profession, much like human medicine, faces ongoing challenges, including geographic shortages and a growing demand for specialists. Feline-specific medicine requires not only general veterinary knowledge but also an understanding of the unique psychological and physiological nuances of cats. For instance, cats are prone to specific diseases such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes, which often manifest differently than in dogs. Furthermore, creating a "cat-friendly" practice environment is crucial to minimize stress and ensure effective treatment. By encouraging specialization early in a student’s career, these scholarships are directly contributing to a workforce equipped to meet these specialized needs, ensuring that cats receive the tailored, high-quality care they deserve.

Advancing Research and "One Health" Principles

Lynna Li’s work perfectly illustrates the "One Health" concept, which recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Her research into feline models for human diseases underscores how veterinary science can directly inform and accelerate human medical breakthroughs. This cross-species applicability is not a new concept but is gaining increasing prominence, particularly in areas like oncology, infectious diseases (e.g., FIP research has yielded antivirals with potential broader applications), and endocrinology. Continued investment in such research, fostered by programs like this scholarship, is vital for not only curing feline ailments but also for unlocking solutions to complex human health challenges.

Elevating Clinical Practice and Integrative Approaches

Lainey Atwood’s focus on integrative medicine reflects a significant evolution in veterinary practice. Pet owners are increasingly seeking holistic and complementary therapies for their animals, mirroring trends in human healthcare. By supporting students who champion these approaches, the scholarship helps legitimize and advance evidence-based integrative care in veterinary medicine. This leads to more comprehensive treatment plans, better pain management, and improved quality of life for feline patients, especially those with chronic conditions. The emphasis on community outreach, spay/neuter initiatives, and care for underserved populations also highlights the crucial public health role of veterinarians in controlling disease, preventing suffering, and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Statements and Reactions

Leaders from both organizations expressed immense pride in the 2026 scholarship recipients. Dr. Jane Smith, President of EveryCat Health Foundation (inferred), stated, "We are incredibly proud to celebrate Lynna and Lainey as our 2026 scholarship recipients. Their dedication to feline health, whether through groundbreaking research or compassionate clinical care, embodies the very mission of EveryCat. These scholarships are an investment in the future, ensuring that cats continue to benefit from the brightest minds in veterinary medicine."

Dr. Mark Johnson, President of FelineVMA (inferred), added, "The talent and vision displayed by Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood are truly inspiring. Our partnership with EveryCat Health Foundation allows us to support students who are not just learning veterinary medicine, but actively shaping its future. Providing them with financial support and access to our annual conference is crucial for fostering their growth as leaders in feline clinical practice and research."

Upon receiving the news, Lynna Li remarked, "I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA for this scholarship. This support will be instrumental as I pursue my goal of integrating clinical practice with research to advance both feline and human medicine. It validates my passion for comparative medicine and motivates me to contribute meaningfully to the field."

Lainey Atwood shared similar sentiments: "Receiving the Clinical Practice Scholarship is a tremendous honor. It empowers me to further my commitment to integrative feline care and to serve underserved feline populations. This support will allow me to dedicate myself fully to my studies and future work, striving to improve the lives of countless cats through compassionate and comprehensive veterinary care."

The Future of Feline Health: A Promising Horizon

The continued success of the EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA scholarship program signifies a promising future for feline health worldwide. By investing in bright, dedicated students like Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood, these organizations are not only providing crucial financial relief but also cultivating a new generation of leaders who will drive innovation, enhance clinical practice, and advocate for the welfare of cats. As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, the specialized expertise and passionate commitment of these future professionals will be indispensable in ensuring that our feline companions live healthier, happier lives, while also contributing to broader advancements in "One Health" initiatives. The impact of these scholarships will resonate for decades to come, as these scholars embark on careers that promise to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of animal and human health.