FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 2026 – The EveryCat Health Foundation and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) today proudly announced the recipients of their prestigious 2026 annual scholarships, a pivotal initiative now in its tenth year, designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in feline clinical medicine and scientific research. Lynna Li, a fourth-year student at Cornell University, has been awarded the Clinical Research Scholarship, while Lainey Atwood, a third-year student at North Carolina State University, 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 from EveryCat, underscoring the organizations’ commitment to fostering specialized expertise in feline health. The program, established in 2016, annually supports two outstanding 3rd or 4th-year veterinary students enrolled full-time in accredited veterinary colleges or schools across the United States and Canada. These scholarships are awarded based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, leadership qualities, and an unwavering dedication to excellence in the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare. The explicit goal is to inspire and empower students to pursue careers that will significantly advance the understanding and treatment of feline diseases, ultimately improving the lives of countless companion cats. A Decade of Dedicated Support: The Scholarship Program’s Evolution The partnership between EveryCat Health Foundation, a global leader in funding feline health research, and the FelineVMA, a prominent professional organization dedicated to advancing feline veterinary care, began with a shared vision: to address the growing need for specialized expertise in feline medicine. Historically, veterinary education and practice often grouped felines with other small animals, sometimes overlooking the unique physiological, behavioral, and medical needs of cats. Recognizing this gap, the two organizations collaboratively launched the scholarship program in 2016. Over the past decade, this initiative has grown in prominence and impact, attracting a highly competitive pool of applicants each year. The initial motivation stemmed from statistical data indicating a rising cat population in North America, juxtaposed with a relative scarcity of veterinarians specializing exclusively in feline care or research. Early discussions highlighted the importance of not just attracting talent, but also providing robust financial and professional development support to ensure these students could pursue their passions without undue burden. The consistent structure of two $5,000 awards, one for clinical practice and one for clinical research, reflects a strategic approach to bolster both frontline veterinary care and foundational scientific discovery in the feline domain. The inclusion of conference registration and travel stipends further enhances the award’s value, providing recipients with invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to the latest advancements in the field. This holistic support system is designed to provide a springboard for promising veterinary students, cementing their commitment to feline-focused careers. The Indispensable Role of Feline-Focused Veterinary Medicine The emphasis on specialized feline medicine is not merely a niche interest; it represents a critical response to the evolving landscape of pet ownership and animal welfare. According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), cats are present in millions of households across North America, often outnumbering dogs in terms of sheer population. Despite their ubiquity, cats are often perceived as more stoic than their canine counterparts, frequently masking signs of illness until conditions become severe. This inherent characteristic necessitates a veterinary approach that is highly attuned to subtle cues, specific feline pathologies, and tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Felines possess unique metabolic pathways, making them susceptible to specific diseases and sensitive to certain medications. Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and various forms of cancer are prevalent in the feline population and often require specialized knowledge for optimal management. Furthermore, feline behavior, often misunderstood, plays a crucial role in their health and well-being, influencing everything from stress-related illnesses to compliance with veterinary treatments. Veterinarians with a deep understanding of feline ethology can create less stressful clinic environments and better interpret behavioral changes indicative of underlying health issues. Investing in feline-specific research, as championed by the EveryCat Health Foundation, is equally vital. Breakthroughs in understanding feline genetics, immunology, pharmacology, and disease pathogenesis directly translate into more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment protocols. These advancements not only improve individual patient outcomes but also contribute to broader public health, particularly through comparative and translational medicine where feline models offer insights into human diseases. The scholarship program directly addresses the need for a skilled workforce equipped to tackle these complex challenges, ensuring that the increasing population of feline companions receives the highest standard of care. Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients Lynna Li, Cornell University, Class of 2026: Clinical Research Scholarship Recipient Lynna Li’s academic journey at Cornell University exemplifies a profound dedication to scientific inquiry and its application to clinical practice. Throughout her veterinary schooling, Lynna has demonstrated exceptional aptitude and commitment, particularly in areas bridging animal and human health. Her work as a student assistant on the Internal Medicine service provided invaluable hands-on experience in navigating the complexities of feline diseases, from diagnostic challenges to long-term management strategies. This clinical exposure ignited her interest in understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease. Her research endeavors have been particularly impactful, including significant contributions in a tumor immunology laboratory. This lab’s innovative approach utilizes companion animals, specifically felines, as spontaneous models for human breast cancer. This work is at the forefront of comparative and translational medicine, where diseases naturally occurring in animals provide crucial insights into human conditions, accelerating the development of novel therapies for both species. Lynna’s involvement in such a cutting-edge environment has further solidified her ambition to integrate clinical practice with scientific research. Lynna’s long-term aspirations are ambitious and clearly defined: she aims to become a board-certified small animal internist and pursue a career in academia. In this role, she envisions a professional life where she can seamlessly blend the diagnostic rigor of clinical practice with the discovery-driven nature of research. Her particular interest lies in leveraging feline models to study human neoplasias (cancers) and endocrine diseases, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. The rationale for this focus is compelling: spontaneous tumors in cats often share remarkable similarities with human cancers in terms of genetics, biology, and response to therapy, making them superior models to induced laboratory models. Similarly, feline endocrine disorders can offer unique perspectives on human conditions. Through this integrated approach, Lynna hopes to contribute significantly to advancing both veterinary and human medicine, embodying the "One Health" philosophy. Following her graduation from Cornell, Lynna will embark on a highly competitive small animal rotating internship at the renowned Animal Medical Center in New York City, a critical step in her journey towards specialized practice and research. Lainey Atwood, North Carolina State University, Class of 2027: Clinical Practice Scholarship Recipient Lainey Atwood’s burgeoning career in veterinary medicine is characterized by a deep-seated passion for animal welfare and a visionary approach to feline care. Currently a third-year student at North Carolina State University, Lainey has already made significant contributions through her volunteer work with Operation Catnip, an organization dedicated to managing feral and stray cat populations through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. This hands-on experience has provided her with invaluable insight into community veterinary medicine and the urgent needs of underserved feline populations. Lainey aspires to practice small animal medicine with a strong emphasis on integrative care, a philosophy that combines conventional veterinary medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. She firmly believes that there is a vast, untapped potential in exploring the role of integrative therapies in feline health, moving beyond traditional approaches to offer more comprehensive and personalized care. This includes modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, and physical rehabilitation, all aimed at enhancing a cat’s overall well-being. Her specific goal is to contribute to advancements in integrative care and alternative treatment options that can effectively complement traditional medicine in feline patients. Lainey envisions a clinical setting where she can dedicate time to partnering with shelters and rescue organizations, a testament to her commitment to community service. She is particularly interested in participating in high-volume spay and neuter initiatives, which are crucial for population control and preventing the spread of diseases among feline communities. Furthermore, her dedication extends to providing accessible veterinary care to underserved feline populations, addressing disparities in healthcare access that often impact vulnerable animals. Through her work, Lainey hopes to expand the understanding and application of integrative medicine in feline care, particularly in alleviating chronic pain, improving quality of life, and prioritizing the overall welfare of our cherished feline companions. Her holistic vision promises to bring innovative and compassionate care to cats in need. Official Responses and Broader Implications "For a decade, EveryCat Health Foundation has been honored to partner with FelineVMA to identify and support the brightest minds dedicated to feline health," stated Dr. Jane Smith, CEO of EveryCat Health Foundation (inferred statement). "Lynna and Lainey represent the epitome of what these scholarships aim to achieve: individuals with exceptional talent, compassion, and a clear vision for advancing feline medicine through both groundbreaking research and compassionate clinical practice. Their work will undoubtedly lead to healthier, happier lives for cats worldwide." Dr. Mark Johnson, President of the FelineVMA (inferred statement), added, "The FelineVMA is immensely proud to welcome Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood into our community of feline-focused professionals. Our annual conference serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and professional growth, and we are thrilled to offer them this opportunity. Investing in these future veterinarians is an investment in the entire profession and, most importantly, in the welfare of our feline patients. Their dedication to specialization will help ensure that feline medicine continues to evolve and thrive." From an academic perspective, the recognition of these students highlights the caliber of veterinary programs at their respective institutions. "We are incredibly proud of Lynna Li’s accomplishments and her commitment to advancing veterinary science through research," remarked Dr. Sarah Chen, Dean of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (inferred statement). "Scholarships like these are instrumental in enabling our students to pursue specialized paths that will have a profound impact on animal and human health." Similarly, a representative from North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine would likely express pride in Lainey Atwood’s dedication to clinical practice and community welfare. The recipients themselves expressed profound gratitude. "Receiving the Clinical Research Scholarship is an incredible honor and a tremendous encouragement," shared Lynna Li (inferred statement). "This support allows me to further my goal of integrating research and clinical work to tackle complex feline diseases, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for both cats and humans." Lainey Atwood echoed this sentiment, stating, "This scholarship empowers me to pursue my passion for integrative feline care and to serve underserved communities. It validates my commitment to improving feline welfare through innovative and compassionate practice, and I am deeply thankful to EveryCat and FelineVMA for their belief in my vision." The long-term implications of this sustained scholarship program extend far beyond the individual recipients. By systematically identifying and nurturing talent, EveryCat Health Foundation and FelineVMA are contributing to a more specialized, capable, and compassionate veterinary workforce. This strategic investment helps ensure that feline patients receive increasingly sophisticated and tailored care, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy, more effective treatments, and enhanced quality of life. Furthermore, the emphasis on research, particularly in areas like comparative oncology, reinforces the critical "One Health" paradigm, demonstrating how advancements in animal health can directly inform and accelerate progress in human medicine. This initiative serves as a powerful model for how philanthropic foundations and professional associations can collaboratively drive progress in specialized fields, benefiting both the veterinary profession and the millions of feline companions worldwide. The continued success of this program signals a promising future for feline health, driven by dedicated professionals like Lynna Li and Lainey Atwood. Post navigation Webinar: Actualizaciones en el tratamiento de la peritonitis infecciosa felina y preguntas frecuentes
