FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation Announce 2025 Scholarship Recipients, Bolstering Future of Feline Veterinary Medicine and Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2025 – In a significant boost for the future of specialized feline healthcare, the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) and EveryCat Health Foundation today announced the recipients of their prestigious 2025 scholarships. These awards are granted to exceptional veterinary students committed to advancing careers in feline clinical practice or clinical research, addressing a critical need for dedicated expertise in this rapidly evolving field. Yvonne Figueroa, a distinguished student from Oregon State University’s Class of 2026, has been awarded the Clinical Practice Scholarship, while Britta Siegenthaler, from Colorado State University’s Class of 2026, is the deserving recipient of the Clinical Research Scholarship. This collaborative initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of both organizations to foster the next generation of leaders in feline health, ensuring that cats receive the highest standards of care and benefit from groundbreaking scientific advancements.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the academic year for these aspiring veterinarians, acknowledging their outstanding academic achievements, demonstrated leadership, and profound dedication to the unique complexities of feline medicine. The scholarships are designed to alleviate financial burdens, allowing students to pursue their specialized interests and contribute meaningfully to the welfare of domestic cats.

"We are delighted to congratulate our two scholarship recipients. Their dedication to feline education and their commitment to connecting with others who share a passion for enhancing feline care and wellbeing is truly inspiring," stated Heather O’Steen, CAE, CEO of FelineVMA, highlighting the profound impact these individuals are poised to make. "We are thrilled to support these exceptional students on their journey to elevate the standards of feline care."

The Strategic Importance of Specialized Feline Veterinary Care

The rising population of companion cats globally and the increasing human-animal bond have amplified the demand for veterinarians with specialized knowledge and skills in feline medicine. Cats, often perceived as miniature dogs, possess distinct physiological, behavioral, and disease profiles that necessitate a tailored approach to veterinary care. From their unique metabolic pathways to their propensity for specific chronic diseases like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes, feline patients require practitioners who understand these nuances deeply. This growing recognition has spurred the veterinary community to invest more heavily in specialized training and research, making scholarships like those awarded by FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation indispensable.

Furthermore, the veterinary profession faces ongoing challenges, including high student debt loads and the increasing complexity of medical knowledge. Scholarships serve as a vital lifeline, enabling talented students to pursue demanding, specialized paths that might otherwise be financially prohibitive. By supporting students focused on feline health, FelineVMA and EveryCat are strategically investing in a sector where expertise can significantly improve the quality and longevity of feline lives.

Spotlight on the 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Yvonne Figueroa: Championing Feline Clinical Practice

Yvonne Figueroa, a third-year student at the Oregon State University (OSU) Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, embodies the spirit of compassionate and dedicated feline clinical practice. Her personal connection to cats, as a proud parent of three rescued felines, fuels her professional aspirations. Yvonne’s involvement extends deeply into the feline community; she currently serves as Vice President of the OSU FelineVMA Student Chapter, demonstrating leadership and a proactive approach to fostering feline-centric education among her peers. Beyond her campus commitments, she also dedicates her time as a volunteer for the EveryCat Health Foundation, further cementing her engagement with feline health advocacy and research.

Figueroa’s career goal is ambitious yet critically important: to become a board-certified feline practitioner. This advanced specialization requires years of rigorous post-graduate training, including internships and residencies, culminating in a comprehensive examination. The pursuit of such a demanding credential highlights her unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care. Her ultimate aim is to improve access to specialized feline care in the Pacific Northwest, a region where, like many others, there is a significant demand for veterinarians with advanced expertise in feline medicine.

A cornerstone of Yvonne’s philosophy is advocating for Cat Friendly Practices®. This globally recognized program, developed by the FelineVMA, focuses on reducing stress for feline patients during veterinary visits. It involves creating a calm clinic environment, implementing feline-friendly handling techniques, and educating owners on how to make vet visits less daunting for their cats. By championing these practices, Yvonne aims to transform the veterinary experience, making it as comfortable and stress-free as possible for her feline patients, thereby improving compliance with care and overall patient outcomes. Her vision extends beyond individual patient care, seeking to elevate the standard of feline veterinary services across a broader geographical area.

Britta Siegenthaler: Advancing Feline Clinical Research

Originally from Ohio, Britta Siegenthaler is a current third-year student at Colorado State University (CSU), distinguishing herself through her profound commitment to feline clinical research. Britta’s academic journey is marked by active contributions to critical research areas, particularly in feline coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP, historically a devastating and often fatal disease in cats, has seen significant breakthroughs in recent years, largely due to dedicated research efforts. Britta’s involvement in this field places her at the forefront of potentially life-saving discoveries, contributing to a deeper understanding of the virus and the development of more effective treatments and preventative strategies.

Her leadership roles within the veterinary student community are equally impressive. Britta serves as a board member for both the CSU FelineVMA Student Chapter and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) student chapter, where she actively organizes educational events for her fellow students. This dual involvement underscores her dedication to both feline-specific education and broader internal medicine, disciplines that are often intertwined in complex feline cases.

Britta’s commitment to feline excellence is further evidenced by her active participation with the FelineVMA. She served as a student scribe for the upcoming 2025 FelineVMA Dental Care Guidelines, a role that involves meticulous record-keeping and contributing to the development of evidence-based recommendations for one of the most common health issues in cats. Additionally, her volunteer work at FelineVMA conferences and her attainment of a FelineVMA Cat Friendly Veterinarian® Certificate highlight her comprehensive engagement with the organization’s mission to advance feline health.

Following graduation, Britta aspires to pursue specialty medicine in Internal Medicine or Neurology, fields that are crucial for diagnosing and managing complex feline conditions. "Ultimately," she shares, "I hope to work in an academic institution or referral hospital that prioritizes research and education, allowing me to make a lasting impact on feline medicine." This vision of combining advanced clinical practice with research and teaching demonstrates a holistic approach to veterinary medicine, aiming to not only treat individual patients but also to contribute to the collective knowledge base and educate future generations of veterinarians. Outside of her rigorous academic pursuits, Britta finds companionship with her two cats, Curie and Faraday, and enjoys the tranquility of her freshwater aquarium, underscoring her deep connection to the animal world.

Leaders Affirm the Value of Investment in Future Feline Specialists

The enthusiasm for Yvonne and Britta’s achievements resonates throughout the leadership of both sponsoring organizations. Jackie Ott Jaakola, Executive Director of the EveryCat Health Foundation, eloquently captured the sentiment, stating, "We are honored to recognize individual students whose dedication to feline health reflects both academic excellence and a deep commitment to cat health. Yvonne and Britta’s passion for feline medicine is unmistakable, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make as they advance in their careers, and we thank them for their dedication." This recognition goes beyond mere financial aid; it is an affirmation of their potential and a testament to the critical role they will play in shaping the future of feline veterinary care.

The selection process for these coveted scholarships is rigorous and thorough, reflecting the high standards of both the FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation. A heartfelt thank you was extended to the dedicated volunteers from both organizations who meticulously reviewed the 31 submitted 2025 scholarship applications. The scholarship winners are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of several key criteria: academic achievement, demonstrating a strong foundation in veterinary science; financial need, acknowledging the significant economic pressures faced by veterinary students; leadership, highlighting their ability to inspire and guide peers; and an unmistakable dedication to and excellence in the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare. This holistic assessment ensures that the scholarships are awarded to well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also deeply committed to the welfare of cats.

The Broader Impact: Investing in Feline Veterinary Excellence

The investment in students like Yvonne Figueroa and Britta Siegenthaler has far-reaching implications for the entire landscape of animal health.

Addressing the Demand for Feline Specialists: With cats now outnumbering dogs as household pets in many regions, the demand for veterinarians who truly understand feline behavior, physiology, and disease patterns is at an all-time high. Many general practitioners, while skilled, may not have the extensive training required for complex feline cases or the resources to create truly cat-friendly environments. By supporting students pursuing board certification and specialized research, these scholarships directly contribute to filling this gap, ensuring that cat owners have access to the highest level of expert care. This also helps to combat potential veterinary shortages in specialized areas.

The Critical Role of Feline Research: Britta Siegenthaler’s focus on feline coronavirus and FIP exemplifies the vital role of research. Diseases like FIP, chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and certain feline cancers continue to pose significant challenges. Research funded by organizations like EveryCat Health Foundation, and executed by dedicated students and scientists, is the bedrock upon which new diagnostics, treatments, and preventative measures are built. Advances in feline medicine directly translate to improved quality of life and increased longevity for countless cats, providing hope and solutions where none existed before. The academic environment Britta aspires to is crucial for the continuous cycle of discovery and application.

Combating Veterinary Student Debt: Veterinary education is notoriously expensive, with average student loan debts often exceeding $180,000-$200,000 upon graduation. This financial burden can heavily influence career choices, sometimes steering graduates away from less lucrative but equally vital specialized fields like research or academic medicine. Scholarships provide crucial financial relief, allowing students to follow their passion for feline health without the immediate pressure of overwhelming debt, thereby encouraging more talented individuals to enter and remain in these essential specialties.

Fostering a "Cat Friendly" Future: Yvonne Figueroa’s advocacy for Cat Friendly Practices® highlights a paradigm shift in veterinary care. The traditional veterinary clinic environment, often designed with dogs in mind, can be highly stressful for cats, leading to anxiety, fear, and even aggression. This stress not only impacts the cat’s well-being but can also hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment, and deter owners from seeking regular veterinary care. Cat Friendly Practices® aim to mitigate these stressors through specific design elements, handling techniques, and staff training, creating a more positive experience for feline patients and their owners. This approach improves client compliance, fosters stronger human-animal bonds, and ultimately leads to better health outcomes for cats.

The Organizations Behind the Initiative

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) stands as a beacon for feline health professionals globally. Dedicated to advancing feline health and wellbeing, FelineVMA supports veterinary professionals through the establishment of high standards of practice, ongoing education, and the promotion of evidence-based medicine. With a diverse membership exceeding 4,400 veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, assistants, support staff, and students, FelineVMA offers a wealth of Cat Friendly resources. These include comprehensive practice guidelines, feline-specific educational programs, and invaluable caregiver support materials, all designed to enhance the quality of care provided to cats. Its role extends to influencing veterinary education, providing a framework for best practices, and fostering a collaborative community among those dedicated to feline welfare. Learn more about the FelineVMA at catvets.com.

The EveryCat Health Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of all cats through research and education. For decades, EveryCat has been a driving force behind advancements in feline medicine, funding critical studies into various feline diseases, genetic conditions, and behavioral issues. Their collaboration with FelineVMA on these scholarships is a natural extension of their mission, directly investing in the human capital that will conduct future research and implement cutting-edge clinical practices. By supporting veterinary students, EveryCat ensures a pipeline of skilled professionals who will continue to push the boundaries of feline health knowledge.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Feline Medicine

The joint efforts of FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation, exemplified by these 2025 scholarship awards, represent a strategic and optimistic outlook for the future of feline medicine. By nurturing emerging talent like Yvonne Figueroa and Britta Siegenthaler, these organizations are not just awarding financial aid; they are cultivating future leaders, researchers, and practitioners who will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on feline health and welfare.

The commitment of these students to specialized feline care, combined with the robust support and resources provided by leading professional and philanthropic organizations, promises a future where cats receive increasingly sophisticated, compassionate, and effective veterinary attention. EveryCat and FelineVMA eagerly anticipate welcoming both of these exceptional students into the veterinary profession, confident in their ability to drive innovation and elevate the standards of care for felines everywhere. Their journeys underscore the enduring power of education, dedication, and collaborative effort in advancing animal health.