Each year, the American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV) offers several scholarships to support 4 or 6 students and new graduate members to participate in educational, research or other activities that will increase their understanding of, and involvement in fish or aquatic veterinary medicine.

Applications for support of activities between January 1 and December 31 must be received by March 31 of the current year.

Scholarship Eligibility

• Must be an AAFV Member, including those enrolled in graduate school, internships and residencies.
• New graduates, including those enrolled in graduate school, internships and residencies must be within no more than 1 year after graduation with a veterinary degree.
• Previous AAFV Scholarship recipients are not eligible.
• Recipients must also submit a written report about their experience to the AAFV Student Scholarship Committee within one month of completion of their experience.

While scholarship awards can be used for participating in any activity that will advance their knowledge, skills or involvement in aquatic animal medicine, one Drury Reavill Memorial Scholarship may be awarded to an individual who has a strong interest in a career in fish pathology, and one Donald Abt Memorial Scholarship to another individual who shows a potential leadership in advancing fish medicine – as is clearly outlined in their application.

Dr. Drury Reavill (1958-2021) was a Board Certified Veterinary Pathologist specializing in exotic animals, particularly fish diseases, who made significant contributions to advancing fish pathology. To be considered for this scholarship applicants should document in their application what they have previously done, or will do in the future to prepare for a career in fish pathology.

Dr. Don Abt (1936-2022) was an exceptional leader who, as the associate dean at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, professor of aquatic animal medicine and director of the Laboratory for Marine Animal Health, recognized the importance of a well-trained aquatic veterinary workforce as the founding Director of the AQUAVET® program that began in 1976 and has helped train many of the current and future leaders in our field. To be considered for this scholarship applicants should document in their application what they have previously done, or will do in the future to prepare for a career in educating or encouraging others to pursue a career as fish veterinarians.

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Join AAFV to be eligible for a scholarship

and get updates on other AAFV Member Programs

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Anyone wishing to contribute to the Scholarship Fund

may make a tax-deductible donation through the AAFV donation portal

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Application Process

Submit the following to Dr. David Scarfe (dscarfe@ameritech.net) by March 31st. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered.

 A completed scholarship application form (Click here for the AAFV Scholarship Form)

1. Applicant’s resume/curriculum vitae
2. Two letters of recommendations, preferably from faculty or supervisors, supporting the applicant’s interests or activities in fish medicine, must be sent directly from the referee to Dr. David Scarfe (dscarfe@ameritech.net)

Selection Criteria:

In the Application Form, the applicant should address:

1. Past and present involvement in fish related activities within and outside of veterinary school.
2. The proposed activity and how participation will increase the applicant’s experience and involvement in fish medicine.
3. A demonstrated potential for future contributions in fish and aquatic veterinary medicine.
4. A demonstrated need for financial support, and what other sources of funding are available for the activity they hope to pursue.
5. Letters of reference should address the applicant’s personal efforts and dedication to a career in fish or aquatic veterinary medicine.
6.  The proposed activity must be completed between January 1 and December 31st. 

Deadlines and Submission:

All application materials must be submitted to Dr. David Scarfe (dscarfe@ameritech.net) by this date. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered. The Scholarship Committee will make an effort to evaluate all applications and notify applicants as soon as possible after the closing date.