Student Opportunities
We are passionate about getting veterinary students interested in poultry medicine and shaping the future of poultry health in Western Canada.​
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We always welcome student attendance at our annual conference, WestVet each fall in Banff, AB.​
We also offer two sources of financial support for students interested in poultry:
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Dr. Stewart Ritchie Scholarship in Poultry Medicine
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WAPV Poultry Externship Grant Program
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See below for details.
Dr. Stewart Ritchie Scholarship in Poultry Medicine
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Deadline for 2026 applications: April 30, 2026
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The Western Association of Poultry Veterinarians (WAPV) is pleased to offer two scholarships to veterinary students with an interest in poultry medicine, in honour of Dr. Stewart Ritchie, a longtime leader in the poultry veterinary community in Canada.
This CAD $2000.00 award is offered annually to two students who are in any year of a DVM program, at any of the five veterinary schools in Canada (WCVM, UCVM, OVC, AVC, and FMV). The award is intended to support veterinary students interested in poultry through their studies and encourage involvement in the poultry industry during and after veterinary school.
To apply, applicants must submit a paper (500 words or less) to westernpoultryvets@gmail.com outlining their background, interest, and career plans within the Canadian poultry industry. ​
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Applications will be scored on the following criteria:
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​Academic achievement in coursework relevant to poultry
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Commitment to poultry medicine and demonstrated interest in poultry health through internships, research, externships, or clubs.
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Leadership and extracurricular involvement through participation in relevant organizations, leadership roles, community service, or outreach
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Potential impact of the applicant on the poultry industry. E.g. likelihood to contribute to poultry health, food safety, or industry innovation after graduation
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Priority will be given to applicants who:​​​
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are from and/or intend to work in the Western Provinces after graduation​
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have not previously received a WAPV/Dr. Stewart Ritchie Scholarship
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students in upper years (3rd or 4th year) of their veterinary education
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WAPV Poultry Externship Grant Program
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Applications accepted year-round
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The Western Association of Poultry Veterinarians (WAPV) is excited to support veterinary students who are interested in building hands-on experience in poultry medicine and production through our Poultry Externship Grant Program. This grant is designed to help reduce the financial burden associated with completing a poultry-focused externship or external rotation and to encourage students to explore careers in poultry veterinary medicine.
The WAPV Poultry Externship Grant helps cover costs directly related to completing a poultry externship, including:
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Travel (flights, mileage, ground transportation)
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Accommodations
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Meals
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Other reasonable externship-related expenses
Grant Amount & Availability
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Up to two (2) grants of $1,000 CAD may be awarded each year
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The number and value of grants may vary based on interest and available funding
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Unused funds may remain unallocated
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Applications are accepted year-round, once externship plans are confirmed
Grant applications are separate from externship placement applications and require:
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A completed grant application form including an estimated budget of expenses
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A short essay explaining:
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Your interest in poultry veterinary medicine
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How the externship supports your career goals
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Why financial support would help you participate
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This grant is provided on a reimbursement basis. Successful applicants will be asked to:
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Submit receipts for approved expenses
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Share a short reflection describing what you learned and how the experience supported your professional growth
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Provide a few photos and a brief summary that WAPV may use to highlight student experiences
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Through this program, WAPV aims to:
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Support students exploring poultry-focused careers
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Remove financial barriers to externship opportunities
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Help grow and strengthen the poultry veterinary profession