Veterinary students in their final year at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University will benefit from new scholarships worth just over NZ$8,000 each. These scholarships aim to assist students during their clinical placements at university teaching hospitals and veterinary clinics across Aotearoa New Zealand, where they gain hands-on experience vital for their future careers.

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Due to the demands of their final year, students face limited opportunities to earn income, and the costs associated with traveling for placements can lead to financial strain. The funding will alleviate some of these pressures, helping to improve students' access to rural placements.

Professor Jenny Weston, the Academic Lead at the university, noted that the initiative was inspired by Penelope Mehrtens from MSD Animal Health. Weston emphasized that the scholarship would encourage students to gain experience in rural practice, thereby enhancing the veterinary workforce in rural areas, which is crucial for New Zealand's agricultural economy.

Approximately 50% of the veterinary workforce in New Zealand practices in rural settings, a proportion significantly higher than in countries such as Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US. This funding aims to increase the number of graduates entering mixed and rural practices, ultimately benefiting rural communities through improved access to veterinary services.

All recipients have acknowledged the substantial impact this scholarship will have on their education, allowing them to concentrate on the practical experiences that will prepare them for future roles in rural communities. They expressed gratitude for the support from MSD, recognizing its importance in understanding the needs of rural New Zealand.

The selection criteria for the scholarships focused on students' demonstrated passion and commitment to rural veterinary work, assessed by a panel of experts from Massey University and the New Zealand Veterinary Association.

The scholarship recipients include:

- Emma Grigg, who grew up on a sheep and beef farm and aspires to work in mixed veterinary roles, particularly focusing on internal parasite management.

- Troye Hudepohl, who is involved in local farming and aims to be an approachable and reliable veterinarian for her clients.

- Alyssa Koller-Orr, who has developed a passion for rural life while balancing her studies with dairy farm work.

- Mac Williams, who is focused on being a large animal veterinarian to improve farm performance through practical solutions.

- Renée Zwagerman, who plans to work in rural veterinary practice to support sustainable farming systems.

The MSD Global Impact Fund, part of MSD (Merck, Sharp and Dohme), supports initiatives that address global health challenges and empower communities worldwide.