Announcing the Peter Ihrke Scholarship

Peter IhrkeThe WAVD wishes to honour the life and career of Professor Peter Ihrke by offering a scholarship to commemorate his contribution to the discipline of veterinary dermatology. Peter was the Chief of Veterinary Dermatology at the University of California-Davis (UCD) Veterinary School and he inspired the careers of many key members of our global discipline by training and mentoring residents. He was also highly motivated to support the growth and development of veterinary dermatology amongst veterinarians denied the privilege of ready access to continuing education.

In this light, the scholarship will provide the opportunity for an individual from an under-privileged region to attend a two-to-four week externship in the veterinary dermatology service of the UCD Veterinary School. The scholarship was announced at the Opening Ceremony of the 8th World Congress in Veterinary Dermatology in Bordeaux this week by the President of WAVD, Dr Ken Kwochka. Dr Kwochka said “this is a wonderful opportunity for WAVD to be involved in honouring the career of a most valued colleague; an individual who was highly motivated in his desire to make dermatology accessible to those in less privileged circumstances.” The scholarship will fund a return economy airfare, modest accommodation and meal allowance and professional liability insurance for the successful applicant. 

Applicants:

  1. Must be a licensed veterinarian with at least three years, full-time experience working as a veterinarian. Dermatology residents or interns enrolled in a formal training program are not eligible to apply;
  2. Must be able to provide proof of residency in a geographic location with limited access to continuing education opportunities in veterinary dermatology;
  3. Will provide proof of adequate ability to write and speak in English;
  4. Will provide evidence of interest and commitment to the discipline of veterinary dermatology;
  5. Will provide a statement of financial need;
  6. Will provide a brief curriculum vitae/resume;
  7. Will provide a written reference from a veterinary professional associate or mentor;
  8. Will provide a plan as to how their acquired knowledge will be of benefit to other veterinarians and/or veterinary technicians;
  9. Will provide a written report (500 words) to the WAVD AC, within 12 months of completion, outlining how the applicant benefited from the scholarship