June 2026

An official publication of the Association of Avian Veterinarians

Congratulations Class of 2026!

AAV wishes all of our graduates a big congratulations, and wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors! Thank you for being a part of AAV and we look forward to your continued participation in the association.

Please contact our Student Co-chairs if we can be of assistance in supporting you on your path.

Hey Students and Technicians!

Hands-On Workshop Assistants Needed – Earn $$$

Get hands-on experience while assisting expert avian veterinarians in our immersive labs! As an assistant, you’ll help set up, observe procedures, restock supplies, and may get the chance to practice techniques.

Set-Up: Thursday, October 1 
Workshops: Friday, October 2
Stipend: $150 for full-day assistance
Lunch Provided

Who Can Apply? Veterinary students, vet tech students, or licensed technicians (sorry, no veterinarians). Eight spots available—priority given to past/current AAV involvement.

Spots fill fast—apply today!

Save the Date:
Free Webinar July 18, 2026

Join us on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 12:00-2:00 PM EST (UTC-4) for a 2-hour webinar on:

Uropygial Gland Disease and Surgery in Birds, presented by Laura Wade, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Educational Opportunities in Avian Medicine: CE, Externships, Internships, and Residencies, Oh My! presented by Brynn McCleery, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) and Rachel Baden, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

This webinar is the third in a new series covering some of the basics of avian medicine, aimed at vet students. 

Registration is now open!

Register for the AAV Avian Medicine Virtual ON DEMAND

Recent AAV-Sponsored Student Chapter Events

PennVet Special Species Symposium

The Special Species Symposium is an annual event hosted by Cornell University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and PennVet in alternating years. Through lectures and wet labs, we aimed to bring new insights into the veterinary curriculum with a focus on wildlife, zoological, avian, and exotic medicine. 

Tufts University Owl Prowl

The Tufts University "Owl Prowl" was designed to bridge the gap between classroom study and the real-world observation of avian behavior in a natural ecosystem. Broad Meadow Brook, a wildlife sanctuary owned by MassAudubon, provided an ideal backdrop for a diverse urban wildlife corridor that is critical to the local biodiversity of Central Massachusetts.

Royal Veterinary College Association Raptor Handling Workshop Report

Over 60 students from the Royal Veterinary College enjoyed the raptor handling workshop held by the RVC AAV Student Chapter and the RVC Zoological Society on 19th May 2026. Led by experts from Exotic Explorers, the event provided valuable hands-on experience with birds of prey and featured AAV member and avian specialist Dr. Vicki Baldrey as a guest speaker. During the workshop, Exotic Explorers brought five common captive species to the Camden campus demonstration theatre: Harris hawk, American kestrel, black barn owl, burrowing owl, and white-faced owl. 

Congratulations Student Conference Scholarship
Winner - Cecilia Bartels

AAV is pleased to announce the recipient of our 2026 Student Conference Scholarship!  This new scholarship will be offered annually to a veterinary student interested in attending the AAV Annual Conference & Expo - keep an eye out for future opportunities.

A first-year DVM student at Rowan University's Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, Cecilia is already making her mark on the avian medicine community. In addition to working as a veterinary technician at a Philadelphia avian and exotic practice, she founded the WAZE Club at Rowan, serves on AAV's Student and Avian Welfare Committees, and will conduct research on lead exposure in bald eagles this summer. Her dedication to education, conservation, and clinical care reflects the future of our specialty.

Student Externship Testimonials

Take a look at these testimonials from AAV's recent externship scholarship recipients: Abdullah Mohamed Sherief and Katherine Ramirez-Lopez. This is a great way to explore ideas for where you might want to apply to extern! 

AAV offers several extern scholarships each year so be sure to apply for the next selection window. Details are available here.

Veterinary Practice Tip: Tongue Depressors

During physical examination, some birds can be distracted by offering them a tongue depressor to chew on. Most tongue depressors are made of nontoxic northern white birch wood. This provides an inexpensive way to reduce stress and provide enrichment during the veterinary visit!

Bird of the Month: Grogu

Shared by: Brooke Dolega

Breed: Celestial Parrotlet | Age: 11 months
Favorite foods: Popcorn, broccoli

Grogu was surrendered to our clinic by a hobby breeder who couldn't afford care for his foot, which had suffered a strangulation injury due to inappropriate nest materials. At only 3 weeks old, he needed a foster...and quickly became a foster failure! It took weeks of bandaging, laser therapy, and some acupuncture, but we managed to save the leg (minus the tips of his toes). He has little use of his "special foot" other than as kickstand or to scratch his head, but it doesn't let it stop him! He is an excellent flier, loves kids, enjoys destroying his toys and foraging, and charms everyone he meets.

Favorite toy: Bells! He loves the sound, wearing them as a hat, and talking into the dome of the bells.

Fun facts: He's named after Grogu after the character from "The Mandalorian," because like his namesake, he is a tiny green agent of chaos that doesn't really talk but makes a bunch of very cute noises. He will also try to steal any snack in your hand!

March 2026

An official publication of the Association of Avian Veterinarians

AAV Wants to Meet Your Birds! Nominate Your Feathered Friend Today!

Does your feathered friend have "Main Character" energy? We want to see them!

Nominate your bird for a chance to be featured as our Bird of the Month on AAV’s social media. It’s fast and easy: just fill out a quick survey and upload your favorite photo. Don't let your bird miss their chance at internet fame!

To participate: Fill out a short survey and upload a picture. AAV plans to highlight 1 or more birds per month!

Recording Available

Avian Medicine Basics Webinar: Anatomy from Beak to Toe

If you missed our free AAV Student Webinar on Avian Medicine Basics — Avian Anatomy, you're in luck! The recording is posted on the AAV Online Education Portal. This 2-hour course was designed specifically for veterinary students interested in learning the fundamentals of avian care. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build confidence with bird patients, this session will cover essential principles to help you get started in avian medicine. This course is available at no cost to current AAV members only, including students, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians.

This 2-hour course covers anatomy and physiology of birds from beak to toe!

Presenters:

Congratulations 2026 AAV Externship Scholarship Recipients!

The following students have been selected to receive AAV's 2025 externship scholarships:

Interested in applying for the AAV Externship Scholarship? Click the button below to learn more.

Interested in Attending the AAV Annual Conference & Expo but Need Financial Support?

New for this year, AAV is excited to offer scholarship opportunities for the AAV Annual Conference & Expo, to be held October 2-5, 2026 in Austin, Texas, for one veterinary student and one veterinary technician or vet tech student, each valued at approximately $1,500. 

All scholarships include: conference registration, attendance at one lab, four nights of lodging, and a travel stipend. Full eligibility details and application instructions are available at aav.org/scholarships.
🗓️ Application deadline: April 1, 2026.

Interested in applying for the Scholarship? Click the button below to learn more.

2026 ACZM DEAI VETERINARY STUDENT CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP

The ACZM DEAI committee has established a scholarship that promotes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) in the field of zoological medicine by providing support for
veterinary students to attend a zoological medicine conference.

🗓️ Deadline: April 1st, 2026 at 11:59 EST
We hope to have final results to candidates by mid-April.

Scholarship amount: Up to $3,000.00 USD. The scholarship can be used to cover conference registration, travel costs, and accommodation.

Criteria for applicants:
The applicant must be currently enrolled in veterinary school. To more details and to apply, click the button below.

Congratulations Spring AAV Student Chapter Sponsorship Recipients!

AAV is pleased to award the following AAV student chapters with funds for upcoming avian-related educational events! We look forward to hearing about these events later this year!

Interested in applying for the AAV Student Chapter Program Scholarship? Click the button below to learn more.

AAV Sponsored Student Event - Wild Minds Veterinary Symposium 

Wild Minds Veterinary Symposium, previously Wildlife University, is an annually held student-organized conference hosted by the Non-Traditional Species (NTS) Club at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. The conference is held in person at the college with a virtual option available, and it consists of a full weekend of lectures, a career panel, and a wet lab. Our speakers are veterinarians with expertise in zoological/wildlife medicine, research, and conservation. WMVS is attended primarily by veterinary students, with pre-professional students and veterinary technicians interested in expanding their knowledge of the field also represented.

Read more about this student event as well as several others in the link below.

Student Member Spotlight:
Toni Kim

Get to know AAV member Toni Kim, veterinary student from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ready to be the next AAV student member in the spotlight? We'd love to feature you in an upcoming spotlight - submit your photos and details here!

Welcome New Chapter - University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest

AAV is pleased to welcome our newest student chapter: University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, located in Budapest, Hungary!

Student Externship Testimonials

Take a look at these testimonials from AAV's recent externship scholarship recipients. This is a great way to explore ideas for where you might want to apply to extern!

Congratulations 2026 Quaker Parakeet Society Scholarship Recipients - Cole Unmann and Cecilia Bartels 

Join AAV in congratulating these two student members for being the selected recipients of the 2026 Quaker Parekeet Society and Harrison's Bird Foods partnership scholarship!

Nicholas (Cole) Unmann was awarded the QPS Georgia Fletcher Memorial Scholarship and Harrison's Bird Foods scholarship amounting in $2,500.00.

Cecilia M. Bartels was awarded the QPS Georgia Fletcher Memorial Scholarship and Harrison's Bird Foods scholarship amounting in $1,500.00.

Do You Have an Individual AAV Student Membership? 

Did you know…becoming an individual AAV student member allows access to the full website of content, including over 50 free on-demand courses, exclusive externship and internship listings, the Golden Egg, Bird-friendly Practice Toolbox, a wealth of handouts on avian medical topics from the AAV Publications Library, and more!

If you have not already done so, join today for just $20 to access these great resources and more!

Veterinary Practice Tip: The Importance of Species-Appropriate Handling

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned while working with birds is the importance of species-appropriate handling. Unlike humans—whose tracheal cartilage is C-shaped—birds have complete, fully circular tracheal rings. Because their airway does not collapse under gentle external pressure, you can safely and securely support or restrain a bird around the neck without obstructing airflow. This anatomical difference is essential to understand when learning proper avian handling, ensuring both patient safety and handler confidence.

Tip from Cecilia Bartels, DVM Candidate c/o 2029, Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, Rowan University

Lunch and Learn Opportunities

Are you interested in having a Lunch & Learn event at your AAV student chapter? Thanks to sponsorship from Lafeber, we are hosting Lunch & Learn events at 4 universities this year!

Reach out to the AAV student committee at students@aav.org to nominate your student chapter for this educational opportunity.

Connecting with Future Avian Veterinarians at the 2026 SAVMA Symposium

AAV had a fantastic time connecting with so many of our student members this past weekend at the 2026 SAVMA Symposium! It was wonderful to meet future avian veterinarians, hear about your interests in bird medicine, and share more about the opportunities available through AAV. The energy and enthusiasm of the students we met were truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see the next generation of avian veterinary professionals grow and thrive. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello—we loved meeting you! Special thanks to Dr. Salina Locke, Jai Carter-Sierra, and Bri Bryan for staffing the booth with AAV Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Mackey.

December 2025

An official publication of the Association of Avian Veterinarians

Soar into 2026 as an AAV Member!

AAV is grateful for you, our wonderful members! Your student membership gives you full access to high-quality educational resources, exclusive member benefits, and includes the recording of our recent webinar—perfect for expanding your avian medicine skills on your own schedule. Thank you for being part of the AAV! Let's soar into 2026 together!

Student Externship Scholarship Opportunities

All AAV student members entering their clinical year who intend to complete an externship at a veterinary facility that evaluates at least 10 avian cases per week are eligible to apply.

Read testimonials from recent externship scholarship recipients here - Ashley Boderick and Marg Bednarek.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026.

Interested in applying for the AAV Externship Scholarship?

Enter the AAV Student Manuscript Competition!

Submit an abstract through the Call for Proposals (now open!) and be sure to check the box on the application indicating you would like to participate in the AAV manuscript competition. We'll contact you with next steps after your abstract is reviewed.

The competition is open to all veterinary students, interns, and residents.

Eligible manuscripts consist of case reports, case series, retrospective or prospective clinical research studies, and reviews, involving any avian species apart from commercial poultry. 

Each recipient will receive a cash award of $500! 

Awards will be presented to the recipient during the 2026 annual conference.

Spring Chapter Sponsorship Deadline: January 31

AAV Student Chapters are eligible for a maximum of $500 per year for funding a chapter’s avian program. This may include, but is not limited to, supplies for an avian hands-on activity, field trips or funding for speakers. Food and beverage expenses may not exceed 20% of the event budget and will only be considered for events greater than 6 hours. 

Student Webinar Recording Available

Hey Students! If you missed our free AAV Student Webinar on Avian Medicine Basics — Infectious Disease, you're in luck! The recording is posted on the AAV Online Education Portal. This 2-hour course was designed specifically for veterinary students interested in learning the fundamentals of avian care. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build confidence with bird patients, this session will cover essential principles to help you get started in avian medicine. This course is available at no cost to current AAV members only, including students, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians.

Save the Date:
Free Webinar February 7, 2026

Join us on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 12:00-2:00 PM EST (UTC-5) for a 2-hour webinar on Avian Anatomy from Beak to Toe! This webinar is the second in a new series covering some of the basics of avian medicine, aimed at vet students. This 2-hour event will discuss anatomy and physiology of birds from beak to toe! Please join us on Saturday, February 7 for this event free to vet students. 

Presenters:

Registration will open in January!

Harrison’s Bird Foods Recognizes Six Global Recipients of the 2026 Veterinary Student Scholarship Program

AAV Congratulates the 2026 Harrison’s Bird Foods Veterinary Student Scholarship Recipients! Each recipient will receive $2,000 USD to support educational experiences that advance their training in avian and exotic animal medicine.

2026 Scholarship Recipients

“We are honored to support this exceptional group of future veterinarians,” said Dr. Greg Harrison, Founder of Harrison’s Bird Foods. “Their commitment to advancing avian and exotic medicine reflects the values and mission our company was built on.” The Harrison’s Veterinary Student Scholarship funds meaningful professional development opportunities including externships, conservation projects, conferences, research initiatives, and other hands-on learning experiences.

Student Member Spotlight: Cecilia Bartels

Get to know AAV member Cecilia Bartels, veterinary student from Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

AAV Members: We'd love to feature you in an upcoming spotlight - submit your photos and details here!

Welcome New AAV Student Chapter!

AAV is pleased to welcome our newest student chapter: Teesta University, located in Rangpur, Bangladesh!

September 2025

An official publication of the Association of Avian Veterinarians

Harrison’s Bird Foods Announces 2025–2026 U.S. and International Veterinary Student Scholarship

Harrison’s Bird Foods is proud to announce that it is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Veterinary College Program: $2,000 Avian Medicine Scholarship, open to both U.S. and international veterinary students.

The scholarship underscores Harrison’s ongoing commitment to advancing avian health by supporting the next generation of avian veterinarians. Current veterinary students with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in avian medicine are encouraged to apply.

“This scholarship is more than financial support—it’s an investment in the future of avian health and conservation,” said Dana O’Donoghue,  CEO at Harrison’s Bird Foods. “We want to help students gain the experiences and skills they need to improve avian care worldwide.”

The $2,000 award is intended to fund educational experiences such as externships, conferences, conservation initiatives, and avian research opportunities. Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.

Application Details

Interested in a Sponsorship for Your Chapter Events?

Chapters will be eligible for a maximum of $500 per year for funding a chapter’s avian program. This may include, but is not limited to, supplies for an avian hands-on activity, field trips or funding for speakers. Food and beverage expenses may not exceed 20% of the event budget and will only be considered for events greater than 6 hours. See full details, eligibility and application at the link below. Next deadline for applications is September 15, 2025.

Save the Date for our Fall Student Webinar!  November 15th

Details to come! You won't want to miss this free webinar - the first of multiple in a series of Avian Medicine Basics. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 15, 12:00PM-2:00PM EST!

Welcome New Student Chapters!

Student Externship Scholarship Opportunities

All AAV student members entering their clinical year who intend to complete an externship at a veterinary facility that evaluates at least 10 avian cases per week are eligible to apply.

Read a testimonial from one of our most recent externship scholarship recipients here - Alaina Duessel testimonial. 

Interested in applying for the AAV Externship Scholarship?

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026. Click button below to learn more.

Update Your Student Rosters

Attention Advisors and Chapter Officers

Please email your updated student participant rosters to pubs@aav.org so that we can ensure all of your students receive the AAV Student Newsletters and can be approved to the AAV Student Veterinary Forum on Facebook. Please send as a 3-column spreadsheet with first name, last name and email address.

June 2025

An official publication of the Association of Avian Veterinarians

AAV wishes ALL of our graduates a big congratulations on becoming new doctors, and we wish you the best as you take your next career steps! Thank you for being a part of AAV and we look forward to your continued participation in the association. Please contact our Student Co-chairs if we can be of assistance in supporting you on your path.

Get hands-on experience while assisting expert avian veterinarians in our immersive labs! As an assistant, you’ll help set up, observe procedures, restock supplies, and even get the chance to practice techniques.

Who Can Apply? Veterinary students, vet tech students, or licensed technicians (sorry, no veterinarians). Six spots available—priority given to past/current AAV involvement.

Recent AAV Student Chapter Events

Two of our AAV student chapters received AAV sponsorship for avian events held at their universities. Read about these events hosted at Cornell and NCSU.

Is your chapter interested in hosting an avian event? Be sure to apply for an AAV Student Chapter Program Sponsorship - the next deadline is September 15, 2025. 

Student Externship Testimonials

Take a look at these testimonials from AAV's recent externship scholarship recipients This is a great way to explore ideas for where you might want to apply to extern!

Career Panel Recording Available

Missed the live event? You can now access the recording of the April 6th Avian Career Panel, co-hosted by AAV and EAAV. This exclusive session for veterinary students features six distinguished avian veterinarians from around the globe, sharing insights into diverse and rewarding careers in avian medicine—from clinical practice and research to wildlife rehabilitation and poultry health. Learn from their experiences, career paths, and advice for the next generation of avian vets.

March 2025

An official publication of the Association of Avian Veterinarians

Join Us April 6th for an Avian Career Panel

Explore Your Future in Avian Medicine!

Join us on April 6th from 12:00-2:00 PM EDT for an exclusive Avian Career Panel, co-hosted by the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) and the European Association of Avian Veterinarians (EAAV). 

Hear from Dr. Stephany Lewis, Dr. Gunther Antonissen, Dr. Ana Lapaz-Mendez, Dr. David Higson, Dr. Anna Korshunova, and Dr. Brigetta Hughes as they share insights into diverse career paths in avian medicine. This event is open exclusively to veterinary students, offering a unique opportunity to gain valuable guidance and ask your burning questions.

Congrats to AAV's 2025 Externship Scholarship Recipients:

The following students have been selected to receive AAV's 2025 externship scholarships! 

Interested in applying for the AAV Externship Scholarship?

Next application deadline: January 31, 2026. Click the button below to learn more.

AAV is pleased to award the following AAV student chapters with funds for upcoming avian-related educational events! We look forward to hearing about these events later this year!

Interested in applying for the AAV Student Chapter Program Scholarship? The next application deadline is September 15, 2025. Click the button below to learn more.

Recent AAV Student Chapter Events

Two of our AAV student chapters received AAV sponsorship for avian events held at their universities. Read about these events hosted at Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine and UC-Davis. Is your chapter interested in hosting an avian event? Be sure to apply for an AAV Student Chapter Program Sponsorship - the next deadline is September 15, 2025. 

Pamela Clark Lecture Presented at Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Michelle Hawkins Shares Her Avian Medicine Journey with UC Davis Students

Did you know… AAV’s Online Education Portal includes over 50 free on-demand courses for AAV individual student members? If you have not already done so, join today for $20 to access these great courses and more!

September 2024

An official publication of the Association of Avian Veterinarians

FREE WEBINAR

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

Diet and nutrition can make all the difference when it comes to keeping a parrot healthy and happy. Learn more about this important topic through this free on demand course.

Presenters:

Elise Varaela “EV” Voltura, PhD

Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)

AAV Webinar: Hospitalizing the Avian Patient

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

Attendees will gain insights into the comprehensive approach to avian hospitalization, including strategies for stress reduction, nursing protocols, and effective measures to mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases among patients and staff alike.

Presenter: Kristina Palmer, RVT, VTS (Clinical Practice-Exotics)

AAV Webinar:

Avian Emergencies and Critical Care

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

This lecture focuses on enhancing participants' skills in assessing critically ill avian patients. Topics covered include initial triage and stabilization, establishing venous access, and how to place an intraosseous catheter and air sac cannula. 

Presenter: Kristina Palmer, RVT, VTS (Clinical Practice-Exotics)