NAVC Colin F. Burrows International Scholar Program
Providing world-class veterinary CE to overseas practitioners
Founded in 1995, the NAVC International Scholarship Program was created to invite attendees from Cuba, Eastern Europe, South America and the Middle East to the annual Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX formerly the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Conference). As a nonprofit association, the NAVC’s Mission is “To provide world-class continuing professional development for the global veterinary healthcare community.” In 2014, the NAVC partnered with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) in the candidate selection process and in 2015, the program was renamed the “NAVC Colin F. Burrows International Scholar Program.”
The NAVC supports at least three candidates per year, with a focus on each of the three WSAVA Regions:
- Europe, Africa and the Middle East
- Asia and Oceania
- The Americas
- An additional candidate is also selected from Africa and is nominated by the Board of the WSAVA Foundation’s African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN) for the Michael J. Day AFSCAN Scholarship.
The WSAVA solicits candidates through its 113 Assembly member association representatives with preference being given to applicants from the WSAVA’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 associations. Nominations beyond these processes are acceptable if the candidate meets the scholarship criteria.
WSAVA Assembly member association representatives are invited to nominate one (1) candidate from their country’s association. Preference will be given to applicants who are active members of their association, and have the potential to develop and support continuing veterinary education in their region.
Selected Scholars receive:
- One (1) complimentary VMX registration
- Travel expenses
- Seven (7) nights hotel accommodations
- Seven (7) days of per diem
- One (1) complimentary Hands-on Workshop (based on availability)
- A current NAVC Board of Director or Past President to serve as a host while on-site
- Invitation to special events as a VIP
- A Pre-VMX meet/greet
- A Post-VMX evaluation/questionnaire
SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following standards/criteria:
- Prior experience with veterinary continuing education programs in the nominee’s home country or region
- Potential to use the VMX (formerly the NAVC Conference) experience to foster improved veterinary continuing education in the nominee’s home country and/or region
- Demonstrated leadership qualities
Each successful candidate will be contacted by an NAVC representative in early June of the year preceding the upcoming VMX (formerly the NAVC Conference), to explain the details of the award, to arrange details of travel, any necessary visa applications, etc. NAVC will also contact each unsuccessful candidate and encourage them to apply again the following year.
At the VMX (formerly the NAVC Conference), the Scholars will attend an initial orientation and are invited to develop an individual personalized curriculum. This includes:
- Attendance at lectures of their choice
- Insights into the conference operations process
- A tour of the Expo Hall and information on Sales & Marketing
- Participation in a Hands‐on Workshop
- Attendance at all formal VMX functions
An exit interview will be conducted with the Scholars on the afternoon of the last day by members of the NAVC International committee and a representative of the WSAVA.
