Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation presented the annual Winnie Award and $2,500 to Jessica Balter, DVM, for her promoting of feline health studies. Dr. Balter is a Cornell University graduate and former president of the student chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Balter coordinated numerous events to educate veterinary students and the community about important aspects of feline medicine. She has been active in trap-neuter-return programs and feral colony care, demonstrating a devotion to the needs of cats in the shelter setting and rescue operations. “I hope to build a strong foundation of medical knowledge which I can use to guide me through the unique aspects of shelter medicine while simultaneously advancing the treatment of shelter animals,” Balter said. She said she gained a deep appreciation of the behavioral needs of cats and a keen appreciation of the need for specialists dedicated to feline medicine after living with rescued felines. Balter will complete a year-long, small animal rotating internship at Brightheart Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, a specialty hospital on Long Island, N.Y.
