Published 6/27/2024

Scott Miller, a third-year student at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently named a winner of the 2024 J.F. Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest by the American Veterinary Medical History Society. Miller was recognized for his essay titled, “Ancient Antidotes to Modern Medicine: The Evolution of Veterinary Toxicology.” Named in honor of AVMHS’s founder, Dr. J.F. Smithcors, the annual student history essay contest was established in 1992 and awards cash prizes each year for meritorious essays on relevant topics in veterinary history. Students enrolled in DVM/VMD programs at colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean are eligible to submit essays.

Miller tied for fourth place in the contest and will receive a $500 cash prize for his essay. According to the chair of the essay contest committee, Susan Aiello, “The AVMHS is delighted to see the growing interest among students to research and write about the rich history of the veterinary profession. There were 22 entries this year, submitted by students from 12 veterinary schools.”

Along with the cash prize, winning essays are published in issues of Veterinary Heritage, AVMHS’s semi-annual bulletin.