A University of Florida veterinary student has won the Simmons Educational Fund National Business Aptitude Award and its $15,000 prize.
Cynthia Kathir also received a paid trip to Orlando, Florida, where she was honored at the Veterinary Business Management Association’s national meeting.
Kathir, the Class of 2018 president in UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was chosen from among regional winners — students from other North American veterinary schools — based upon her resume and her response to a business case study.
Kathir wants to be small animal general practitioner and eventually a practice owner.
“I am thankful for how much I learned throughout the process of competing for this award, and I know the knowledge will be invaluable as I proceed down the path towards practice ownership,” she said. “I plan to use the award money towards my sizeable veterinary school loans, which will help bring me one step closer to financial independence.”
The Simmons Educational Fund is a non-profit corporation that educates practitioners and students about the business of veterinary medicine. It was founded by Simmons & Associates, a company specializing in veterinary practice sales, valuations and negotiations.