The American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP) aims to advance scientific knowledge to improve poultry health, well-being, and productivity, thereby ensuring a safe and abundant global food supply. Since its inception in 1957, AAAP has served as a platform for those involved in avian disease research and management, facilitating knowledge exchange through conferences, publications, and educational materials, while also supporting the next generation of poultry medicine specialists through scholarships and awards.
The Kenneth Eskelund Preceptorship Poultry Medicine Training Program, funded by the AAAP Foundation, is designed to afford veterinary students the opportunity to augment their education and skills in poultry medicine through practical experience. This experience is gained at diverse training sites, including universities, diagnostic labs, and poultry production and breeding companies. The program offers financial assistance up to $1,500.00 to help cover expenses during the externship. The preceptorships aim to enhance veterinary students' training in specialized fields, supported by various scholarships named after contributors like Kenneth H. Eskelund, Aviagen, AVEP, Alltech, Huvepharma, and the Southern Poultry Research Group, Inc., reflecting a collaborative effort to expand practical education in poultry medicine.