Obituary – Dr. Drew Parker

1984-2023

Dr. William Andrew “Drew” Parker, a prominent veterinarian in the poultry industry, unexpectedly passed away on January 2, 2023, at the age of 39 after a brief illness. At the time of his passing, he served as a Senior Veterinarian for Phibro Animal Health and was a highly respected member of the AAAP.

Dr. Parker earned his Bachelor of Science in Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas in 2005, where he was also recognized as the “National Poultry and Egg Association Student of the Year” at the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta. He earned his DVM from Louisiana State University in 2009, and as a student member of AAAP, he also earned the 2008 AAAP Kenneth Eskelund Externship Scholarship. Dr. Parker graduated from the Master of Avian Medicine (MAM) at University of Georgia in 2010 and became diplomate of ACPV in 2011.

Dr. Drew was actively engaged with numerous veterinary and poultry organizations such as the AVMA, Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association, the Poultry Federation, and served on numerous AAAP committees. He was the founder of the first Wing Eating Competition hosted alongside the annual Poultry Federation festival.

Following his passing, the AAAP Foundation established the Drew Parker Memorial Scholarship to support future pre-veterinary and poultry science students in honor of his lifelong passion for education and mentorship within the poultry sector. The inaugural scholarship will be awarded to students in the 2027 meeting. Likewise, the Poultry Federation in Arkansas created a Drew Parker Memorial Scholarship Fund to be awarded to AR, MO and/or OK university veterinary applicants. His legacy and contributions to poultry medicine will be remembered in years to come.

Source: Westbrook Funeral Home http://westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com/dr-william-andrew-drew-parker/ and AAAP Website