Building a Better Veterinary Future with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As I run for AVMA President Elect, I’ve been reflecting on the values that guide our profession. At the heart of what we do is the desire to provide exceptional care for animals and to support our veterinary teams. To achieve that, we must ensure that everyone—whether on the clinic floor or in the exam room—feels valued, respected, and able to contribute fully.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren’t just about checking boxes. They’re about creating an environment where different ideas, experiences, and perspectives can come together to improve patient care, client relationships, and the well-being of our teams. This is how we ensure that veterinary medicine remains a vibrant and thriving profession.

Enhancing Veterinary Care for Pets and Clients 🐾

Veterinary medicine is all about caring for animals and their people. Our clients come from a variety of backgrounds, each with unique needs when it comes to their pets. A diverse and inclusive team is better equipped to connect with and serve these clients, whether it’s understanding different preferences or offering creative solutions that make care more accessible.

The ultimate goal is simple: to provide the best possible care for every pet that walks through our doors. When we embrace a broad range of perspectives, we’re able to offer personalized, compassionate care that improves outcomes and strengthens relationships with clients.

Stronger Veterinary Teams, Better Problem-Solving 💡

One of the most rewarding aspects of diversity is how it strengthens our ability to solve problems and work together as a team. When people from different backgrounds and experiences collaborate, they bring fresh ideas and unique ways of thinking to the table. This cognitive diversity (sometimes called thought diversity) leads to better decision-making, faster solutions, and ultimately better care for patients.

Imagine facing a challenging case with a team that brings a range of perspectives and insights. Together, that team is more likely to see things from multiple angles, spot potential solutions others may miss, and come up with innovative approaches. It’s this kind of collaborative thinking that helps us grow as professionals and improve the quality of care we provide.

A More Inclusive, Positive Veterinary Workplace 🌟

Creating an inclusive environment isn’t just about being nice—it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels they belong. In veterinary medicine, where the demands can be high and burnout is real, fostering a sense of belonging is key to reducing stress and improving morale.

When team members feel supported, respected, and heard, they’re more engaged, motivated, and likely to stay in the profession. This benefits the entire practice, as a positive work environment improves not only team dynamics but also client experiences and patient outcomes. A thriving team is the foundation of a successful veterinary practice.

Journey for Teams: A Resource for Building Inclusive Veterinary Practices

The AVMA’s Journey for Teams program is a valuable tool to help veterinary professionals integrate DEI into their practices. This series of modules is designed to help teams explore key concepts and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Here’s an overview of some of the key modules:

• Psychological Safety: Teams thrive when members feel safe to share ideas without fear of being judged or criticized. This module helps build a foundation of trust and open communication.
• Understanding Unconscious Bias: This module helps us recognize the biases we all have, so we can address them and make better, more informed decisions.
• Microaggressions: Small, unintended comments or actions can affect others in ways we might not realize. This module helps us understand and avoid these behaviors, fostering respect among team members.
• Inclusive Communication: Good communication is the backbone of any successful team. This module teaches strategies for being more mindful and inclusive in our interactions, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.

Working through these modules as a team can create a workplace where people feel supported, empowered, and motivated to contribute their best. It’s a practical way to ensure that our teams are stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to provide the highest level of care.

Moving Forward: A Commitment to Growth and Collaboration 🚀

As I look to the future of veterinary medicine, I believe that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is key to our success. This isn’t about division—it’s about coming together to create environments where everyone can contribute and thrive. DEI strengthens our teams, improves client relationships, and enhances the quality of care we provide for our patients.

The Journey for Teams program offers practical, actionable steps for making these changes. It’s a resource that any veterinary practice can use to foster a culture of inclusivity, one that benefits everyone—team members, clients, and pets.

As an AVMA President Elect candidate, I’m committed to supporting initiatives that help our profession grow and evolve. Together, we can build a future for veterinary medicine that’s stronger, more collaborative, and more inclusive for all.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you. 💙