Contemporary Topics
Javier Gallegos, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal)
Otra Surgical Options, LLC
Dr. Craig will discuss the importance of intentional diversity in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the veterinary field. Exploring the idea of developing intercultural competency skills and relevance to the veterinary profession along with some theoretical frameworks and concepts related to DEI. We will identify challenges and barriers to achieving DEI in veterinary workplaces and explore strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
Dr. Jandrey will discuss how we can more rapidly diversify the veterinary profession. Data will be outlined and discussed to provide foundational evidence of the 1) moral and ethical, 2) business case, 3) anti-racism, and 4) growth mindset philosophies to create the vision we hold for advancement in all areas of diversity. Limited research and publications from veterinary medicine will be compared to other health professions while challenging the attendee to create a plan for improvements in their own locations. Recommendations will also be presented to shape culture change within attendees’ organization that improve on race/ethnicity, gender and sexual identity, and professional niche goals.
Dr. Buote will discuss the Feminization of Veterinary Medicine. Why is veterinary surgery just reaching approximate gender equality when women outnumber men in veterinary admissions 4:1? What does this mean for the future of veterinary surgery? This segment will discuss the gender shift in veterinary medicine admissions and how that has and has not affected veterinary surgery specifically. Data will be compared between human and veterinary surgery spheres with regards to gender equality and research highlighting current areas of concern including: pay, promotion/tenure, practice ownership, and work-life balance will be debated. The reasons why this matters and real-world recommendations will be outlined, and veterinary support groups (AWVS, WIVO) will be examined.
Guest Speaker: Latonia Craig, EdD (she/her/hers) – AVMA
Speaker: Nicole J. Buote, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal) (she/her/hers) – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Guest Speaker: Karl E. Jandrey, DVM, DACVECC (he/him/his) – UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine