Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Learn about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in veterinary medicine and how you can make an impact.
It's no secret that veterinary medicine is the least diverse profession.
The MVMA is committed to providing an accepting, open, welcoming community for all veterinary professionals. We are always working on addressing this important topic and encourage you to become familiar with these resources. Reach out to the MVMA staff if you have additional suggestions or would like to get more involved!
Take Action!
The MVMA has signed on as an organization to the Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR) through PrideVMC. We encourage individuals and other organizations to do so, too! Learn more HERE.
Consider engaging in Journey for Teams, a pathway for veterinary professionals to deepen knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and to help advance DEI in the workplace. Learn more and get started HERE.
Affinity Groups
Membership in these ten affinity groups is open to all. We encourage you to get involved!
Native American Veterinary Association (private Facebook group)
Pride Veterinary Medical Community
Pride Student VMC
Trainings and Education
Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine: Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program for Faculty and Faculty Administrators, Interns, Residents and non-Faculty Educators, Staff, Students, Veterinarians and Veterinary Students
AVMA's Brave Space Certificate Program: Self-paced learning curriculum that teaches participants how to gain deeper understandings of the people around us and create healthier, safer, more inclusive veterinary teams, practices, and organizations.
LinkedIn Diversity Webinar Series
Harvard Implicit BIas Test
Suggested Reading/Listening
Black Fatigue
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People
Diversity and Inclusion on Air: Black Lives Matter (podcast)
From Bystander to Ally (podcast)
Getting Past the Fear of Talking about Race (podcast)
How to Be an Antiracist
I'm Judgin You: The Do Better Manual
Navigating Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine
So You Want to Talk About Race
The New Jim Crow
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
Uprooting Racism
Waking Up White
What are personal pronouns and why do they matter?
White Fragility
White Rage
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
Reflection Questions as you read/listen:
- What does this have to do with me?
- How could I explain these concepts to friends, family, and colleagues?
- What emotions am I mindful of as I read/listen?
- How does this connect with things that I've learned?
- What will I choose to do differently as a resule of what I've read/heard?
Other Resources
VMAE's Journey a guide for advancing DEI in Veterinary Medicine
AAVMC Resources
Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) - advancing DEI in animal welfare
GuideToAllyship.com
Language of Identity: Using Inclusive Terminology (Mizzou)