Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine takes a broad approach to the concept of DEI, delivering a practical discussion of effective strategies for applying diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within the veterinary setting. Written by a diverse set of voices, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of DEI as it relates to veterinary medicine. Arranged from A to Z, the 26 chapters discuss important concepts in DEI, with actionable advice for how to incorporate DEI into the practice of veterinary medicine.
The chapters define the concepts, explain why each concept is important to veterinary medicine, and give practical examples of how to apply the concepts in the real world. Each chapter stands on its own and can be approached individually but taken together these chapters expand the boundaries of DEI into topics that are both familiar and novel.
Readers will also find: - A thorough introduction to the concept of access to care and one health medicine through the lens of DEI - Comprehensive explorations of equity, intersectionality, justice, representation, and other central DEI concepts that impact the veterinary profession’s ability to benefit society - Practical discussions of how unconscious bias and cultural competency impact both client and team interactions impacting patient care - In-depth examinations of specific community engagement, including First Nation, queer, and neurodiverse communities
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine is an invaluable resource for practicing veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary practice managers, other veterinary professionals, veterinary students, veterinary technician students, and anyone involved with animal health.
Table of Contents
List of Contributors xix
Preface xxi
Chapter A
Chapter B Access to Veterinary Care: A Gateway to Family Health and Social Equity 1
Michael J. Blackwell
Introduction, 1
Access to Veterinary Care: A Family and Community Affair, 3
Social Responsibility of Healthcare Professions, 5
Action Steps: Building a One Health Interprofessional System, 8
Summary, 10
References, 11
Belonging: “Finding Home: Navigating the Landscape of Belonging” 13
Sandra Dawkins, Sue Knoblaugh, and Rustin Moore
What is Belonging?, 14
The Power of Belonging, 16
How Do We Create a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace -and within the Veterinary Workplace?, 16
Unconscious Bias, 17
Hiring Practices, 18
Transparent and Fair Processes, 18
Onboarding Practices, 18
Communication and Feedback, 19
Employee Resource Groups and Affinity Networks, 19
Creating Safe and Inclusive Workplaces, 20
Example: Reimagining the Visual Representation of Our Past, Present, and Future, 20
References, 21
Additional Resources, 22
Chapter C Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility in Veterinary Medicine 23
Zenithson Ng and Adesola Odunayo
Introduction, 23
Cultural Competence, 24
Cultural Humility, 24
Shift to Embracing Cultural Humility, 25
Application of Cultural Humility in Clinical Veterinary Practice, 26
Application of Cultural Humility in the Workplace, 30
Conclusions, 32
References, 33
Chapter D Diversity 35
Cristina Risco and Carlos A. Risco
Introduction, 35
Diversity Defined, 36
So What? Why Does Diversity Matter in Veterinary Medicine and Society at Large?, 36
Now What? How Do We Engage With an Increasingly Diverse Clientele and Clinical Workforce in the Interest of Improved Animal Care?, 37
Cultural Humility through Critical Consciousness, 37
Summary, 40
References, 40
Chapter E Emotional Intelligence 41
Joelle A. Murchison
What is Emotional Intelligence?, 41
Signs of Emotional Intelligence, 42
Impact of Emotional Intelligence, 42
The Four Es, 43
Exposure, 44
Experience, 44
Education, 44
Empathy, 45
Managing Interactions, 45
Pause, 45
Empathize and Ask, 45
Enhancing Your EI Capability, 46
Working in a Diverse and Inclusive Society, 47
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, 48
Making the Connection Between EI and Diversity, 49
Affirmative Introspection, 49
Self- Governance, 49
Intercultural Literacy, 50
Social Architecting, 50
The Responsibility in Veterinary Medicine, 50
AVMA Policy on Diversity and Inclusion, 50
Emotional Intelligence and Leadership, 51
Protecting Your Emotional State While Engaging in Patient Care, 51
Summary, 53
References, 53
Chapter F First Nations 55
Evelyn Galban
First Nations, 55
Terminology, 56
How to Refer to Native American People, 56
Identity and Recognition, 57
Blood Quantum, 57
Certificate Degree of Indian Blood, 58
Tribal Enrollment, 58
Natives in Education, 58
Natives in Medicine, 58
Indigenous Knowledge in Veterinary Education, 59
Access to Care, 60
Embedded Educational Initiatives, 61
Native American Veterinary Association (NAVA) and Other Allyship Examples, 61
Inclusivity of Native American People in Veterinary Medicine, 61
Orange Shirt Day, 62
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 62
National Native American Heritage Month, 62
Making Your Physical Space Inviting, 62
Understanding Diverse Cultural Norms, 63
Cultural Sensitivity in Consultation and Collaboration, 63
Representation and Visibility, 63
Scenario: Event Planning and Land Acknowledgment Requests, 64
Better Request Using Knowledge and Understanding, 64
Best Response with Cultural Sensitivity and Engagement, 65
Conclusion, 65
References, 65
Chapter G Gender 67
Erika Lin- Hendel
Introduction, 67
Content Warning, 69
Resources, 69
Gender What it is and What it isn’t, 69
Situation: The Veterinary Field Must Actively Support Reproductive Healthcare, 73
Scenario: Institutional Hierarchy Creates Opportunities for Abuse, 74
Scenario: Modeling Consent, Invitation and Communication-Based Culture With Nongendered Assumptions Can Be Powerful Beyond the Immediate Situation, 75
Dedication, 76
Acknowledgments, 76
References, 76
Chapter H Historically Black Colleges and Universities 81
Ruby Perry and Olga Bolden- Tiller
Introduction, 81
Impact of the HBCU, 82
Schools and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine: The Origin Story of Land- Grant Institutions (LGIs), 82
African Americans in Veterinary Medicine, 84
Leveraging Partnerships to Develop a More Diverse and Inclusive Veterinary Profession, 88
References, 90
Chapter I Intersectionality 93
Briana D. Jones
First, a Walk in My Shoes, 93
What Defines Intersectionality?, 94
Why is Intersectionality Important in Veterinary Medicine?, 96
Applying Intersectionality in Veterinary Establishments and Institutions, 99
References, 101
Chapter J Justice 103
Iran Brown
Introduction, 103
Justice and the Wage Gap, 104
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, 105
The Wage Gap in Professional Tennis, 106
The Wage Gap in Professional Soccer, 107
Federal Law and the Wage Gap, 108
The Wage Gap and Individual Practices, 109
The Wage Gap and Clinical Scenarios, 110
References, 113
Chapter K Kindness 115
Mia Cary
Why Kindness?, 115
Kindness Defined, 116
Kindness Impact, 117
Improved Self- Evaluations, 117
Improved Well- being, 117
Increased Self- Esteem and Fulfillment, 118
Cultivating Kindness - The How, 119
Kindness Toolkit, 120
The Time Is Now, 122
Summary and Next Steps, 123
References, 123
Chapter L Listen 125
Kemba L. Marshall
Introduction, 125
What They Didn’t Teach in Veterinary School, 125
Turns Out, It Is Not Just Me, 126
Controlling What I Can Control, 127
My Prep Work Before the Classroom Listening Assignment, 129
The Classroom Listening Assignment Begins, 130
What Are Your Beliefs?, 130
What Are Your Customs?, 131
What Are Your Traditions?, 131
What Is Your Life Like?, 132
How Are You Treated in This Country?, 133
What Franklin Taught Me, 133
Lessons Learned, 134
Final Thoughts, 135
References, 135
Chapter M Multiculturalism 137
Odette Doest
What’s Culture Got to Do With Veterinary Medicine?, 137
Language and Other Cultural Expressions, 138
A Brief Review of Cultural Literature from Human Medicine, 141
Practical Cultural Veterinary Realities, 142
A Royal Bon Voyage, 144
Putting It All Together in Practice, 145
References, 145
Chapter N Neurodiversity 147
Rob Best
Introduction, 147
Neuro- What- Isity?, 148
Neurodiversity in the Workplace, 151
“Best” Practices, 153
Recruiting and Interviewing, 153
Bonus Tips, 154
Neuroinclusive Culture, 155
The Future, 159
Conclusion, 160
References, 161
Chapter O Veterinary Medicine and One Health 163
Sharon L. Deem
What is One Health?, 163
Historical Perspective of One Health, 164
Present Momentum, 165
Veterinarians and Veterinary Profession as One Health Practitioners, 166
Personal Examples of Veterinary Medicine in One Health, 167
Bringing One Health and Deai to Your Practice, 168
Conclusion, 168
References, 169
Chapter P Psychological Safety 171
Elizabeth Strand and Chesney Ward
Introduction, 171
What is Psychological Safety?, 171
Medical Settings, 173
Power Dynamics, 174
Team Conflict, 176
Mental Health, Well- Being, and Burnout, 176
Case Example, 177
Conclusion, 178
References, 179
Chapter Q Queer 181
Ewan Wolff, Melody Martínez, and Dane Whitaker
Introduction (What?), 181
LGBTQ+ History in Veterinary Medicine, 182
Demographics/Facts/Stats, 184
What Does It Mean to Be Queer in Veterinary Medicine? (Now What?), 186
Scenarios, 187
Homophobia Scenario Supervisor, 187
Transphobia Scenario Transition, 187
Definitions and a Clinical Ace/Aro Scenario, 188
Transphobia Scenario, 188
Intersex Discrimination Scenario, 189
Discussion (So What Now?), 189
Conclusion, 190
Acknowledgments, 191
References, 191
Chapter R Representation 193
Indya Woods
Representation, 193
Five Practices that Create a More Inclusive Workplace, 196
Increased Diversity and Inclusion at the Executive Level, 196
Examine Your Practice and Commit to Change, 196
Define Your Diversity Priorities Based on What Drives Your Growth, 196
Target Your Diversity Efforts to Local Circumstances, 196
Advocate For Diversity Within The Veterinary Profession, 197
References, 199
Chapter S Systemic 201
Ashlee Canty and Allen Cannedy
Introduction, 201
Systemic Applications in Veterinary Medicine, 203
Veterinary Recruitment, 203
Veterinary Admission, 204
Veterinary Retention, 206
Veterinary Financial Support, 207
Systemic Issues in Veterinary Private Practice, 208
Summary, 211
References, 212
Chapter T Tokenism 215
Michael Bailey
Introduction, 215
Introduction: What Is Tokenism?, 215
Why Diversify a Homogeneous Organization?, 216
Tokenism Exploits Employees, 217
Tokenism in Patient Engagement, 218
The Toll of Tokenization in Medical Residencies, 218
Tokenism Breeds Imposter Syndrome, 220
Tokenism Cements Stereotypical Views, 222
How the Tokenized Are Set Up to Fail, 222
Adverse Effects of Tokenism Personal and Organization, 223
How to Avoid Tokenism, 223
Ways to Begin Mitigating Tokenism, 224
Conclusion, 225
References, 226
Chapter U Unconscious Bias 229
Harold Davis and Theresa L. Cosper- Roberts
Introduction, 229
What is Unconscious Bias?, 229
So What? Why is Unconscious Bias Important to Veterinary Medicine?, 230
Unconscious Bias Has Ramifications on Clinical Decision- Making Process/Patient Care, 231
Unconscious Bias Has Ramifications on Admission to Veterinary Schools and Colleges, 231
Unconscious Bias Has Ramifications in the Workplace, 232
Now What? Identifying and Understanding Unconscious Bias in Our World, 232
Bias in Clinical Decision- Making and Patient Care, 232
Practically Speaking, How Do We Combat Biases?, 233
Practically Speaking, How Do We Combat Biases?, 234
Now What? Addressing Bias in Veterinary School Admissions Processes, 234
Fictional Veterinary Academic Setting Scenario, 234
Now What? Addressing Unconscious Bias in the Workplace, 236
Workplace Bias Scenario 1, 236
Workplace Bias Scenario 2, 238
Bias in an Veterinary Technology Educational Setting Scenario, 239
Now What? Mitigating Your Own Unconscious Bias, 240
Understanding Your Own Unconscious Bias, 240
Acting Like a Camera to Differentiate Observation from Interpretation, 240
Reflecting on How Bias Affect Us, 241
Recognize People That Shape Who We Are, 242
Recognize Sources That Perpetuate Bias, 242
Expanding Your Community and Perspective to Disrupt Bias, 243
Understanding the Impact of Unconscious Bias on Our Lives, 243
References, 244
Chapter V Values 245
James Pritchett
Introduction to Values, 245
Values in Action, 245
Values Correlated to DEI, 247
Building Trust in Order to Center Values, 248
Including as an Action That Builds Trust, 248
Catalyzing Change to (Re)Center Values, 249
Appreciation as the Mechanism for Sustaining and Scaling, 251
How Might You Create a Thoughtful Appreciation Strategy?, 251
References, 252
Chapter W Welcoming 253
Monica Dixon Perry
The Receptionist/Customer Service Representative (CSR) Team, 255
The Technical Team, 256
The Associate Veterinarian Team, 258
Practical Tips to Create a More Welcoming Experience, 261
Reference, 263
Chapter X Xenacious 265
Tierra Price
Introduction, 265
Defining Xenacious, 267
Why is Veterinary Medicine in Need of Change?, 268
The Evolution of Veterinary Medicine, 268
How Do You Know When to Make a Change?, 269
Being Xenacious in Vet Med, 270
Scenario #1, 270
Scenario #2, 272
The Response, 272
A Better Response, 273
An Even Better Response, 273
Conclusion, 273
References, 273
Chapter Y You 275
Kemba L. Marshall
Introduction, 275
The State of Vet Med, 276
Leadership is a Choice, Not a Title, 277
Understanding the Dynamics of Conflict, 278
Managing Conflict, 280
What Can You Do Now?, 282
Conclusion, 283
References, 284
Chapter Z Zero- Sum Game 285
Kemba L. Marshall
Introduction - “Somebody’s Gotta Win; Somebody’s Gotta Lose”, 285
Implications of Zero- Sum Game Bias, 287
The State of Veterinary Medicine, 289
Mitigating Zero- Sum Bias, 291
Similarity, 291
Expedience, 291
Experience, 292
Distance, 292
Safety, 293
Conclusion, 293
References, 293
Afterword 295
Index 299
