Diagnosing Inequality

“Diagnosing Inequality” isn’t just about talk; it’s also about action. That means increasing awareness of DEI challenges and providing decisionmakers throughout the industry with potential solutions. It also involves Ethos Veterinary Health and VetBloom trying to effect change within our own spheres. That’s why we're pledging $500,000 for educational initiatives, in part, to improve DEI -- and we're using this podcast to get ideas about how to some spend some of that money. Join Drs. Chand Khanna and Ira Gordon as they deliver a kind of final report in the finale of “Diagnosing Inequality.” Revisit insights from guests to learn how to become an ally, mentor students, improve DEI in the workplace, or gain awareness of potential challenges and solutions. Doing your part can start with simply telling someone else about this podcast. If you know someone who might benefit from this show, please share with them how they can listen to “Diagnosing Inequality: Exploring Racial Disparities in Veterinary Medicine.”

Depending on the year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the number of vets who are Black is between 2% and a statistical zero. Dr. Erick Spencer, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), beat the odds while getting into the field -- and his twin brother did too. Join Dr. Spencer as he recounts the brothers' journey. He reveals advice he'd give his younger self and provides insights about mentoring the next generation of Black veterinarians.

Serena Nayee, DVM, has accomplished so much that, in this episode, she'll share her insight on two topics: allyship and entrepreneurship. Dr. Nayee founded the group Chapter VIII, the Veterinary Inclusion and Intersectionality Initiative. She's also the new co-owner and medical director of VetCheck Pet Urgent Care Center in Carmel, Indiana -- making her an entrepreneur before the age of 30. Hear her tips on being an ally who supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and her advice about using business ownership to get a better return on investment from being a veterinarian.

Improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in veterinary medicine requires awareness and effort from everyone in the field – but that doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel. Partnerships between organizations addressing DEI can provide support and resources. Christine Jenkins, DVM, DACVIM, knows all about that. Dr. Jenkins co-chairs the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Commission for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Profession. She is also a fellow for CEO Action for Racial Equity and the US Chief Medical Officer for Zoetis. Hear her thoughts on how partnerships can create a foundation for success.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Our guest in this episode says she’s heard quite a few children of color answer that question by saying they’d like to become veterinarians. Unfortunately, statistics indicate such kids usually end up in other professions. Educator Megan Scholer and her husband, Dr. Ian Scholer, DVM, started a nonprofit in Georgia called Vets of All Colors to give K-12 learners the resources and support they need to become veterinarians or vet med staff members. Learn what their non-profit is doing to inspire children of color to pursue their interest in the field. Follow Vets of all colors on Facebook

Employers can’t hire diverse vets without the schools that educate them. The trouble is veterinary colleges sometimes struggle to attract diverse applicants. North Carolina State University is a success story in this regard because its College of Veterinary Medicine has met its diversity goals for admission offers. A key reason for that success is the work of Allen Cannedy, DVM, the college’s Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Get advice from Dr. Cannedy about how to recruit and retain students of all backgrounds -- and consider how his insight might also benefit workplace efforts to improve DEI.

Historians draw lines that link the past struggles of Black Americans to current racial disparities -- including in veterinary medicine. Go back to school with two college professors who teach lessons from that history. Join Howard Erickson, DVM, Ph.D., as he shares the personal stories of the first Black vets in the US. Then, listen as Keith Hollingsworth, Ph.D., puts those stories into broader context and connects them with inequities that continue today. Dr. Erickson is a vet med historian and professor emeritus at Kansas State University, and Dr. Hollingsworth teaches about the history of Black-owned businesses at the HBCU Morehouse College in Atlanta.

In each episode of “Diagnosing Inequality,” guests talk about the challenges and systemic barriers Black Americans face when they work toward becoming veterinarians. North Carolina State University vet med student Tahj Boston says, based on her experience, sometimes outright racism might be the problem. Hear how this first-generation college student is overcoming the odds and helping other prospective students to do the same. Listen to her views on how to improve access to the field for Black students, especially those who come from low-income communities.

These days, people don't just talk about diversity. They advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). That last piece, "inclusion," is about making everyone feel a sense welcome in an environment such as a school or workplace. In this episode, Tanasa Osborne, DVM, Ph.D, DACVP, shares stories from a traumatizing period in her life when she felt unwelcome as a Black woman. Hear how Dr. Osborne endured racist images, conversations and more, and listen to her views about how to make environments more inclusive.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offered some of the nation’s first degree programs for Black Americans. The only one with a veterinary medicine school is Tuskegee University, which says it now educates about 70% of the nation’s Black vets. Charles McMillan, DVM, attended Tuskegee and another HBCU for undergrad. Now, he uses social media, awareness efforts and mentorship to encourage more Black students to join the field. Learn how his time at HBCUs shaped him into a role model and advocate, as he joins hosts Drs. Chand Khanna and Ira Gordon for a conversation about his experiences with racial disparity in veterinary medicine. Also, hear his advice for improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the industry. Follow Dr. McMillan on Instagram: @yourfavoritepetdoc