Veterinary medicine is one of the least diverse occupations in America. As of 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black veterinarians made up 2.2% of the profession. Unfortunately, most pet owners will likely never encounter a veterinarian of color.
As a young, Black female veterinarian, I have instilled several practices in my work routine. I wear my white coat during every shift, and I use medical jargon when speaking to clients because those in the clinics where I work often ask me if they can “see the doctor,” or in some cases, they simply ask if they can see someone else. I have been questioned about treatments and diagnostics, and a client once told me their dog might not like me because I am dark-skinned. And that’s just the patient side. I’ve also encountered similar challenges from staff and colleagues.
I am well-versed in the many forms racism can take, and because of that, it has made me question, “What can be done to improve the direction of this profession for people of color?”
A Narrow Pipeline
The lack of representation in veterinary medicine started well before our training. A lack of exposure to the industry, a lack of resources, the rising cost of education and associated debt (often much more for Black students) have all been significant barriers to entering the field by minorities in the United States.
I am truly grateful to have received my veterinary degree from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, which educates nearly 75% of all Black veterinarians. I should note that I was rejected without explanation by three schools I applied to in my first round despite having the qualifications. Not getting accepted into those schools made me ask myself: “Was I not good enough?” For several years, I questioned myself, but after passing my board exam on the first try, I never again doubted that I belonged in this field.
During my tenure at Tuskegee, not only did I meet Black veterinarians, but for a few glorious years, I was surrounded by brilliant, inspiring doctors and students who looked like me. Yet, that is not the reality anywhere else. Today, only 23% of students in veterinary school come from underrepresented backgrounds.
More Than Numbers
While I cherished my sense of belonging at Tuskegee, I can’t help but wonder what the experience is like for Black veterinary students at the 32 other accredited U.S. veterinary schools. Are they getting the support they need to feel welcomed in the industry? Are they coming out of school prepared for the unique challenges of working as a minority in a high-pressure profession?
When I graduated in 2016, diversity and inclusion was not a stated priority for many employers, but in 2023, the landscape has changed. More initiatives exist for recruiting and hiring people of color, particularly in the corporate sector.
Creating a more diverse and inclusive industry is not just about veterinary school statistics or recruitment numbers. It’s about finding other ways to level the playing field through financial support, allowing opportunities for career growth and breaking down barriers that hamper minorities from owning practices. It’s about ensuring that young people of color graduate from veterinary school and then, once hired, stay in a field notoriously associated with high rates of burnout, mental health issues and attrition.
Being a minority in a predominately white profession can be challenging. Wanting to be seen and heard but not wanting to come across as “difficult” is a constant battle. Minorities in this field feel constant pressure to prove themselves and be accepted. We all want to feel like we are part of a community. We want to know that our employers and co-workers have our backs.
I currently work at IndeVets, a relief staffing company whose core mission is to improve working conditions for veterinarians, and that includes social and emotional support. Mentors, an alumni group and close friends from Tuskegee have been extremely helpful to me as I navigate my career.
What We Can Do
As members of a profession, we must acknowledge the widespread lack of diversity and actively seek a more inclusive future. A huge step in the right direction will be universities opening their doors to accept more minorities. To get there, we need to ask ourselves some frank questions:
- Outside of Tuskegee University, how many minorities are accepted into veterinary school?
- Outside of Tuskegee University, how many minorities are graduating from veterinary school?
- When minorities are accepted, do they have a support system to help them navigate veterinary school successfully?
- What do minorities need academically, emotionally and socially to bolster that success?
- What can professionals of color already working in the field do to mentor younger people?
- How can we make minorities feel a sense of community in the workplace?
- What can allies do to support colleagues of color?
An Opportunity for Change
Being a Black veterinarian has had its challenges, but I’ve also had an extremely rewarding journey. Knowing that I have the chance to uplift others is a powerful motivator for me to continue doing what I love.
An elderly Black client cried when she first met me because she had never seen a Black veterinarian. She thanked me for my work. A Black mom asked me if she could bring her son and daughter to the next visit to show her children that Black veterinarians exist. Black elementary and secondary education teachers have asked me to speak at career days to help inspire the younger generation.
I remain hopeful our profession will evolve to reflect society better, but I understand that change takes time. I hope the coming generations will bring a diverse group of veterinarians who, despite different backgrounds, share a greater sense of purpose: to care for animals and contribute to a more inclusive future for veterinary medicine.
LEARN MORE
The National Association for Black Veterinarians (nabvonline.org), the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (mcvma.org) and the Black DVM Network (blackdvmnetwork.com) are resources for veterinary professionals seeking community, career development and mentorship. Another organization, Blend (blend.vet), assists academic institutions and veterinary hospitals with a DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) certification program to promote a more inclusive culture.