The WSVMA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee from time to time will highlight diverse members of the Association. In honor of AAPI heritage month, we’re featuring a member of the committee, Dr. Irene Yen, a relief veterinarian and 2017 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Yen reflects on her journey:
“I’m another California transplant in Washington, but my family is part of the Chinese diaspora. My grandparents immigrated from China to Taiwan during the cultural revolution and my parents immigrated from Taiwan to the United States. I grew up in a lower-middle-class family who didn’t have furry pets (birds and turtles were allowed) because they were another mouth to feed. In my childhood, I really enjoyed wildlife and animal rescue shows and wanted to be a veterinarian so I could work with animals with a respectable title. However, I didn’t have role models, and navigating the admissions process was a struggle. I finally met Asian veterinarians (from Taiwan and the Philippines) when I was volunteering at the animal shelter in college. I faced family pressure to choose a different profession and was told I could make more money as a nurse. None of us are in this profession for the money, right?? Currently, I am a relief veterinarian, but I previously worked in shelter and emergency practices. Being a minority in the profession, I have become increasingly aware of what a treat it is to experience a cultural kinship with other Asian-American owners when the opportunity arises.”
Posted May 21, 2021