Diversity and inclusion is something that veterinary medicine as a profession needs to work for. I have been an LVT for 13 years and in the profession for almost 20 years. I have watched this profession grow, evolve, and change in so many ways during this time. I never realized that I could be perceived as different. As an Army brat, I grew up in many different locations. Some were melting pots of different ethnicities and some were not. I learned to adjust to situations and figure out how to blend in and found a way to melt into the background.
It wasn’t until later in my career that I chose to accept that I stood out. I had joined the profession based on my love for animals and my belief that people are good. Well, that and being in awe of the magic on Animal Planets show “Emergency Vets.” Throughout my career, I had noticed that there weren’t a lot of people who looked like me. I chalked it up to simply basic demographics, but it became painfully aware when I would walk into a CE and realize that I was different than everyone else. But despite my differences from my colleagues, I still felt that we all came together for the love for helping pets, people, and education.
Instead of being silent, I chose to use my different perspective and voice to reach out to the veterinary community. In 2014, I created a Facebook group for support staff. In times where we can all feel that we are in the bubble of our current clinic/environment, I realized that social media allowed us to find unity in our differences and similarities. As I realized how difficult it was for people of various ethnicities, religions, sexuality, and gender identification to use their voice, I realized I needed to use mine.
I began the journey to speak out, speak up and remind people that no matter our differences they are not alone. As an introvert, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and stand up in front of hundreds of people and share my perspective on veterinary medicine and what we can do to unify the profession and take care of ourselves. I also began to tell others that it was okay to be different and that they can use their voice however they wish to make an impact. Veterinary medicine is always evolving. Finding ways, no matter how small, to embrace people’s differences, similarities and perspectives is how we build a bridge to unifying ourselves not just in the profession, but as humanity. By lifting each other up we can encourage those to share their voice and perspective. If we listen, another person’s path may teach us about humanity, kindness, and perseverance despite our individual struggles.
By Jade Velasquez, LVT
Posted May 7, 2021