As part of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) is conducting a survey. The purpose of the survey is to hear different experiences from veterinarians and learn what the challenges are to supporting DEI in veterinary medicine.
WSVMA’s DEI Committee put together the survey as the group’s initial exercise before conducting an organization-wide assessment. The assessment will evaluate several components of the Association including Governance & Organizational Strategy, Education & Events, Marketing & Communications, and Operations. The survey and the assessment reflect the Board of Director’s and Committee’s commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive veterinary community.
Just like routine wellness checks are an important part of ensuring the health and wellbeing of our veterinary patients and herds, data collection is fundamental to understanding the health and wellbeing of an organization, workplace, university or nation. Collecting information on race, ethnicity, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, and other factors is necessary to create evidence-based policies that address key disparities in veterinary medicine. Indeed, it is impossible to measure progress towards a more diverse veterinary population without data on the underlying makeup of our members.
The study is voluntary, confidential, and anonymous. All responses are strictly confidential and will only be reported in aggregate form. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and the deadline to complete the survey is Friday, Nov. 19, 2021.
In order to keep your information confidential, please complete the survey in private. Should you experience any emotional distress while taking this survey, or if completing the survey highlights any issues you may wish to talk through, please consider making an appointment with your general practitioner, treating physician, or counselor, or consulting The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
Thank you to the membership for your participation in this important study. Your voice matters.
Take the survey here.
Posted October 29, 2021