3 veterinary companies team up to launch DEIB initiative

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CareVet, a network of veterinary hospitals, has announced¹ a strategic partnership with Blendvet and Hill's Pet Nutrition to incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) content into its company-wide Learning Management System, CareVet Learning Institute.

"We are thrilled to partner with Blendvet and Hill's Pet Nutrition to launch this innovative DEIB initiative," said Kent Thornberry, DVM, chief veterinary officer of CareVet, in a company release. "This program represents our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive veterinary medicine community, where all professionals feel valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that embracing DEIB principles is essential for driving positive change and achieving excellence in patient care."

As part of the collaboration, Blendvet has created a series of on-demand modules hosted on CareVet Learning Institute designed to inform veterinary professionals on promoting a more inclusive industry. They cover important DEIB issues related to the field, offer valuable tools to support creative-thinking, and promote a passion for those to make positive changes in the work environment. Some of the key module topics include "Cultivating and Leading a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Culture in Veterinary Medicine," "LGBTQIA and Allyship,” and "Communicating Across Cultures."¹

Niccole Bruno, DVM, CEO and founder of Blendvet, the first and only veterinary-curated DEIB training curriculum in the US, is aiming to promote stronger practices and healthier culture through first-hand knowledge together with research, discussion, workshops, and self-paced learning for veterinary professionals. Blendvet even offers both individual certification and hospital certification programs to support a more inclusive work environment.

"As the demographics of our country continually evolve in its diversity, this is consistently reflected within the populations of our veterinary workforce and pet owners. Therefore, it is essential for veterinary organizations to begin incorporating DEIB practices into their daily routine, prioritizing DEIB training and curriculum, and providing tools that aid in embracing and cultivating a sustainable hospital culture," expressed Bruno.¹

Hill's Pet Nutrition, a company focusing on science-led nutrition, has sponsored this integration. "At Hill's, we are taking an active role in helping to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the veterinary profession. That's why we're proud to collaborate with Blendvet as we work together to build stronger veterinary teams and healthier practice culture," added Karen Shenoy, US chief veterinary officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Promoting DEIB in the veterinary clinic helps ensure the well-being of team members as they can work in a comfortable environment. Diversity in the workplace also helps bring an array of perspectives and experiences so veterinary professionals can provide the best care to animals. Further, supporting DEIB can serve as a role model for the public and inspire them to be inclusive as well because they view their pets as family and thus, are impacted by their veterinarians' beliefs.²

References

1. CareVet Partners with Blendvet & Hill's Pet Nutrition to launch groundbreaking DEIB initiative. News release. CareVet. September 26, 2023. Accessed September 26, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carevet-partners-with-blendvet--hills-pet-nutrition-to-launch-groundbreaking-deib-initiative-301935237.html
2. Why diversity, equity, and inclusion is important in the veterinary industry – and what to do about it. PetDesk. February 24, 2023. Accessed September 26, 2023. https://petdesk.com/blog/why-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-is-important-in-the-veterinary-industry-and-what-to-do-about-it