AVMA convention to feature diversity symposium

MINNEAPOLIS - 6/9/05 - The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) plans to host a program to address diversity in veterinary medicine during the group?s annual convention next month in Minneapolis.

The Diversity Symposium kicks off July 16, and will feature nationally recognized speakers discussing ideas on how the veterinary profession can promote racial and ethnic diversity. Topics to be explored include:

- The importance of diversity in the veterinary profession and the barriers that stand in our way;

- Making your clinic Hispanic friendly;

- Personal experiences: leadership in a profession that does not like me,

- Mentoring and recruiting daily; and

- Diversity: the veterinary profession at a critical crossroads.

The all-day symposium will end with a town hall-style panel discussion that encourages audience participation. A keynote luncheon address will feature former Miss America and CBS news contributor Debbye Turner, DVM.