Midwest Conference addresses lack of racial diversity

Columbus, Ohio-The lack of racial diversity in veterinary medicine is the topic of a national forum in late February.

On Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, the Midwest Veterinary Conference, in collaboration with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), will host the Iverson Bell Symposium – "A Town Hall Meeting on the State of Diversity in the Veterinary Profession." The symposium is slated for the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Columbus, Ohio, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The primary goal of the Iverson Bell Symposium, according to conference chair Dr. Evan Morse, is to promote racial diversity in the veterinary profession. The symposium, which is more than 30 years old, is named in honor of an African-American veterinarian who rose to the position of Vice President of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Morse adds that the veterinary profession needs to reflect the changing face of America. An estimated 95 percent of all veterinarians currently in practice are white. "To remain relevant and productive, the profession must focus on solutions to this important issue," the conference chair says.

The upcoming Iverson Bell Symposium will feature nationally recognized speakers who will present ideas on how the veterinary profession can promote diversity. The day-long symposium will be highlighted by a keynote luncheon address by Iverson Bell, Jr., M.D. reflecting on the life and times of his father. There will be breakout sessions/panel discussions throughout the day. Audience participation is welcomed and highly encouraged.

Registration is available on-line at www.mvcinfo.org or by contacting the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (800) 662-6862 or (614) 486-7253.

This year's symposium is presented through the exclusive sponsorship of Pfizer Animal Health and has been coordinated by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Diversity Task Force.