Purdue opens diversity training center for veterinarians

Addressing diversity in veterinary medicine has never been more important, and a new program at Purdue is now offering veterinarians additional training in intercultural skills.

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine's new Center of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine opened in September in partnership with the Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The center offers virtual resources and training designed to provide veterinary students, professionals and support staff with the skills they need to be successful in an increasingly diverse world. Additional programs will be added as the center grows. Current certificate programs offered focus on skills in communication, leadership, teaching and learning, and cultural competency.

“This new center and the certificate programs administered by Purdue will help fulfill one of the key recommendations of the 2011 North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium report, which emphasized that intercultural awareness was a core competency that all veterinarians should possess 'because culture and belief systems impact delivery of veterinary medical care,'" says Sandra San Miguel, Purdue's associate dean for engagement and professor of veterinary clinical sciences.

“We envision an inclusive veterinary profession that is prepared to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse society," says Willie Reed, dean of Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine. "We believe that establishing a veterinary workforce where all individuals are inspired, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential will lead to breakthroughs in animal and public health."

Program participants will complete a series of online learning modules, as well as community engagement and cultural experiences, to enhance their skill in navigating the diversity of generations, sexual orientation, ability, gender, race and ethnicity, San Miguel says. Certificates and nine hours of continuing education credit are awarded upon program completion.

For more information or to register for the program, visit vet.purdue.edu/humancenteredvetmed.