RISE Remix — Moving Forward. No Turning Back.

DEI is a trending topic, but what does it really mean to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion? How do we take a deep look at our practices, veterinary schools, workplaces, and ourselves to unlearn damaging biases and make transformational change in veterinary medicine? How do we avoid pitfalls such as action bias and being performative? How do we approach DEI with intention and how do we ensure our work leads to measurable impact?

As we broaden our understanding of the world and welcome more voices to the table, we begin the process of challenging our previous views and re-evaluating past practices that may have caused undue harm for generations, both in our communities at home and in our outreach efforts abroad. As immigration shifts and veterinary hospitals, specialty centers, universities, and industries become more open to the prospects of employing veterinary professionals from other countries, our field must be cognizant of the barriers faced by veterinary professionals trained outside of the United States and learn how to best support, recruit and retain them.

The veterinary shortage crisis, housing instability, and continued inflation have magnified the need for affordable veterinary care, humane education outreach, and for more veterinary professionals that are adequately equipped to deliver care without unintentionally causing harm. We must provide career support to veterinary professionals with the common goal of collective human and animal health and welfare.

In a profession that continues to lack diverse representation, MCVMA’s RISE Remix provides a unique opportunity to learn from specialists and subject matter experts who are Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color. By showcasing racially and ethnically diverse presenters, we not only increase our knowledge base but also elevate ourselves and each other.