This article was originally printed in the March/April 2025 issue of the California Veterinarian magazine.
As a practicing veterinarian in New York and Houston, two of the most diverse cities in the United States, I saw firsthand the disparities in veterinary patient care due to language barriers and cultural differences. Often, I was the only doctor—and the only person of color— in the practice. This disconnect with clients who were people of color directly changed patient care and the veterinary client- patient relationship.
The veterinary profession has long been one of the least ethnically diversified medical professions in the United States. According to the 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, only 7.9% of employed veterinarians are Hispanic/Latinx, 5.9% are Asian, and 1.3% are Black, while 90% are white.¹
This lack of diversity affects not only the profession but also pet owners, as research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute revealed that 53% of pet owners want to see themselves reflected in their veterinary teams.²
In the course of my practice experience, it became clear to me that we need to diversify the next generation of veterinary professionals, and to do so, we need to show kids a path to becoming veterinarians and provide them with the support and resources to get there.
This realization led me to create blendVET® and our Youth Pathways Program, “Believe and Belong in Veterinary Medicine,” in 2022, designed to provide exposure and representation for students in underserved communities.
The Power of Early Exposure
Research shows that 41% of career aspirations that adults had made prior to being 12 years of age matched their current occupations, which is prudent to pipeline initiatives in this age group and younger.³ Our Youth Pathways Program introduces middle and high school students to diverse opportunities in the veterinary profession.
We recognize that creating meaningful change starts with early intervention and purposeful action. By bringing veterinary career education directly to students in underserved communities, we’re not just raising awareness—we’re opening doors and igniting passions.
Through immersive experiences, students explore various roles and specializations, from surgery and emergency medicine to clinical pathology and shelter medicine. This interactive approach allows them to envision themselves in these roles, breaking down barriers of representation that often deter underrepresented youth from pursuing veterinary careers.
We meet students where they are, within their own schools and communities, removing logistical hurdles that might otherwise prevent or impede exposure to veterinary medicine. This strategy creates a familiar and comfortable environment where students can freely explore, learn, and discover the vast possibilities within the field.
Our program’s success is greatly enhanced by the diverse representation within our faculty and the invaluable support from volunteers across the veterinary community. These professionals share not only their ability but also their personal journeys, proving to students that a career in veterinary medicine is attainable regardless of their background.
Empowering Dreams, Transforming Lives
The power of our Youth Pathway events lies not just in what we teach, but in the spark we ignite. As veterinary professionals, we often get caught up in the day-to-day challenges of our work. But when we step into these events, something remarkable happens. We reconnect with our passion, our purpose—our “why.”
Imagine the joy of seeing a young student’s eyes light up as they hold a stethoscope for the first time, or the pride in a parent’s face as they watch their child confidently practice suture techniques using model kits. These firsthand experiences remind us why we chose this profession and allow us to pour that enthusiasm into the next generation.
The impact ripples through entire communities, touching students, parents, and educators alike. We’re not just sharing knowledge; we’re nurturing dreams and opening doors that many thought were closed due to their race, ethnicity, or beliefs.
Transforming the Future of Veterinary Medicine
By diversifying the pipeline of future veterinarians, we’re working to create a profession that better reflects the communities it serves. A more diverse veterinary workforce brings numerous benefits, including improved communication with a diverse client base, enhanced cultural competence in animal care, increased innovation through diverse perspectives, and better representation for underserved communities, ultimately providing better patient outcomes.
Hence, our commitment extends beyond the students to include their support systems. We engage parents and educators, providing resources and guidance to nurture these budding interests long after our events conclude. This comprehensive approach ensures that the seeds we plant have the best chance to grow and flourish, creating a sustainable pipeline of diverse talent for the veterinary profession.
While blendVET is at the forefront of this initiative, we recognize that creating lasting change requires collaboration across the veterinary community. We partner with local veterinary practices, academic institutions, and industry organizations to provide comprehensive education and resources for aspiring veterinarians. Last year, we were proud to reach 500 middle and high school students across seven states, thanks to the generous support of our partners.
The Road Ahead
As we continue to expand our Youth Pathways Program, we are committed to removing barriers for students and their families and creating sustainability in academic curricula. Over the next two years, we’re excited to be partnering with North American Veterinary Community and others to develop 12 programs across the U.S., serving over 1,000 students.
The journey to diversify veterinary medicine is ongoing, but through programs like ours, we’re making significant strides. By investing in the next generation of veterinary professionals, we’re not just changing individual lives—we’re shaping the future of animal health care.
To my fellow veterinary professionals: you have the power to be part of this transformation. Your expertise, your stories, and your presence can make all the difference. Consider volunteering at a blendVET Pathways event, offering shadowing opportunities at your clinic, or mentoring an aspiring veterinary professional. Every small act can be the catalyst that sets a young person on the path to a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine.
We hope that you’ll consider partnering with us as an advocate, volunteer, educator, or sponsor. Together, we can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive veterinary profession—one student at a time. Learn more at www.blend.vet.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employed persons by detailed occupation, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. U.S. Department of Labor. January 26, 2024. bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm
Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). Global research confirms the strong bond between people and pets. dvm360. January 19, 2022. habri.org/DEI
Greenhill LG, Davis K, Lowrie P, Amass S. Navigating Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. Purdue University. 2020.
The topic of Dr. Niccole Bruno’s presentations at the 2025 Pacific Veterinary Conference will be advancing DEIB in veterinary medicine. Attend her sessions in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging track in person in Long Beach on June 29, 2025.
Skip to content