Can veterinary medicine improve diversity in post-graduate training programs? Current state of academic veterinary medicine and recommendations on best practices

Ruthanne Chun Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

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Elizabeth Davis Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

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Nicholas Frank Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA

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Henry W. Green III Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

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Lisa Greenhill American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, Washington, DC

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Karl E. Jandrey Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA

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Chad M. Johannes Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

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Jonathan Levine Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

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Steven L. Marks Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

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Sraavya Polisetti American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, Washington, DC

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Kenita S. Rogers Center for Change and Conflict Resolution (CCR), Wimberley, TX

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L. Chris Sanchez Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

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Abstract

The American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC) convened a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity working group in March 2021 to address the limited diversity (including but not limited to ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity) in clinical post-DVM graduate training programs and academic faculty. Concurrent with a working group formation, the AAVC developed a strategic plan. The central mission of the AAVC is to develop, support, and connect academic leaders to fuel the future of the veterinary medical profession. House officers and their training programs are central to all goals outlined in the strategic plan. Amongst other strategic goals, the working group identified best practices for intern and resident recruitment and selection. We report herein from the current health profession literature ways to identify and recruit talented, diverse candidates especially those with non-traditional (atypical) preparation and experience. We also provide recommendations on best practices for intern and resident selection. This document highlights holistic approaches, some of which are incrementally being incorporated into the Veterinary Intern Resident Matching Program application, that emphasize diversity as a selection criteria for intern and resident selection an important step towards building a more resilient and inclusive workforce. These include expanding candidate assessment beyond grades and class rank into a more standardized method for screening candidates that includes consideration of life experiences and talents outside of veterinary medicine.

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