Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Veterinary Education.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Accreditation Standards
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Background:

• Accreditation standards now require the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles.
• Veterinary schools face the challenge of adapting curricula to meet these new DEI requirements.
• Previous accreditation standards addressed DEI less comprehensively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore frameworks for integrating DEI into veterinary education.
• To examine the Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) framework as a potential solution.
• To analyze the shift in accreditation standards regarding DEI.

Main Methods:

• Review of current accreditation standards for veterinary schools.
• Analysis of the Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) framework provided by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).
• Comparison of the new DEI-integrated standards with previous accreditation requirements.

Main Results:

• The Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) framework is identified as a viable model for implementing DEI.
• Current accreditation standards incorporate DEI components across five distinct standards.
• This represents a significant shift from previous accreditation models that had a singular DEI standard.

Conclusions:

• The CBVE framework provides a structured approach for veterinary schools to embed DEI into their curriculum.
• The evolution of accreditation standards necessitates a proactive curriculum review and adaptation by veterinary institutions.
• Implementing DEI across multiple standards promotes a more holistic and integrated approach to these crucial principles in veterinary medicine.