Beginning with the End in Mind: Creating a Practice that Centers Equity-Part 1

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Social Equity
• Community Health

Background:

• Veterinary medicine exhibits a lack of sociodemographic diversity.
• Systemically excluded groups face workplace discrimination risks.
• Financial and other barriers impact client families' animal welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of equity in companion animal veterinary practice.
• To explore how equity can transform well-being in North American practices.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on equity in veterinary settings.
• Analysis of sociodemographic data in veterinary medicine.
• Examination of barriers faced by clients and veterinary professionals.

Main Results:

• Equity is essential for addressing historical and current barriers.
• Lack of diversity poses risks to veterinary teams.
• Client barriers negatively affect animal health and welfare.

Conclusions:

• Implementing equity principles can improve well-being for veterinary teams.
• Addressing systemic inequities is vital for community animal welfare.
• This review sets the stage for transforming veterinary practice through equity.