Navigating Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine by Greenhill Lisa M.;Davis Kauline Cipriani;Lowrie Patricia M.;Amass Sandra F.;

Author:Greenhill, Lisa M.;Davis, Kauline Cipriani;Lowrie, Patricia M.;Amass, Sandra F.;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Purdue University Press

Chapter 7

“Here Be Dragons”: Barriers to and Opportunities for Change

James W. Lloyd, DVM, PhD

The phrase “hic sunt dracones” or “here be dragons” was used by early map makers to indicate unexplored areas (Shirin 2011).

Inclusiveness in veterinary medicine will ultimately entail two distinct but closely related achievements: 1) a broad-based cultural competence across the profession, and 2) an incoming stream of new entrants to the profession whose demographics with regard to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and religion approximate those of the general public. The journey toward inclusiveness is strewn with challenges along the way. However, these challenges are rightly framed as opportunities for improvement and progress. Clearly identifying such opportunities provides direction for the way forward.

At the outset, it is critical to recognize the complexity of the journey toward inclusiveness. In that regard, success will require a systems approach to help “find a way” because changes, improvements, or shortcomings in one phase of the system will almost invariably be dependent, and/or have an impact, on the situation in the rest of the system. In addition, dealing effectively with the complexity will require clear enumeration, recognition, and understanding of the key issues, challenges, and opportunities we face, in effect to help “make a way.” Ultimately, it will be vital that we then consider these factors together in the systems context.

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