College Connection | Fall 2023
OVC students provide guidance on allyship in the profession continued from previous page
College Connection | Fall 2023
OVC students provide guidance on allyship in the profession continued from previous page
Veterinarians work closely as a team with valuable technicians , assistants , and receptionists . However , whether we are part of the management team or not , we are leaders .
We should demonstrate a higher level of allyship by example . Here are some ways in which we can do just that :
Avoid microaggressions
• Address them in the workplace , set the tone that they will not be tolerated
• Speak up even when members of minority groups are not around !
Attend seminars run by LGBTQIA + & POC people
• Show them support , keep an open mind & be willing to learn from these people
• Stay up-to-date on current issues , especially in your surrounding area
Lead by empathy : support staff & colleagues
• Provide opportunities for staff & colleagues to leave feedback ( anonymously or in-person )
• Carry out routine check-ins & debriefs with staff , especially following traumatic or hurtful situations involving discriminatory speech or actions & provide access to resources ( we ’ ve listed a few below !)
Embrace diversity within the practice
• Encourage discussion & celebrate important dates , perhaps on a bulletin board or during meetings
Posters / stickers around a practice
• A simple , yet effective visual cue that your practice celebrates and supports LGBTQIA + & POC individuals , and will not tolerate hate
Veterinary medicine is a profession that we are both extremely proud to be a part of . What is at the core ? We as veterinarians are frequently advocating for animals , who don ’ t have a voice . Let ’ s extend that to unwaveringly include people , even though they aren ’ t our patients .
More information
Pride VMC website : information on allyship , gender diversity & more
https :// pridevmc . org
AVMA diversity and inclusion : upcoming events , news & resources including podcasts , webinars & information on how to prevent workplace harassment
https :// www . avma . org / resources-tools / diversity-and-inclusion-veterinarymedicine
DVM 360 The dangers of performative allyship : an interesting article providing insight on performative allyship
https :// www . dvm360 . com / view / the-dangers-of-performative-allyship
Resources
Indigenous allyship resources – https :// livinghyphen . ca /
Parents , Friends of Lesbians and Gays ( PFLAG ) – is a resource for LGBTQIA2 + people and their families
www . pflagcanada . ca
Toronto Metropolitan University - resources on inclusion , equity & microaggressions
https :// www . torontomu . ca / equity / resources / discourse-docs / microaggressions /
Practice Advisory Service
Our Practice Advisors respond to more than 1,800 requests annually ! The Practice Advisors provide information on regulations , policy and expectations associated with the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario . Call today !
practiceadvice @ cvo . org or 1-800-424-2856 extension 2401
Public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 9