College Connection | Fall 2025
Cross-cultural interactions with clients, veterinary teams
College Connection | Fall 2025
CULTURAL HUMILITY
Cross-cultural interactions with clients, veterinary teams
In the past two issues, Dr. Lynn Henderson and Dr. Jennifer Ogeer have shared their understanding of cultural humility, including guidance for new veterinarians and potential barriers to an inclusive veterinary profession. Cultural humility invites individuals to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and self-reflection in their interactions with diverse cultures, which helps to foster meaningful cross-cultural interactions.
Dr. Lynn Henderson
How can veterinarians navigate cross-cultural interactions with clients, especially when discussing difficult topics like end-of-life care?
As is the solution to most difficult client interactions, communication is key. Whether a conflict or misunderstanding regarding care comes from a‘ cultural’ root or not, the solution likely lies in communication.
As a practitioner attempting to explain a diagnostic test, prognoses, or procedure to a client, it is important to understand where the gaps in alignment are occurring. We often assume misunderstandings are on the side of the client regarding the complicated nature of what we are explaining or offering to them. We may persist with our explanation in the hope it will eventually‘ make sense’.
What if we endeavored to understand the client’ s perspectives as deeply as we expect them to try to understand ours? Is the reason for misalignment the fact the person does not understand the clinical situation? Or, do you not yet understand their situation / worries / limitations?
With end-of-life cases, there are spiritual traditions that preclude euthanasia. Is our effort best aimed at countering that belief system? Or might we acknowledge that decision, and turn our efforts towards the best care we can provide that does not include pharmacological euthanasia?
Another place for kindness and cultural humility is body care and memorialization. Whether an animal dies naturally or through euthanasia, there may be several ways to care for the body; facilitating these options, can be healing for individuals. Consider visitation timing, how the body is wrapped, stored, and transported, facilitating at-home euthanasia and / or burial, fur-trimming or ashes, music, or poetry. As the fundamental tenet of cultural humility is understanding that which we do not know about ourselves in interacting with others, use these tender clinical times to learn about what clients need, and be creative in meeting them where they are.
About Dr. Henderson: Dr. Henderson is the Veterinary Director at the Kim & Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program and is pursuing a PhD in Social and Behavioural Public Health.
Dr. Jennifer Ogeer
As leaders in the field, how do you foster a culture of accountability and reflection on issues of equity and inclusion within the veterinary teams you work with?
As leaders, we need to embrace individual differences, encourage authenticity, and no longer promote the antiquated idea of being a good‘ cultural fit.’ Diversifying the veterinary team allows us to communicate effectively for quality patient care and outcomes, and trust-building with clients. When communication is open, honest, and transparent, it improves engagement and allows for inclusive and uncomfortable conversations.
Recognizing our own unconscious biases can be challenging. Practise listening with empathy and being an ally for a growth mindset, as they are critical assets towards fostering a culture of accountability and reflection on equity, diversity and inclusivity topics. Our teams can learn, adapt and evolve through our actions and decisions to create a psychologically safe environment where everyone belongs and feels heard.
We must commit to removing systemic barriers that hinder marginalized and underrepresented communities from accessing the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the humananimal bond. We must build an environment where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and free to show up as their authentic selves.
As a leader that practises cultural humility, the benefits are tremendous: enhanced team cohesion, productivity, innovation, and decreased stress and mental health challenges.
About Dr. Ogeer: Dr. Ogeer is dedicated to building community beyond color, gender, race, and economic barriers. She volunteers with Veterinarians without Borders, the OVC Pet Trust, the Diversity Veterinary Medicine Coalition, and the Black Veterinary Professionals Association of Canada.
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