AVMA to host LGBTQ+ events, sessions at 2018 conventionJune 28, 2018In its ongoing effort to support LGBTQ+ veterinarians, students, and colleagues, and improve their well-being, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will be hosting events and a series of sessions at its 2018 convention next month in Denver. The Pride Veterinary Medical Community will host a town hall titled "Be Your Authentic Self." Group discussion will allow LGBTQ+ veterinary professionals to learn from their colleagues how they deal with stigma, barriers, and personal empowerment in practice. Pride VMC also will host its board meeting, as well as its annual meeting and networking reception, on Saturday, July 14, from 5 - 7 p.m., followed by AVMA's inaugural "Live Life, Love All" event from 7 - 11 p.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe Denver. "Revealing Hidden Biases: How It Can Impact Our Ability To Provide Successful Veterinary Care," a panel discussion presented by the Women's Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative and Pride Veterinary Medical Community, will help attendees identify personal biases that may hinder communication with a client regarding pet care and compliance, and find ways to increase understanding and foster empathy toward clients and coworkers. This session will be held Saturday, July 14. On Sunday, July 15, …
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AVMA salutes LGBTQ+ veterinarians, colleagues during Pride MonthJune 27, 2018The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is celebrating Pride Month by sharing stories of LGBTQ+ veterinarians and their colleagues, which can be viewed at AVMA's Facebook page. The AVMA and the Pride Veterinary Medical Community (formerly LGVMA) collaborate to support veterinary students and professionals who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as LGBTQ+ clients. "We believe diversity fosters a climate conducive to success for all members of the veterinary medical community and affirms the value of human diversity for the enrichment of our communities," said Janet Donlin, DVM, AVMA CEO. "The AVMA believes that diversity and inclusion make us stronger, which is why we stand up in support of our LGBTQ colleagues during the month of June." The effort to recognize LGBTQ+ veterinarians, students, and colleagues is an important step in improving their well-being, according to Melinda Merck, DVM, president of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community. "Being LGBTQ can create additional stressors, such as the inability to be authentic and to feel safe," said Dr. Merck. "If we can't be our authentic selves, or feel safe in that authenticity, it creates barriers that hinder our relationships with coworkers and clients, and can ultimately have a negative impact …
