This message will appear in the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Bulletin.
With about one-quarter of current veterinary students at Illinois coming from backgrounds that have historically been under-represented in our profession, our college is moving closer to the goal of reflecting the demographics of the society we serve.
Dr. Yvette Johnson-Walker, through her appointment as coordinator of diversity and inclusion, works tirelessly not only to make the college environment more welcoming for people from all walks of life but also to help children from under-represented backgrounds learn about veterinary careers.
Recently, Dr. Ana Valbuena, one of the veterinarians at our Medical District clinic, took on a 20% appointment to conduct outreach activity from our Chicago headquarters. She is joined in this effort by Dr. Amanda Hampton, in a part-time appointment.
Below they share some of their activities and plans in these new roles, as well as their personal motivations.
How are you working to expand opportunities in veterinary medicine for young people in Chicago?
Dr. Hampton: This year, we partnered with STEM-focused high schools and community groups assisting historically marginalized communities to bring high school students to the Vet Med Open House in October. In addition to exploring the Open House exhibits, these students attended a Q&A panel with current DVM students and had lunch provided by the college diversity office.
Further, students that attended the event through the Chicago Village Bus Program [which was started in 2023 by veterinary student Naomi Esquivel] enjoyed visiting the cultural houses on the main Illinois campus, including La Casa.
We also are starting in-person visits to STEM-focused high schools in the Chicagoland area, particularly those who have large historically underrepresented student populations, to showcase what opportunities exist within the profession.
Accessibility to veterinary care is another important part of our outreach. We are partnering with the Veterinary Teaching Hospital to coordinate a Spay-A-Thon event to provide sterilization surgeries and preventive care to low-income community members in late spring next year.
Dr. Valbuena: The Medical District Veterinary Clinic has hosted many undergraduate students from UI-Chicago for job shadowing, and we are working to formalize this program.
Additionally, our clinic has several bilingual (English-Spanish) staff members, including two veterinarians. Dr. Angélica Calderón and I write our client-focused blogs in both languages, and we are participating in the Veterinary Mentoring Program jointly run by the Anti-Cruelty Society and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
I also gave a short lecture on DEI at work for fourth-year veterinary students taking the professional development course on business management, taught by Dr. Drew Sullivan.
Why is outreach important to you personally, and to the profession as a whole?
Dr. Valbuena: As an immigrant, I know firsthand the challenges and underrepresentation that come with being a minority in veterinary medicine, a field that is predominantly white. The lack of diversity not only limits the perspectives within the profession but also impacts the way we relate to and serve diverse communities.
Representation matters, especially for our youth. When young people see a professional, immigrant woman succeeding as a veterinarian, it expands their sense of possibility and belonging in this field.
I seek to be part of changing the face of veterinary medicine, showing future generations that our field can and will be as diverse as the clients and animals we serve. Increasing diversity in veterinary medicine helps make our profession more accessible and responsive to all communities.
Dr. Hampton: I can’t begin to count the number of people and institutions who have helped me get to where I am today. I feel grateful for those who paved the path that enabled me to give my best self, both personally and professionally, to the world. By helping students find their calling and by building a supportive framework that removes barriers and creates opportunities for future generations, we grow as a society and as a veterinary profession.
Another important facet of community outreach is accessibility to care. Meeting pet owners where they are socioeconomically, culturally, physically, and emotionally and showing them grace is such a fulfilling part of my career. When we connect with pet owners to provide veterinary care, we create a healthier pet population. And that, in turn, leads to improved human health.
How can Chicago-area practitioners support diversity in the veterinary profession?
Dr. Valbuena:
- Actively recruit team members from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are multilingual, to help bridge cultural and language gaps. Having staff who reflect the community fosters trust and make clients from various backgrounds feel more welcomed and understood. You can also use translation software to make documents accessible for non-English-speaking clients.
- Engage with local schools and community organizations to introduce students to veterinary medicine.
- Contribute to scholarships that support students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing veterinary education.
- Participate in training sessions focused on cultural competency, such as those offered by the AVMA.
In the photo at top, Dr. Ana Valbuena poses with veterinary students who answered questions from the Chicago-area high school students attending Open House in October as part of the Veterinary Mentoring Program or Latine Village Bus Program. Front: Dr. Ana Valbuena and Vanessa Salgado, Class of 2027. Rear, from left: Natalie Lopez, Class of 2028; Erica Jackson, Class of 2025; Juan Alanis, Class of 2026; Paulina Aboytes, Class of 2027; and Giselle Ibarra, Class of 2028.
