Conversation about Diversity with Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges

Dean Mark Stetter sat down with Drs. Terrence Ferguson and Vernard Hodges-aka The Critter Fixers-for an insightful conversation on diversity in veterinary medicine and the importance of representation.
Our guests reflected on their experiences over the past 25 years and discussed the lack of diversity in the profession. Drs. Ferguson and Hodges also acknowledged a recent shift in attitudes, with conversations on diversity now taking place at many levels from institutions to professional organizations. They emphasized the importance of having these conversations and fostering a sense of community, encouraged open dialogue and active learning as essential steps toward promoting diversity, and stressed the need to find common ground and focus on what unites us rather than our differences.
As a testament to the importance of diverse role models, Drs. Ferguson and Hodges shared how their television show Critter Fixers has inspired individuals-including those from underrepresented communities-to consider a career in veterinary medicine. In addition, we discussed the university's role in promoting diversity and the importance of creating an inclusive environment in which students from various backgrounds feel welcomed and supported.
As veterinary medicine leaders, we recognize the need to change the current landscape of diversity within the field. We're optimistic that we will see positive changes and our efforts' impact in the coming years.

[@NWG1961]

I think this is a great conversation. I was born in Stockton in 1961 and grew up in Manteca. We went on a field trip to UC Davis and saw how they could perform surgery on horses. I had never really thought about Black doctors of veterinary medicine. I am 62 and now I see how many inequalities there were when I was growing up. Let us get everyone of every color and life into veterinary medicine, which includes gay people, black people and ALL people.