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En honor al Mes de La Historia Afroamericana, profundizaremos en por qué la diversidad es importante en la medicina veterinaria.

La diversidad en la medicina veterinaria no es solo un imperativo moral; es una necesidad para el avance del campo y la provisión de atención equitativa a todos los animales. Sin embargo, a pesar del reconocimiento creciente de su importancia, persisten disparidades en la representación de grupos minoritarios dentro de los programas veterinarios.

Mejor Acceso a la Atención

Las comunidades minoritarias a menudo enfrentan barreras para acceder a la atención veterinaria, incluyendo factores socioeconómicos, lenguaje, diferencias culturales y ubicación geográfica. Con solo 1.3% de veterinarios afroamericanos/negros y 7.9% hispanos/latines reportados en 2023, al aumentar la diversidad dentro de la profesión veterinaria, podemos comprender y abordar mejor las necesidades únicas de estas comunidades, asegurando que todos los animales reciban la atención que merecen.

Innovación y Resolución de Problemas

Los equipos diversos son más hábiles para resolver problemas e innovar debido a la variedad de perspectivas y enfoques que aportan. En la medicina veterinaria, esta diversidad de pensamiento puede llevar a soluciones creativas para desafíos complejos, desde la prevención de enfermedades hasta las metodologías de tratamiento.

Representación y Modelos a Seguir

Aumentar la diversidad dentro de los programas veterinarios, sean doctores, enfermeros, asistentes, o personal de recepción, presenta una oportunidad para los grupos subrepresentados modelos a seguir y mentores a quienes pueden relacionarse e inspirarse para emular. Esta representación es esencial para inspirar a las futuras generaciones de profesionales veterinarios diversos y derribar barreras de entrada al campo.

Estadísticas sobre las Tasas de Aceptación para Minorías

Aunque ha habido avances en el aumento de la diversidad dentro de los programas veterinarios, persisten disparidades en las tasas de aceptación para estudiantes de minorías. Según datos recientes:

• Los estudiantes afroamericanos/negros constituyen solo un pequeño porcentaje de los solicitantes y matriculados en escuelas de veterinaria, con tasas de aceptación significativamente más bajas que las de sus contrapartes blancos.
• Los estudiantes hispanos/latines también están subrepresentados en los programas veterinarios, enfrentando barreras como acceso limitado a recursos educativos y limitaciones financieras.
• Los estudiantes indígenas/nativos americanos están entre los grupos más subrepresentados en la medicina veterinaria, con tasas de aceptación muy por debajo del promedio nacional.

A pesar de los esfuerzos para promover la diversidad y la inclusión dentro de la educación veterinaria, estas estadísticas resaltan la necesidad de defensa y acción continuas para abordar barreras sistémicas y aumentar el acceso a programas veterinarios para estudiantes de minorías.

Conclusión

La diversidad no es solo una palabra de moda; es un aspecto fundamental de la medicina veterinaria que enriquece la profesión y mejora la calidad de la atención proporcionada a los animales. Con 25% de grupos subrepresentados componiendo la clase de 2025 en el Colegio de Medicina Veterinaria en la Universidad de Illinois, seguiremos los esfuerzos para aumentar la representación y abordar las disparidades en las tasas de aceptación para minorías. Podemos construir una fuerza laboral veterinaria más inclusiva que refleje la diversidad de las comunidades a las que servimos. Es hora de reconocer la importancia de la diversidad en la medicina veterinaria y tomar medidas significativas hacia la creación de una profesión más equitativa e inclusiva.

—Dr. Ana Valbuena

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The Importance of Diversity in Veterinary Medicine

Leer en español

Diversity in veterinary medicine is not just a moral imperative; it’s a necessity for advancing the field and providing equitable care to all animals. However, despite the growing recognition of its importance, disparities persist in the representation of minority groups within veterinary programs.

In honor of Black History Month, we will delve into why diversity is important in veterinary medicine.

Better Access to Care

Minority communities often face barriers to accessing veterinary care, including socioeconomic factors, language barriers, cultural differences, and geographical location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among all U.S. veterinarians in 2023 only 1.3% are African American/Black veterinarians and 7.9% are Hispanic/Latinx veterinarians. Increasing diversity within the veterinary profession allows us to better understand and address the unique needs of these communities, ensuring that all animals receive the care they deserve.

Innovation and Problem Solving

Diverse teams are more adept at problem-solving and innovation due to the variety of perspectives and approaches they bring. In veterinary medicine, this diversity of thought can lead to creative solutions for complex challenges, from disease prevention to treatment methodologies.

Representation and Role Models

Increasing diversity within veterinary programs, whether doctors, nurses, assistants, or reception staff, provides an opportunity for underrepresented groups to find role models and mentors they can relate to and aspire to emulate. This representation is essential for inspiring future generations of diverse veterinary professionals and breaking down barriers to entry into the field.

Statistics on Acceptance Rates for Minorities

Although there have been advances in increasing diversity within veterinary programs, disparities persist in acceptance rates for minority students. According to recent data:

• African American/Black students make up only a small percentage of applicants and enrollees in veterinary schools, with significantly lower acceptance rates than their white counterparts.
• Hispanic/Latinx students are also underrepresented in veterinary programs, facing barriers such as limited access to educational resources and financial constraints.
• Indigenous/Native American students are among the most underrepresented groups in veterinary medicine, with acceptance rates far below the national average.

Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within veterinary education, these statistics highlight the need for continued advocacy and action to address systemic barriers and increase access to veterinary programs for minority students.

Conclusion

Diversity is not just a trend; it’s a fundamental aspect of veterinary medicine that enriches the profession and improves the quality of care provided to animals. For the past four years, the incoming class of students at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois has been made up of one-quarter students from underrepresented groups. We will continue efforts to increase representation and address disparities in acceptance rates for minorities. We can build a more inclusive veterinary workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. It’s time to recognize the importance of diversity in veterinary medicine and take meaningful steps toward creating a more equitable and inclusive profession.

—Dr. Ana Valbuena

The Medical District Veterinary Clinic is excited to introduce Dr. Jeanette Barragan, who joins our practice on June 15. Dr. Barragan has lived on the southwest side of Chicago her whole life – except for the nine years she attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a bachelor’s degree in integrated biology, a minor in chemistry, and to earn her veterinary degree.

For the past two years she has practiced in a Naperville clinic, and she is looking forward to becoming part of the care team at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic.

“I have actually been bringing my own cats to the Medical District Veterinary Clinic since before I entered my veterinary studies,” she says. “I was always impressed by the friendly staff and the high standards of care the doctors provided.”

My focus as a practitioner is to provide outstanding preventative and medical care, and to develop lifelong relationships with my patients and their families.

Dr. Jeanette Barragan

The collaborative atmosphere of a multi-doctor practice will be a welcome change for Dr. Barragan, who has been the sole veterinarian at the clinic in Naperville. She’s also eager to see a more diverse clientele at the Harrison Street location, which will reflect the neighborhood she grew up in.

“My focus as a practitioner is to provide outstanding preventative and medical care, and to develop lifelong relationships with my patients and their families,” she says. “My goal is to build trust with pet owners by ensuring the best experience for them. That means offering a variety of treatment options and supporting my clients as they choose what’s right for their family.”

Dr. Barragan’s dream of becoming a veterinarian started when she was just a child. As she pursued this goal, she realized that community outreach and serving pet owners without access to quality veterinary care was something she wanted to incorporate into her professional life. She also hopes to get involved at animal shelters in her time away from the clinic.

Her own pet family currently consists of three cats: Mia, Finn, and Dory. “Of course, I love caring for all dogs and cats, but I am partial to cats,” she admits.

Due to the extended stay-at-home order, starting Monday, April 13, Medical District Veterinary Clinic will offer telemedicine appointments to continue to support our clients.

Please review the following information before you schedule an appointment:

• All telemedicine appointments are for established patients who have been seen within the past 12 months. These patients have a current Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), making telemedicine a legally acceptable form of care
• Telemedicine appointments can be scheduled for non-emergency sick patients. For example: skin issues, ear infections, lameness, management of chronic conditions, diarrhea, and behavior issues. These appointments will be a convenience for clients, will allow doctors to service more of our clients, and will decrease person-to-person contact.
• Telemedicine appointments can be scheduled:
  • If the patient is sick and the client is also sick/quarantined/has been exposed to illness
  • If the pet is ill and the client cannot come into the clinic for other reasons
  • If the pet’s illness is not emergent but should be discussed with a doctor
• Telemedicine appointments will be available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between 8 am and 12 pm. (This may change based on demand.)
• The cost of telemedicine appointments is $30.
• If during the telemedicine appointment, the doctor deems that the pet should be physically seen, the $30 telemedicine fee will still apply. The exam fee for the in-clinic appointment will be discounted to $40 (from $62) if the in-clinic appointment is scheduled and seen within 72 hours of the telemedicine appointment.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Dear Clients and Patients:

I’m writing to let you know that we are here to help you through this tough time.

While this COVID-19 pandemic disrupts our normal lives, we want to provide you with reassurance that Medical District Veterinary Clinic is available to help when your pet has needs. At the same time, as members of the medical community, we have an obligation to help protect the health and safety of our community.

We as veterinarians have taken an oath not only to protect the health and welfare of animals, but also to promote public health. Currently, we are in a public health crisis, and we want to encourage all our clients to do their part and stay home whenever possible.

Due to this crisis, we are working with limited staff and practicing social distancing wherever possible. We have made the following changes to our procedures so that we can meet our clients’ needs while adhering to guidelines for limiting the spread of COVID-19.

1. We are seeing urgent appointments only.
2. All owners will be asked to wait in their car during appointments. Doctors will communicate exam findings over the phone and discuss diagnostics.
3. Payment will be collected over the phone, and the pet will be returned to the car after procedures are completed.
4. Vaccinations:
   • Puppy and kitten vaccines: We feel these vaccines are very important to the health and safety of these patients and should be continued on recommended normal schedule.
   • Adult pet vaccines: Although vaccines are very important, some vaccinations could be postponed 1 to 2 months, especially for dogs with limited social interaction. If your pet is due for vaccinations, please call us to discuss scheduling options.
5. Medication pick-up: Curbside service is now available. The owner will be asked to pay over the phone, and medications will be brought to the car.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this difficult time. We hope to resume normal operation in early May and will keep you updated as the situation evolves.

If you need additional resources please refer to our Pet FAQ’s.

Drew Sullivan, DVM
Medical Director

The situation is very fluid. Please check this post or our Facebook page for updates.

Last updated March 17.

With recent developments in COVID-19, Medical District Veterinary Clinic is implementing reduced service in order to keep our staff, clients, and community safe. (Remember, your pets are not at risk from COVID-19, but having people bringing their pets to a public place increases the risks for people.)

We will continue to see SICK patients only; wellness and routine procedures will be postponed.

If your pet is due for a crucial vaccine, such as rabies, and your pet goes to daycare or boarding, please contact us to find out if an exception can be made.
If you have a fever, cough, sore throat, or possible exposure to COVID-19, please do not come to the clinic. Arrange for someone else to bring your sick pet to see us.
Stay safe! We all need to work together—but at least 6 feet apart—to implement these public health measures.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! We have the best clients in Chicago! ♥

Our clinic will close at 4 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We reopen at 7 am on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Wishing everyone a warm and happy holiday!

If you need emergency veterinary care while we are closed, please visit MedVet Chicago, 3123 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago; (773) 281-7110.

August 22 is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day, which is the purr-fect opportunity to schedule your cat’s routine check-up with us.

Around 83% of cats visit the veterinarian before their first birthday, but more than half don’t return until they become sick or are in pain. When we see our feline patients more regularly, we can positively affect their long-term health by detecting health concerns sooner.

Below are key reasons why it is important to bring your cat for an annual exam:

Cats Age Very Quickly Compared to Humans

A cat reaches the human age of 15 during its first year, and 24 by its second year. Each year after, your cat ages approximately 4 “human years” for every calendar year. Therefore, annual veterinary care is crucial because a lot can happen in 4 years.

Cats Are Masters of Hiding Illness and Pain

Your cat could be developing a health condition long before you notice anything is wrong. You may not recognize some behavior changes as being significant, but subtle or minor changes may help to uncover hidden issues. It is very important for us to see your cats on a regular basis because we are trained to detect a problem before it advances or becomes more difficult to treat.

Obesity

Over half of all cats are overweight or obese. We like to check your cat’s weight at each visit and provide recommendations to help keep your cat at its ideal weight. A few extra pounds can put your cat at risk for conditions such as diabetes, heart, respiratory, joint, and kidney disease.

Dental Disease

Adult cats have 30 teeth, which equates to a lot of dental care! Periodontal disease is considered the most prevalent disease in cats three years of age and older, and often there are no obvious signs of dental disease.

Most cats with dental disease still eat without a noticeable change in appetite, so it is very important perform routine oral examinations before the disease has progressed to the point of obvious illness.

Preventative Care Is Better Than Reactive Care

Information discussed, along with a thorough physical exam, allows us to create a plan to help your cat remain healthy. Regular exams can help avoid medical emergencies since we can often detect conditions or diseases long before they become significant, painful, or more costly to treat.

Please visit www.catvets.com/cat2vetday for more valuable tips on how to reduce stress during veterinary visits and make the visit as pleasant as possible for your cat.

Amber Slaughter, DVM
Medical District Veterinary Clinic

Pictured above: Anastasia, 15 weeks old, recently came to see us for her first vet visit.  

Are you ready to put your clinical skills, communication skills, and caring into practice at a clinic committed to delivering the best veterinary service? The University of Illinois Medical District Veterinary Clinic in Chicago seeks a veterinary technician to be part of our patient-centered, client-focused team.

This full-time (37.5-hour week), civil-service (contract) position requires successful completion of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (veterinary technician – general) or one year of professional experience and certification as veterinary technician by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The University of Illinois offers generous vacation and sick leave benefits.

View classification specifications:
https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/documents/ClassSpecs/htm/spec4080.htm

Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to:
Keri Dean
Veterinary Medicine HR
keridean@illinois.edu
(217) 244-9271

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a written contingent offer.

Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity (inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).