AANHPI Heritage Month: Elevating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Voices in Veterinary Medicine

Written by Renea Lewis, Marketing Communications, blendVET®
Founder & AI-Powered Marketing Strategist, WriterReneaMultimedia.com

Each May, the United States observes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities. In the realm of veterinary medicine, this observance serves as a poignant reminder of the strides made and the journey ahead toward fostering a more inclusive and representative profession.

The Current Landscape: Representation in Veterinary Medicine

Despite the growing diversity of the U.S. population, veterinary medicine remains one of the least diverse professions. According to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), approximately 5.9% of veterinarians nationwide are Asian, and less than 1% are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.¹ This underrepresentation underscores the need for concerted efforts to attract and support individuals from AANHPI backgrounds in veterinary careers.

Organizations Leading the Charge: Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals (AAVMP)

Founded amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAVMP aims to empower, mentor, and support Asian veterinary professionals both in the U.S. and internationally. With 14 student chapters at AVMA-accredited veterinary schools and members in seven countries, the AAVMP is building a global community dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine.²

blendVET® collaborates with diverse organizations to provide DEIB continuing education training and certification programs for veterinary teams. Their initiatives include their believe & belong in veterinary medicine youth pathway program that inspires children and young adults from underserved communities to consider careers in veterinary medicine.³

The Importance of DEIB in Veterinary Medicine

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are essential components of a thriving veterinary profession. Embracing DEIB principles leads to:

• Enhanced patient care: diverse teams bring varied perspectives, leading to more comprehensive and culturally competent care.
• Improved team dynamics: inclusive environments foster collaboration, innovation, and job satisfaction.
• Broader community engagement: representation within the profession encourages trust and engagement from diverse communities.

Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Future

To create a veterinary profession that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, we must:

• Support pipeline programs: encourage and support initiatives that introduce veterinary careers to students from AANHPI and other underrepresented backgrounds.
• Mentorship and sponsorship: establish mentorship programs that provide guidance and support to AANHPI veterinary students and professionals.
• Institutional commitment: advocate for policies and practices within veterinary institutions that prioritize DEIB efforts.
• Educate workplace teams with DEIB RACE-approved CE including:
  Strategist for a Successful Team Culture
  Unconscious Bias in Vet Med
  Communicating Across Cultures

Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month

This month, let's recognize the contributions of AANHPI individuals in veterinary medicine and create a profession where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, we enrich the veterinary field and enhance the care provided to all communities.

References

1. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. 2023 AAVMC Annual Data Report. https://www.aavmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-AAVMC-Annual-Data-Report-September23.pdf. Accessed May 12, 2025.
2. Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals. About AAVMP. https://www.aavmp.org. Accessed May 12, 2025.
3. Bruno N. Bridging Worlds: blendVET's Innovative Approach to Diversifying Veterinary Medicine Unites Classrooms, Clinics, Educators, and Volunteers. blendVET® Blog. Published March 27, 2025. Accessed May 12, 2025.