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Kicking off Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with LVMA cofounder, Juan S. Orjuela
Learn more about Juan Orjuela, DVM, and what inspired the creation of the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association
Today marks the start of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month! From September 15- October 15, dvm360® will showcase different Hispanic/Latinx individuals to learn more about them, their role in veterinary medicine, and why celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is crucial to the veterinary industry.
To begin the month, dvm360® sat down with Juan S. Orjuela, DVM, to learn about his path to veterinary medicine and how a lack of representation and mentorship opportunities for Latinx/Hispanic veterinary students and professionals inspired him to cofound the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association.
A partial transcript of the interview is below. View the video for more of the discussion.
Juan S. Orjuela, DVM: Through my struggle of being Columbian and a Latinx/Hispanic individual and getting into the profession I was able to notice some gaps with my experience and I did not want others in my position [that are] trying to get into veterinary school [and] trying to enter the profession to not have it as difficult as I had it. I did not have mentorship [or] true guidance and I had to seek all that out myself.
