New program to promote inclusivity in veterinary medicine

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently announced the launch of the Brave Space Certificate Program, a new initiative formed in collaboration with Pride Veterinary Medical Community (Pride VMC), to promote inclusivity and open conversations about important topics such as sexual harassment and race.

"The Brave Space program was created to provide learners the opportunity to expand their knowledge, engage in self-awareness, building processes, and ultimately come out as a more intentionally committed ally for promoting safe, inclusive environments for every member of the profession,” says Douglas Kratt, DVM, AVMA president, in an association release.

The program offers a self-paced and interactive curriculum that is instructed by field experts and consists of 3 educational categories and 7 modules:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Combating unconscious bias and marginalization
• LGBTQIA identity and understanding
• LGBTQIA inclusion and support
• Understanding and addressing racism

Interpersonal Violence

• Overview
• Plan, prevent, respond

Workplace Harassment

• Preventing workplace harassment

Additionally, participants can earn 1 CE credit for each completed module. After finishing all 7 modules, they will receive an AVMA Brave Space certificate of completion.

"A workplace that offers a safe, welcoming environment is one in which everyone—from team members to patients and clients, to the community which a practice serves—is seen and valued," says Jen Brandt, PhD, AVMA's director of well-being and diversity initiatives. "By recognizing and understanding the diversity within these groups, our differences can be our greatest strength and an asset to your practice."

The funding for this new certification program is provided by an educational grant from Royal Canin.

For more information, go here.