World Veterinary Day 2023 Panel – Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession
13 Apr 2023Image (L to R): AVA World Veterinary Day 2023 Panellists Dr Alex Harrison, Dr Cam Raw, Dr Suffien Suharju, Dr Kate Toyer and Dr Jodie Wilson
This year, World Veterinary Day (WVD) will be held on 29 April 2023. The theme, as announced by the World Veterinary Association (WVA), is ‘Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession’.
In the WVA's own words, "Removing barriers and improving inclusiveness through diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices, in a diverse world, needs a special focus. The well-being of all veterinarians is enhanced when diversity, equity and inclusion is promoted and applied."
WVD provides an amazing opportunity for the AVA to uplift diverse voices in the veterinary profession. In celebration of this, the AVA is hosting an online panel discussion: DEI in the Veterinary Profession: Where are we and what do we need to do next?. All veterinarians, including AVA members and non-members, are welcome!
With AVA President Dr Bronwyn Orr moderating the panel, the panellists will be drawn from a range of diverse backgrounds and will include:
- Alex Harrison: Australia's first profoundly deaf veterinarian, Dr Alex Harrison (MANZCVS Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery) is the Head Veterinarian at Adelaide Vet Goodwood road practice and a vocal disability advocate for the profession.
- Cam Raw: Dr Cam Raw is a Palawa man, veterinarian, PhD candidate and Assistant Dean (Indigenous) Faculty of Science University of Melbourne, a Lecturer in Indigenous engagement, traditional knowledge and clinical teaching, a Program Coordinator for the West Arnhem Land Dog Health Program, a Flynn’s Walk Committee Member, and a co-host and co-founder of The Veterinary Kaleidoscope.
- Suffien Suharju: With an MBA from the University of Melbourne Business School, Dr Suffien Suharju is a multilingual Veterinarian with a cultural background from Brunei. Dr Suharju is Business Manager of the Veterinary Referral Hospital Melbourne, a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Wildlife Victoria Board Member.
- Kate Toyer: Dr Toyer, Director of Eurocoast Veterinary Centre, is the most experienced transgender veterinarian in the world. She is a co-founder and President of Australian Rainbow Veterinarians and Allies, co-host and co-founder of The Veterinary Kaleidoscope, an Executive Board member and treasurer of Illawarra Shoalhaven Gender Alliance, Pinnacle Foundation mentor, a member of the AAHA 15 women to watch in 2023 list (the only veterinarian outside of North America on the list), and reviewer for the Gender Identity Bill Of Rights (GIBOR) in the Veterinary Workplace. She is also experienced in mainstream print, TV and radio advocacy and campaigning for trans and gender diverse rights.
- Jodie Wilson: Dr Jodie Wilson is a neurodiverse ER Veterinarian with a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology and Professional Disruptive Influence, and is an LGBTQIA+ advocate and Masters of Philosophy Candidate at La Trobe University.
The panel will be held two days before World Veterinary Day, on Thursday 27 April 2023 at 7:30pm AEST.
Join us for this important, landmark discussion on Diversity, Equality and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession. To register, please click here.
This is open to all veterinarians, both AVA members and non-members.