Diversity and Well‐Being

Demographic variables such as race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexuality, age, religion, and physical or mental health have a substantial influence on overall well-being. This chapter examines how the intersecting identities and experiences influence the well-being of individuals within the veterinary profession. Veterinary medicine has historically been one of the more homogenous health professions. Gender bias continues to shape professional experiences in veterinary medicine. Recognizing that race, gender identity, sexuality, and disability intersect to produce distinct health outcomes, research and policy must move beyond treating women as a homogenous category. Racial and ethnic diversity within veterinary medicine remains substantially lower than in other health professions. The consequences of racism extend beyond workplace interactions. A central barrier to well-being for disabled professionals is disablism, or systemic discrimination against people with disabilities. Sustaining the protections requires systemic rather than individual approaches.