September 18 @ 1:30 PM Central
Access to Careers in the Veterinary Profession is Access to Care
Valerie C. Marcano, DVM, PhD, DACPV
Access to veterinary care is essential for maintaining public health and for the preservation of the human-animal bond. Yet, without enough veterinary professionals, millions of animals go without veterinary care due to unequal distribution of veterinary care. The systemic socioeconomic, geography and knowledge-based barriers that impact animal care mirror the barriers to careers in the veterinary field, emphasizing the importance of equitable and inclusive practices. This session explores the role of veterinary professionals in shaping, advancing and expanding equitable care without compromising quality, compassion and the wellbeing of the team.
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Define the principles associated with access and barriers to veterinary care
- Explain key socioeconomic, geography and knowledge-based barriers to veterinary care and to careers in the veterinary profession
- Discuss the role of veterinary professionals in shaping equitable care models
- Explore inclusive and sustainable strategies to improve access to care.
Valerie C. Marcano Gomez, DVM, PhD, DACPV
Dr. Valerie C. Marcano, is an international speaker and advocate for inclusive mentorship and access to veterinary care. Dr. Marcano is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Veterinary Medical Scientist Training dual DVM-PhD Program and a diplomat of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. She co-founded Pawsibilities Vet Med in 2020 to reshape mentorship and professional development for historically marginalized veterinary professionals. In 2022 Dr. Marcano launched ValCri (pronunciation: val·kr·ee) Consulting, through which she provides expertise in poultry health, veterinary access, mentorship strategies, and professional coaching.
Her contributions have earned her recognition, including the Young Achiever Alumni Award and being named one of 22 Extraordinary Women in Veterinary Medicine. She continues to lead efforts that shape a more inclusive, accessible future for veterinary medicine.