The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and blendVET will co-present the pathway program: Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine at the world’s largest and most comprehensive veterinary conference, VMX 2025. 71 middle and high school students from underserved Central Florida communities will participate in a full day of hands-on veterinary training, including:
  • Performing CPR on veterinary models.
  • Suturing and drawing blood on practice models.
  • Exploring exotic animal medicine, ophthalmology, and large animal care.
  • Conducting physical exams and addressing heartworm and intestinal parasites.
  • Scaling tartar, reviewing dental radiographs, and suturing on dental models.
  • Emphasizing proper nutrition and obesity prevention.
New this year, returning students can deepen their expertise with advanced stations in clinical pathology, large animal medicine, ophthalmology, and forensic veterinary medicine—refining suture techniques, practicing blood draws, learning horse-handling skills, identifying bones, and using blood-staining kits.

This event is part of a national initiative presented by NAVC and blendVET to open doors for students from underrepresented communities and to address the lack of diversity in the veterinary field, where 90% of veterinarians are white and only 1.3% are Black. Over 360 students have participated in the Believe & Belong program at seven NAVC and blendVET co-presented events, including this upcoming event.

WHY:
This program aims to inspire and prepare students from underrepresented communities for careers in veterinary medicine—one of the least diverse professions in the U.S. It also highlights the need for cultural competency and diversity within the veterinary field.

HOW:
Media are invited to attend and cover the event. Opportunities include:
  • Capturing powerful photos and video of students performing hands-on veterinary tasks, such as suturing and CPR and hands-on examinations of pet reptiles, as well as dogs.
  • Interviews with:
    • Dr. Niccole Bruno, blendVET founder and CEO, on her mission to diversify veterinary medicine.
    • Makai Randall, a returning student and aspiring veterinarian whose journey began at last year’s VMX event.
    • Catalina Mojica, a four-time program participant and aspiring veterinarian flying in from Puerto Rico.

WHEN:
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:
VMX 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando
9801 International Drive, Orlando, FL
Plaza International Ballrooms I-K

Presented by the NAVC and blendVET, the Believe and Belong in Veterinary Medicine program finds the perfect home at VMX 2025, the world’s largest veterinary conference and the industry’s global launchpad for innovation. VMX sets the stage for groundbreaking advances in veterinary care, bringing together nearly 30,000 veterinary professionals from all over the world to explore new ideas, technologies, and treatments that shape the future of animal health.

By hosting Believe and Belong at VMX, blendVET helps bridge access to the future of veterinary medicine with the inspiration and empowerment of the next generation. Through Believe and Belong in Veterinary Medicine Pathway events, an initiative designed to create opportunities for students from underserved communities, participants gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting where the world’s top veterinary minds gather. This is not just a moment of learning—it’s a movement to enhance the future of veterinary medicine.
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