2020 Western Regional Iverson Bell Summit

The Complexity of Identity: Intersectionality in Veterinary Medicine
By Lisa Greenhill, MPA, EdD
This talk will explore the concept of intersectionality, the complexity of identity and how they shape our engagement in and with the veterinary profession. Because of the emphasis on animals, the veterinary profession often expects professionals to relegate aspects of personal identity that seem irrelevant to practice. This talk will emphasize the ways in which identity enhances the work of veterinarians across practice type.  

Veterinary Mental Health Primer: Essential Tools for Challenging Times
By Jen Brandt, LISW-S, PhD
Are you familiar with the consequences of racism-induced trauma? Are you able to recognize signs of trauma in your colleagues?  Do you know general do’s and don’ts for being a helper to those who are distressed? What plan do you have in place for protecting your own mental health and seeking support for yourself or others when the need arises? Your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks and hardships. Many of us don’t prioritize having frank conversations about the impact of racism, trauma and mental health, seeking connection, or engaging in intentional, consistent mental health promotion practices. Despite the serious subject matter, Dr. Jen Brandt addresses topics related to racism-induced trauma and mental health, and tools for helpers, with relatable examples, best practices, and a conversational approach to demystify the process of self-care and mental health for you, your family members, friends, and colleagues.

Learning Lab with Dr. Christine Jenkins

Serving our Communities - Conscientious Admissions 
By Gretchen H. Delcambre, DVM, MS
This presentation will focus on admissions practices that serve our western communities by providing pathways into professional degree programs to candidates that reflect the communities from which they come and to which they will contribute. Although this talk will be focused on the admissions process, attendees will be asked to consider how curricula, cultural climate, and student support services are critical to the recruitment and retention of a culturally representative student body.

By Meredyth Goodwin, Director, and Rochelle Dach, Asst. Director, WSU Access Center
The presenters will address the barriers that students with mental health challenges experience in the classroom and how to reduce or lessen these barriers to promote equal access to opportunity.  What does flexibility look like?  How can the curriculum be designed to promote universal learning?  The presenters will also talk about flexibility as it relates to the traditional manner in which veterinary medicine has been delivered.  How does this need for flexibility impact the attitude of tradition?  When exploring these questions, such implicit biases as shown in the following attitudes will be discussed: “The curriculum has always been taught this way. Can these students be successful veterinarians?” The presenters will also explore when flexibility may become unreasonable.  Experiential activities and case studies will be offered and discussed.

Learning Lab with Dr. Kate Hellman