Understanding Diversity in a Veterinary Medicine Setting

Ronnie G. Elmore, associate dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University teaches a course, "Practicing Veterinary Medicine in a Multicultural Society." Professor Elmore believes that studying cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity can help veterinary students better serve the pets of an increasing diverse population. Dr. Elmore observes that race, gender, ethnicity, and other characteristics can affect how pet owners relate to their animals. The professor also invites to class handicapped people who use animals such as seeing-eye dogs to cope with their handicaps. He believes that better understanding the relationship between these clients and their animals will make his students better veterinarians.

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