Abstract
This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), due to its geographic location, provides an opportunity to raise awareness regarding issues of globalization in veterinary medical education, specifically in relation to diversity and acculturation. This manuscript discusses RUSVM's demographics and raises awareness concerning challenges North American students may experience when immersed in an environment where the racial mix of the university is predominantly White, vastly different than the community in which it resides.RUSVM students, faculty and support staff (n=1448) were invited to complete the American Veterinary Medical Association climate survey. Survey response rate was 36%. Students and faculty self-identified as White (80% and 76%, respectively), and support staff self-identified as African American or Black (71%). Non-US Faculty reported a legal residence of Europe 8%, Africa 2%, or the Caribbean (44%), and support staff of Saint Kitts and Nevis (68%). Non-US students, most often indicated Canadian residency. Qualitative analyses resulted into three themes addressing university climate (35%), culture privilege (42%), and professionalism (24%). Matriculation of North American students wishing to study abroad should include deliberate discussions with respect to diversity, cultural and social contexts supporting acculturation, and adaptation to a broader academic environment.
Highlights
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) students, faculty and support staff (n=1448) were invited to complete the American Veterinary Medical Association climate survey
Globalization in veterinary medical education is a strategic initiative of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) achieved through continuous efforts to build international collaborations
In veterinary medicine in the United States there is a concern for lack of diversity and the underrepresentation of minority students among American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited institutions (Elmore, 2004)
Summary
"Globalization means that borders in the various dimensions of economics, ecology, and technology, cross-cultural conflicts, civil societies, and information are less relevant to everyday norms and customs. One cause of the increase in globalizing veterinary medical education is students traveling from Western countries to seek educational opportunities or extracurricular international experiences in non-Western territories (Gosselin et al, 2015; Marshall, Smith, & Watts, 2006; Renberg, 2010). Veterinarians from Western territories join international programs organized through non-profit organizations, professional associations, and governments to meet rising demands for veterinary services globally. A supermajority of veterinarians self-identify as White (91%), while 5% selfidentify as Hispanic, 2% self-identify as Black, 1% self-identify as Asian/Pacific Islander, and less than 1% selfidentify as American Indian/ Alaskan Natives (Elmore, 2004; Kendall, 2004) Likewise, these numbers are echoed in veterinary medical education (Chubin & Mohamed, 2009). Our experiences can inform Admissions officers to help prepare students interested in transnational education prior to matriculation
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