Veterinary medicine is more than a career, it is a calling—a lifelong commitment to the well-being of animals, the communities they inhabit, and the humans who care for them. For many veterinary professionals, the dream to practice veterinary medicine began at a young age and it is their passion that helps fuel the extensive education, research, and training needed to fulfill this dream.

But this pursuit is not without challenges. Although veterinary care is needed throughout the United States, there are less than 50 veterinary schools across the country and—like so many areas of medicine—a degree in this field can be costly. While factors like these impact all students, they have a disproportionate effect on students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Based on recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 90 percent of veterinarians in the United States are white. Approximately 6 percent of veterinarians identify as Asian, 8 percent identify as Hispanic/Latino, and less than 2 percent in the United States identify as Black or African American. As we continue to identify how systemic issues like financial barriers to education impact diverse communities, this statistic is a call to action.

It is with this in mind that the Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation has announced a new $500,000 scholarship pledge to support the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM). This commitment will provide an annual scholarship that will significantly reduce the financial burden that often hinders diverse students from pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. 

“Veterinary medicine in the United States is one of the least racially and ethnically diverse fields. Financial barriers are a significant part of the problem,” said Randolph Legg, President and Head of Commercial Business, Boehringer Ingelheim. “Our partnership with Tuskegee University is a bold stride towards breaking down these barriers and fostering the success of diverse students passionate about veterinary medicine.”

Tuskegee University is the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) offering a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. The University has educated more than 70 percent of the nation’s African American veterinarians and has been recognized as the most diverse of all colleges of veterinary medicine in the nation. 

While veterinary medicine is not the only industry or profession that has had to reckon with a lack of diversity, it is especially important to consider how this affects the pipeline of future talent and access to veterinary care. Diverse veterinary teams are better equipped to foster innovation and creative thinking, serve underserved communities, and solve challenges.

“When it comes to veterinary medicine, diversity leads to access to care,” said Rob Anderson, President of the Boehringer CARES Foundation. “It creates opportunities in underserved areas and populations, ensuring better, healthier outcomes for animals and the humans who care for them. As a foundation, we understand the importance of the human-animal bond, and we know the kind of positive impact this scholarship can have on our communities."

Hear more about the value of diversity from Dr. Bonnie Barclay, a Tuskegee University graduate and veterinarian at Boehringer.

While this scholarship represents a significant financial commitment from Boehringer to foster diversity in the veterinary profession, this is not the only way Boehringer is nurturing its relationship with Tuskegee University. Throughout the year, Boehringer plays an active role on campus by hosting events, participating in career fairs and offering elective education for undergraduate students. 

Addressing a lack of diversity in the veterinary field will take time, but Boehringer is proud to expand upon its partnership with Tuskegee University and continue to explore ways to address barriers to veterinary education and training for diverse communities. Please click here to learn more about the Boehringer CARES scholarship.