Get to know these Latinx influencers in vet med
Latinx Veterinary Medical Association Outreach Director Marina Tejada, DVM, is a Colombian-American veterinarian from New York City whose parents immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. As a graduate of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, Tejada knows first-hand how it feels to come of age as a Latinx veterinary professional.
“Approximately 5% of all veterinarians identify as Latinx, despite the fact that over 60% of Latinx households own pets,” she said. “Our vision is to help create a veterinary community that is representative of our society to make veterinary care more accessible to the Latinx community.”
The LVMA hopes to achieve that by empowering Latinx professionals in veterinary medicine and supporting the next generation of Latinx veterinarians while supporting their communities, Tejada said, adding that the association’s “pillars of empowerment” include professional development, mentorship, outreach, and scholarship.
“The individuals on this list are well on their way to making that vision a reality,” Tejada said. “It’s an exciting time to be a Latinx vet med professional (or future professional) due to the impact of the entire Latinx vet med community. This list is just a sampling of remarkable individuals making waves—and we look forward to seeing what the future will hold.”
Here’s the list of Latinx veterinary medical professionals who are "ones to watch” in vet med, as selected by the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) and NEWStat.
- Willie A. Bidot, DVM, MPH, MS, DACLAM
- Esmeralda Cano, DVM
- Stephen Niño Cital, RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Res. Anesthesia)
- Omar Farías, VMD
- Andrea Hernández-Burés, DVM
- Feliza Lopez, LVT, VTS (Emergency and Critical Care)
- Julio López, DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
- Valerie Marcano, DVM, PhD, DACPV
- Juan Sebastian Orjuela, DVM
- Mariana Pardo, BVSc, MV, DACVECC
- Acacia M. Roman, DVM
- Marta Sanchez-Emden, DVM, CVA, CCRP
- Mitsie Vargas, DVM, MS, CVMM, CCRV, CTCVMP
- Aida Vientós-Plotts DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
Click their names to be taken to their bios and read on to find out what motivates them to do their incredible work.
Willie A. Bidot, DVM, MPH, MS, DACLAM
Attending Veterinarian/Director of Animal Resources, Western University of Health Sciences
Content Producer, Veterinary Financial Summit
President/Co-Founder, Veterinarians for Puerto Rico
Board Member, Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA)
“As a veterinarian I wanted to give back to my home island of Puerto Rico.”
What guides you in your current work?
As a veterinarian I wanted to give back to my home island of Puerto Rico. What currently guides me in this profession is giving back to the community by traveling back home to provide veterinary services through a nonprofit I co-founded and serve as president, Veterinarians for Puerto Rico.
Associate Veterinarian, Overland Veterinary Clinic
Co-Founder, Vetspacito
" I have witnessed how impactful it is for Spanish-speaking pet owners to have a veterinarian that understands their language, culture, and socio-economic background. I hope to continue educating, empowering, and advocating for these communities.”
What guides you in your current work?
My passion for serving the community I grew up in has been my biggest inspiration. Serving as a bilingual Latina veterinarian in underserved communities has given me the opportunity to bridge this language barrier. I have witnessed how impactful it is for Spanish-speaking pet owners to have a veterinarian that understands their language, culture, and socio-economic background. I hope to continue educating, empowering, and advocating for these communities.
Stephen Niño Cital, RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Res. Anesthesia)
Neurobiology Lab Manager, Stanford University
Partner, Remedy Veterinary Specialists
Speaker and Author
(he/him/his)
“I get to use my voice to hopefully change this profession for the better with a focus on elevating veterinary technicians, particularly those from marginalized groups.”
What guides you in your current work?
What guides me in my work now is taking all the amazing experiences and information I have gained over the years to help animals in pain. I am also lucky enough to have a platform where I get to use my voice to hopefully change this profession for the better with a focus on elevating veterinary technicians, particularly those from marginalized groups.
Director, Scientific and Academic Affairs, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
(he/him/his)
“[Three values guide me today.] Those are advocacy, gratitude, and empowerment. These have led me to be involved in DEI work with Pride VMC and have fueled my passion for positively impacting the future generations of veterinarians and veterinary technicians coming into our profession.”
What guides you in your current work?
Several years ago, I was in a lecture listening to a great friend who happens to be a veterinary superstar. She was lecturing and spoke about core values and challenged us to come up with some that reflect who we are. I thought it was a great idea, but honestly left the lecture with some chicken scratch on my notes about it but did not put it into practice until later. And I am so glad I did.
I landed on three values which guide me today. Those are advocacy, gratitude, and empowerment. These have led me to be involved in DEI work with Pride VMC and have fueled my passion for positively impacting the future generations of veterinarians and veterinary technicians coming into our profession.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend the AVMA Conference. I had the pleasure of meeting two young students from Puerto Rico. One had received a travel grant from the Diversify Vet Med Coalition and was attending AVMA for the first time. The other one had just been accepted into veterinary school and was volunteering to help pets of underprivileged individuals obtain veterinary care. These two students reminded me a lot of myself and the reasons why I became a veterinarian, the importance of visibility, representation, and the importance of supporting students, creating safe spaces, mentoring others, and simply doing what is right—and, for that, I am grateful.
Associate Veterinarian, Animal Dermatology Clinic
Director, Veterinarians for Puerto Rico
“What I love most about my specialty is the dramatic improvement seen when my patients’ chronic diseases are well-managed.”
What guides you in your current work?
I am passionate about the care and wellbeing of my patients, and value building strong relationships with their pet parents. What I love most about my specialty is the dramatic improvement seen when my patients’ chronic diseases are well-managed. Not only does this improve the patient’s quality of life, but also improves the quality of life of their owners.
As a native Puerto Rican, I proudly represent the Latinx community within the veterinary medicine field. I look forward to inspiring younger generations of Latinx students and sharing my story. Additionally, I am fluent in both English and Spanish, and hope to serve Spanish-speaking clients and speak at veterinary conferences in Latin America.
Feliza Lopez, LVT, VTS (Emergency and Critical Care)
Clinical Director of Emergency and Critical Care and Radiology, Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
Board Member, Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA)
Lead Technician, Veterinarians International
Speaker and Educator
(she/her/hers/ella)
“If we don't see someone that looks like us in our dream job then it's our job to be that person!”
What guides you in your current work?
Resiliency and compassion guide me in my current work. Resilience is seen as a quality of someone succeeding against all odds, overcoming adversity, and having the grit to rise above negative forces in life. Veterinary medicine, especially emergency and critical care, is a profession filled with proverbial mountains to climb. The journey I have taken to build my professional resilience while striving to help my colleagues build their own has been no easy task. It is this journey that has taught me the greatest lessons about being a compassionate leader.
I entered veterinary medicine for the animals, and I stayed for the people. I try to show compassion to my colleagues by always listening and sharing the pearls of wisdom I've gained from my mountain stories. I believe resilience is an essential attribute, and crucial to longevity and career satisfaction in veterinary medicine.
Additionally, because of my roots, I pride myself in the ability to demonstrate cultural competence as a leader and as a veterinary professional. In the hospital setting, there is nothing more rewarding than the ability to bridge the gap between my colleagues and the Latinx community when they come in with their beloved pets.
This nomination humbles me as a Latinx person and as a veterinary technician. I am excited for the future of veterinary medicine and want to share with my colleagues, "If we don't see someone that looks like us in our dream job then it's our job to be that person.”
Julio López, DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
CEO and Chief Medical Officer, Jade Vets
Co-Founder, Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE)
Speaker and Author
Media Veterinarian
“Helping students is something we are passionate about and through our practice group, Jade Vets, we have been fortunate to be in a position to sponsor the LVMA's Platinum Student Scholarship since its inception.”
What guides you in your current work?
Giving back and helping others grow. While it's been a lot of work, it's been a joy to watch our first practice (opened mid-Covid!) flourish and establish itself as a teaching practice with a culture of growth and education. We've had multiple staff members pass their VTNE and become technicians, others enroll in technician school, and hopefully soon, our pre-vets will head off to veterinary school. We also started hosting veterinary student externs and launched our new grad program to guide the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary technicians and make their transition from school to practice life smoother.
I have also been speaking at veterinary schools about "My Vet Med Journey" and it's been great to meet with the students. Helping students is something we are passionate about and through our practice group, Jade Vets, we have been fortunate to be in a position to sponsor the LVMA's Platinum Student Scholarship since its inception. While the nonclinical aspects of vet med keep me busy, I am still on the clinic floor full-time and continue to enjoy seeing patients and clients, and practicing veterinary medicine.
Valerie Marcano, DVM, PhD, DACPV
Co-Founder and CEO, Pawsibilities Vet Med
Founder, ValCri Consulting LLC
Speaker
“I want to see a veterinary medicine where individuals feel welcomed and valued for the diverse perspectives they contribute.”
What guides you in your current work?
A passion for inclusion in veterinary medicine is what guides my current work. I want to see a veterinary medicine where individuals feel welcomed and valued for the diverse perspectives they contribute. The goal of my work through Pawsibilities Vet Med is to achieve an inclusive profession through mentorship, resources and professional development opportunities.
Co-Founder and Immediate Past President, Latinx Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA)
“My aim is to utilize social media to create visibility for the Latinx community, empower others, and provide resources that are going to make a lasting impact on our profession.”
What guides you in your current work?
My desire to help make the veterinary profession more diverse and equitable is what guides my work. My aim is to utilize social media to create visibility for the Latinx community, empower others, and provide resources that are going to make a lasting impact on our profession.
Mariana Pardo, BVSc, MV, DACVECC
Founder, @CriticalCareVeterinarian
Speaker and Educator
“In essence, my work is guided by a combination of a deep-rooted passion for my specialization in critical care, a commitment to expanding the reach of veterinary education, a desire to make veterinary medicine more inclusive, and a dedication to staying at the forefront of my field through continuous learning and active engagement.”
What guides you in your current work?
My current work as a veterinary critical care specialist is guided by a profound passion for both the field of critical care medicine and the broader mission of inclusivity and accessibility in veterinary medicine.
In essence, my work is guided by a combination of a deep-rooted passion for my specialization in critical care, a commitment to expanding the reach of veterinary education, a desire to make veterinary medicine more inclusive, and a dedication to staying at the forefront of my field through continuous learning and active engagement. These guiding principles shape my daily practice and drive me to make a positive impact on the profession and the lives of the animals I care for.
Locum Veterinarian, Georgia
President, Latinx Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA)
Technical Services Veterinary Team, Vetoquinol USA
“My ‘WHY’ is to build bridges and connect individuals and organizations to ‘make things happen.’”
What guides you in your current work?
I have reached a moment of my career where I have realized the importance of feeling uncomfortable to continue to learn and share stories to inspire younger generations to follow their dreams and achieve their professional and personal goals. My "WHY" is to build bridges and connect individuals and organizations to "make things happen."
Marta Sanchez-Emden, DVM, CVA, CCRP
Founder, Animal Health and Rehabilitation Center
Founder, Galloway Animal Hospital
Veterinary Journalist
Speaker and Author
Learn more
“Meet Our Hero, Dr. Marta Sanchez-Emden.” My Vet Candy.
https://myvetcandy.com/2019-3-21-meet-our-hero-dr-marta-sanchez-emden/?no_frame=1
Mitsie Vargas, DVM, MS, CVMM, CCRV, CTCVMP
Founder and Medical Director, Orchid Springs Animal Hospital
Assistant Professor/Lecturer, Chi University
Podcast Host and Author
“In my case, my faith in Jesus guides me to do my best in every situation encouraging me to work with integrity, honesty, and servant leadership.”
What guides you in your current work?
As a professional, it is important to have a strong sense of personal values and beliefs that guide your work. In my case, my faith in Jesus guides me to do my best in every situation encouraging me to work with integrity, honesty, and servant leadership. It inspires me to go the extra mile, to be thorough, to strive for excellence in all my tasks, and to treat my colleagues, clients, and customers with kindness, respect, and empathy.
Aida Vientós-Plotts DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
Assistant Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Co-Founder and Co-Director, BREATHE Clinic at the MU Veterinary Health Center
Associate Director, Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Co-Founder and Vice President, Veterinarians for Puerto Rico
Speaker
“I didn’t have someone to look up to that was doing the things I wanted to do. I didn’t see a Puerto Rican or even Latinx internist in academia trying to juggle career and family. . . . I truly believe that being visible and outspoken are some of the most efficient ways to make an impact.”
What guides you in your current work?
In both my personal and professional life, I try to make decisions with this question in mind: “How can I have a positive impact?”
I am driven in my work as a clinician scientist because there are not that many clinicians interested in respiratory/aerodigestive research and I know that any new information we gather, diseases we describe, or procedures we develop will contribute to veterinary medicine and have the potential to improve patients’ quality of life and outcomes.
I have the privilege of training interns, residents, and veterinary students, as well as my colleagues through continued education lectures. Through our nonprofit, I can give back to our Island of Puerto Rico doing some of the things I do best: organizing, coordinating, and networking.
At home, I get to be an example for my kids that hard work and dedication can lead you to a career you love.
While it can be challenging at times to juggle, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to “wear all those hats,” and I think it’s important that others get to see it. Mostly because I didn’t have someone to look up to that was doing all the things I wanted to do. I didn’t see a Puerto Rican or even Latinx internist in academia trying to juggle career and family. I don’t necessarily think of myself as a “role model” because honestly, in all the ups and downs, the successes and the failures, I am just trying to do my best. I take as many opportunities as I can to share my journey thus far, because I truly believe that being visible and outspoken are some of the most efficient ways to make an impact.
##
About the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA)
The Latinx VMA (latinxvma.org) was created to form a community of Latinx excellence in veterinary medicine. Our community welcomes veterinarians, veterinary professionals, students, and clients. We are also proud to welcome allies that are invested in furthering our mission.
Photos courtesy of the individuals featured
Disclaimer: The views expressed, and topics discussed, in any NEWStat column or article are intended to inform, educate, or entertain, and do not represent an official position by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.