In this episode of the VetMed Mind:

Rachel interviews Dr. Niccole Bruno, CEO & Founder of blendvet, a veterinary hospital certification program in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). As an Afro-Latina, Dr. Bruno's navigation into veterinary medicine has had its share of challenges. During her career, the experiences of racism, misogyny, and stereotypical behaviors, caused Dr. Bruno to subliminally develop micro-aggressions and a sense of disengagement, for a profession she once dearly loved. Nevertheless, her perseverance prevailed and her passion for veterinary medicine resumed when she was offered the role of Medical Director, for a local New York city veterinary hospital. For roughly eight years, her sincere and dedicated service as a hospital leader fueled her heartfelt endeavors to ensure a culture of diversity and inclusiveness.

Today, Dr. Bruno continues in her efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion through speaking engagements, mentorship, and building the pipeline of BIPOC students (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) into the profession. Following completion of the Purdue University and Inclusion program in 2020, her awareness, continual exploration and study into the diversity deficiencies of our profession, ignited her vision to create blendvet. Blendvet’s program is currently launched in academia and will be starting its first hospital program in January 2023. Dr. Bruno currently serves as an Advisory Board member for Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine and Pawsibillities. In her spare time, she enjoys activities with her family, traveling, exercise, sports, and binge-watching her favorite shows. She has two pets: a dog named Jimmy Choo and a cat named Sushi Roll.

You can learn more about Dr. Niccole Bruno and blendvet at www.blend.vet

Or follow her on social media at @drniccolebruno and @blend.vet

The VetMed Mind is a podcast project about sharing inspirational stories, lessons, and successes from the fantastic people of the veterinary industry.