MONIKA RANI
PhD SCHOLAR
MUMBAI VETERINARY COLLEGE, PAREL- 400012, MAHARASTRA
EMAIL ID- monika jangra3535@gmail.com
From research to rescue, in diverse domains, Women veterinarians leave indelible stains. On the canvas of healing, their narratives unfurl, Successful tales of women, in the veterinary world. So, let these stories resonate, like echoes in the wind, of women in white coats, with a spirit disciplined. In the symphony of care, where animals find reprieve, Women veterinarians, in their stories, weave.
STORIES OF SUCCESSFUL WOMEN VETERINARIANS GLOBALLY
INTRODUCTION
Women veterinarians around the world have been making significant strides in the field, breaking barriers and excelling in diverse aspects of veterinary medicine. In the intricate tapestry of veterinary medicine, the indomitable spirit of women veterinarians globally weaves a narrative of triumph, resilience, and pioneering accomplishments. As the profession transcends geographical boundaries, the stories of these remarkable women stand as testaments to their unwavering dedication and transformative impact. This essay delves into the lives and careers of a few extraordinary women who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also reshaped the landscape of veterinary science on a global scale. These women, each with a unique narrative, have surmounted challenges, shattered glass ceilings, and left an indelible mark on the diverse facets of veterinary medicine. From advocating for humane practices to spearheading groundbreaking research, their journeys illuminate the multifaceted roles that women play in the intricate ecosystem of animal care, health, and welfare. As we navigate through their inspiring stories, it becomes evident that these women not only embody the essence of their profession but also serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring veterinarians worldwide. This essay explores the inspiring journeys of a few remarkable women who have contributed to the veterinary profession on a global scale.
Veterinary profession has transformed and witnessed a considerable increase in the number of female veterinarians during the recent decades. This transformation can be attributed to the increase in the number of student places at graduate level and the general trend for young girls to outperform their male counterparts in academic grade achievement. Women veterinarians are rapidly approaching that pattern of equal, full-time professional work and have entered all specialties.
SUCCESSFUL WOMEN VETERINARIANS IN INDIA
1) Dr Sakkubhai Ramachandran was the first woman veterinarian of India. In India, Madras Veterinary College at Vepery in Chennai opened its first portal for admission to girls for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science course in 1948. Dr Sakkubhai Ramachandran was the first woman veterinarian of India, graduated in 1952 and later assumed multiple significant posts and retired as a Scientist from IVRI, Bangalore, 1971.
While the first woman veterinarians – Dr P. Sakku Bai and Dr N. Kalyani, passed out in 1952 from the Madras Veterinary College, Dr Pushpa Ranaparkhe graduated in veterinary sciences in 1962.
2) Dr Ranaparkhe established the All-India Association of Lady Veterinarians (AILV) and set up local chapters in all the states. While talking about her student years in 2005, she mentioned that only a few girls would opt for veterinary sciences. However, presently, girls outnumber the boys on the merit list. So far, there was no national association of lady veterinarians, but she initiated the move. Today, the opportunities for women veterinarians are limitless. Unfortunately, earlier, women veterinarians in India didn’t have several windows of opportunities. Due to their commitments to their families, a majority of the women veterinarians worked in the field serving the livestock in rural areas. Hence, no effort was made to make the women veterinarians.Women could play a vital role, interact with each other and share their experiences. But, domestic chores and dairy work was mainly done by women only in rural India.
3) Dr Pragati Panda, the former Professor in the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, was the first lady veterinarian of Odisha.
4) Dr Amrita Patel, the former Chairman of National Dairy Development Board and Bombay Veterinary College alumna is the first woman veterinarian in the progressive state of Gujarat.
5) Dr Prema, The first-ever woman who graduated from Bangalore Veterinary College was who worked for the Animal Husbandry department and retired as Assistant Director during the 1980s.
6) Dr P. P. Nilufer became the first lady veterinarian from the tropical union territory of Lakshadweep and took charge as the first woman veterinary surgeon in Kavaratti in Lakshadweep in 2017. The first Annual Convention Shakti – Lady Vet Wing of Indian Veterinary Association was organized successfully at Bhopal on 13-14th November 2021. The convention saw the congregation of women veterinarians from every nook and cranny of the country. This annual convention served as a suitable platform to discuss and resolve various issues and challenges faced by lady veterinarians across India.
7) Dr Sosamma Iype, former Professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding at Kerala Agriculture University, known as “Vechur’s Amma,” was conferred with the Padma Shree award. She got the award for the conservation of the indigenous breeds of Vechur cow, Kasargod and Cheruvally cattle, and Attappady goats from the brink of extinction.
SUCCESSFUL WOMEN VETERINARIANS IN ABROAD
1) Dr. Mignon Nicholson: The nation’s first college-trained female veterinarian. Dr. Nicholson graduated in 1903 from McKillip Veterinary College in Chicago.
2) Dr. Elinor McGrath: She was a pioneer among female vets. A 1910 graduate of Chicago Veterinary College, Dr. McGrath became AVMA’s first female member. She is revered as a wonderful symbol and the first female veterinarian in America. Dr. McGrath’s love of animals inspired her to pursue a career in the traditionally male-dominated veterinary sector. She cleared the first of many obstacles in her path to realizing her dream when she was accepted as the first female student at Chicago Veterinary College in 1907. Motivated by her understanding of the intimate bond that exists between humans and their dogs, Dr. McGrath achieved success and earned her degree in 1910—ten years ahead of women’s suffrage in the US. She was one of the best veterinarians in the profession, but building a practice on pets was not very usual back then. She ran a companion animal clinic in Chicago for 37 years, becoming well-known for her pro-animal traditions, which included decorating a Christmas tree with pet gifts. Inspired by her understanding of the intimate bond that exists between humans and their pets, she also established the city’s first pet cemetery.
3) Dr. Helen Richt Irwin: Secretary of the AVMA meeting’s section on small animals in 1937 and the first woman to hold an office in the AVMA.
4) Dr. Mary Knight Dunlap: A 1933 graduate of Michigan State University, Dr. Dunlap founded the Association for Women Veterinarians in 1947 in the hopes of sparing female veterinarians from having to endure alone the professional problems, harassment and discrimination that she had experienced.
5) Dr. Maria von Maltzan: Shortly after the Nazis seized power in Germany in 1933, Dr. von Maltzan became an active member of the German resistance, helping hundreds of Jews avoid capture and escape the country. She said she learned the skills she used to deceive German intelligence officers while secretly studying to become a veterinarian against the wishes of her mother.
6) Drs. Alfreda Johnson Webb and Jane Hinton: Dr. Webb, a member of the 1945 inaugural class at Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Hinton, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania both graduated in 1949 to become the nation’s first black female veterinarians.
7) Dr. Mary Beth Leininger: In 1996, Dr. Leininger became the AVMA’s first female president.
8) Dr. Tracey McNamara: In 1999, while serving as the head of the Department of Pathology at the Bronx Zoo, Dr. McNamara was credited with the discovery of West Nile Virus in its initial major U.S. outbreak.
9) Dr. Bernadette Dunham: Dr. Dunham was Acting Director for the AVMA Governmental Relations Division prior to joining the FDA in 2002. From 2008-2016 she served as Director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which was responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of animal drugs, and the safety of animal feed, including pet food.
10) Dr. Bonnie Beaver: Dr. Beaver became the second woman to serve as president of the AVMA in 2004 and is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
11) Dr. Rene Carlson: Dr. Carlson served two terms as AVMA vice president (2004-2006) before her election as the third woman to serve as president of the AVMA in 2011. She served as president of the World Veterinary Association from 2014-2017.
12) Dr. Janet Donlin: Dr. Donlin was selected as executive vice president and CEO of the AVMA in 2016, marking the first time a woman has held the highest staff leadership position in the AVMA since the office was created in 1922.
13) Dr. Temple Grandin (United States): Renowned for her work in animal behavior and welfare.Overcame challenges related to autism to become a professor and bestselling author.Advocate for humane livestock handling, influencing industry practices.
14) Prof. Widi Nugroho (Indonesia): Pioneering figure in veterinary science and public health. Established veterinary education programs and research initiatives. Instrumental in addressing zoonotic diseases, impacting global health.
15) Dr. Karin Orsel (Canada): Specializes in cattle health and reproduction. Co-founder of a successful veterinary practice.Actively involved in community outreach and education on animal care.
16) Dr. Ilse Schwendenwein (Austria): Expert in veterinary pathology and diagnostics. Led research projects contributing to advancements in disease diagnosis. Advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration in veterinary sciences.
17) Dr. Trilby White (Australia): Leader in equine medicine and surgery. Founder of a specialized equine veterinary clinic. Mentor to aspiring veterinarians, fostering gender inclusivity in the profession.
18) Dr. Kathy Wright: She is a board-certified Veterinary cardiologist who graduated from Michigan State University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. In the US and Canada, she is one of the few veterinarians who holds board certifications in both internal medicine and cardiology. She contributes to several veterinary textbooks and reviews for the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, and the Australian Veterinary Journal. Her invention is a human treatment called radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), which has a 95% success rate in treating dogs with an uncommon but potentially fatal arrhythmia caused by atrioventricular accessory pathways, which is one of the most common reasons why young dogs have rapid heartbeats.
19) Dr. Jennifer Welser: Before earning her board certification as a veterinary ophthalmologist, she completed her degree at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, a rotating internship at Auburn University, and an ophthalmology residency at Animal Eye Associates in Illinois. She has worked in a range of clinical settings across her career, including running a veterinary practice in California, working as a staff ophthalmologist and medical director in a corporate setting, and working at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. In 2014, she was appointed Chief Medical Officer at BluePearl, where she was responsible for the company’s internship and residency programmes. She currently works with the chief medical officers of each practice to give access to cutting-edge, high-quality veterinary care while overseeing medical affairs for Mars Veterinary Health.
CONCLUSION
As we reflect on these successful stories, it becomes imperative to recognize and celebrate the strides made in promoting gender equality within the veterinary profession. Encouraging more women to pursue veterinary careers, fostering mentorship programs, and advocating for equal opportunities are crucial steps toward ensuring a future where gender no longer defines success in veterinary medicine. In essence, the triumphs of these women veterinarians resonate as a collective anthem for inclusivity and excellence. Their legacies inspire future generations, instilling a sense of possibility and breaking down barriers that once hindered progress. As we applaud their achievements, let us continue to champion diversity, recognizing that a truly vibrant and progressive veterinary profession is one that embraces the rich contributions of both men and women alike. The success stories of these women veterinarians exemplify the resilience, dedication, and expertise that women bring to the field globally. Their contributions span diverse areas of veterinary medicine, positively impacting animal health, public health, and the profession as a whole. As we celebrate these achievements, it is crucial to continue supporting and empowering women in veterinary science, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic future for the profession.
