Physical and mental health and well-being are a priority for the AVMA, the veterinary medical colleges, and everyone in the veterinary profession. Accordingly, AVMA has convened a roundtable and a taskforce on this important topic and has created a new position, Director of Wellness and Diversity Issues. History and research clearly show that LGBTQ individuals have health and wellness issues that are a result of the history of oppression and discrimination these communities have faced and that life experiences and situations, not sexual orientation per se, increases the risk factors for adverse health and well-being for LGBTQ individuals. To date, little research has examined the intersection of these risk factors with those of being a veterinarian, veterinary technician/assistant/technologist, or veterinary student. These issues need to be understood and accepted for health and well-being programs to be successful. This session will explore the results of a survey recently conducted by the Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association (LGVMA) and Auburn University. Our discussion will consider effective health and well-being programs in light of the survey results and will allow for an interactive Q & A session.
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