Pride Veterinary Medical Community – July 15, 2023

Event

The Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC) held its annual meeting on July 15 in Denver.

Program

More than 200 attendees participated in the annual meeting, hosted by the president and president-elect of the PrideVMC, Drs. Abby McElroy and Omar Farías. The meeting reinforced the need to turn alarm into action as more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric surfaces.

Awards

PrideVMC Leadership Award

Dr. Kate Toyer, Surf Beach, Australia, won this award given in recognition of individuals who actively support the PrideVMC’s mission to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community and the vision of an empowered LGBTQ+ veterinary community whose members are embraced by society as their authentic selves.

A member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (small animal surgery), Dr. Toyer practices at Eurocoast Veterinary Centre in Surf Beach. She is the co-founder of Australian Rainbow Vets and Allies, an advocacy and support group for Australian LGBTQ+ veterinary professionals and their allies, and the Veterinary Kaleidoscope podcast.

Business

The organization, celebrating its 30th anniversary, reviewed the 2023 strategic priorities and activities, shared its progress against key metrics, and acknowledged PrideVMC partners.

Officials

Dr. Abby McElroy, Harrisville, Rhode Island, president; Dr. Omar Farías, Kansas City, Missouri, president-elect; Erin Spencer, Derry, New Hampshire, treasurer; Dr. Dane Whitaker, Sacramento, California, immediate past president; Rachel Dufour, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, information officer; Dr. Mia Cary, Greensboro, North Carolina, chief executive officer; Dr. Morgan Miller, Chicago, Pride Student Veterinary Medical Community adviser; Sydney Johnson, St. Paul, Minnesota, student liaison; Dr. Ewan Wolff, Portland, Oregon, industry liaison; and director at large—Dr. Deborah Kochevar, Grafton, Massachusetts

A version of this story appears in the October 2023 print issue of JAVMA