Brought to you by PrideVMC Titanium Partner – MarsVH: BluePearl
Advancement in the veterinary field does not happen from just one way of thinking.
At BluePearl, we know that true medical innovation happens when people of different perspectives put their heads together and work toward a common goal. When we combine the expertise of people from many walks of life, we create teams that benefit from:
- A variety of problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are crucial in treating complex specialty and emergency cases.
- Greater collaboration from multiple types of thought processes, experiences, and cultural values.
- Strong representation of the rich tapestry of cultures and values of the clients we serve.
- Feeling a sense of “we are one” from the comfort and trust they develop with their peers.
Combining the different superpowers of every unique individual on our teams makes us stronger and more efficient – so we can pioneer the advanced medicine that the pets and people in our community deserve.
That’s why we celebrate our Associates’ unique backgrounds and identities.
When we champion a unique constellation of Associates in our hospitals, we see firsthand that each star gets to shine brighter. Diverse environments not only benefit our clients and patients, but they also create happier, healthier team members who can:
- Be their authentic selves on the job.
- Engage in meaningful dialogue with peers.
- Feel recognized, included and important.
Diversity has always been part of the fabric of our culture. Our Equity, Inclusion & Diversity (EI&D) Council lays the groundwork for us to continue strengthening our talents and teams through diversity.
Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) are some of the major pillars in this mission. These are voluntary groups open to all BluePearl Associates. Their goals include:
- Delivering education, raising awareness and promoting advocacy for underrepresented groups.
- Connecting Associates with each other and external partners who have similar backgrounds.
- Creating an inclusive environment where people feel like they truly belong.
BluePearl currently has six ARGs and counting. Each group has a unique set of goals and values rooted in their Associates’ shared vision and experiences.
What are EI&D programs?
EI&D programs like our ARGs provide opportunities for Associates with diverse backgrounds to connect, communicate and bond over shared experiences. The benefits of this connection include:
- Stronger camaraderie, resulting in close-knit and respectful teamwork.
- Confidence in expressing their unique ways of thinking, which catalyze progress in veterinary medicine.
- A sense of togetherness so no one feels isolated or unimportant on the job.
- The creative and outside-the-box thinking when Associates feel safe to express their ideas and unique points of view.
- Deep trust on the team, so they can play to each others’ strengths while working on complex or challenging cases.
EI&D initiatives celebrate, protect and empower people of all walks of life and different dimensions of diversity.
Our ARGs are just one of our many EI&D initiatives that creates structure and engagement opportunities around our commitment to diversity. Each group has:
- A member of the senior leadership team as sponsors to help provide oversight and measure progress.
- Steering committee leaders who shape the path for the group’s future and outreach.
- A unique set of goals and values that represents its members.
- Social communities to meet and connect with other members of the group.
- An open door for any and all Associates to join the groups if they’re interested in voluntary membership.
- Opportunities to get involved through meetings, events and mentorship.
As of 2024, there are over 290 members of our ARGs.
Why are EI&D programs important?
When our Associates feel celebrated and empowered as their true selves, everybody wins.
Diversity, equity and inclusion programs benefit everyone in our greater BluePearl community, including our Associates, clients, patients and peers.
Our Associates
When our Associates come to work with an unwavering sense of belonging, they are empowered to be the best they can be. Celebrating diversity and implementing EI&D initiatives helps Associates:
- Work together as one. When a team is composed of diverse members, there are many perspectives, ways of thinking, and problem-solving skills that combine to make a stronger, more well-rounded team.
- Feel healthier and happier on the job. EI&D programs promote positive mental health and happier Associates who feel comfortable shining as who they are.
Our clients and their pets
It’s important to us that when clients of all walks of life come to BluePearl hospitals, they’re receiving care from people who make them feel included and safe. Our diverse culture benefits our clients and patients because it enables our teams to:
- Perform at the highest level. Diverse companies are more likely to outperform their peers. We’ve been named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2024 by Newsweek – and we feel a difference in the level of medicine we can provide as a result of our EI&D initiatives. This ultimately benefits our clients and patients, especially in specialty and emergency hospitals when seconds count and strategic thinking can make a life-changing impact.
- Understand diversity in our clientele. Our culture of respecting and honoring diversity affects how we work with clients of all backgrounds. Our teams create personalized treatment plans that take into account the unique values and preferences of our clients.
Our peers across the industry
We achieve progress and forward thinking in the veterinary industry when we bring together experts with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. It’s our mission to lead the charge in closing the diversity gap in veterinary medicine and set a positive example of EI&D across the industry.
BluePearl’s Associate Resource Groups (ARGs).
BluePearl’s commitment to broadening EI&D initiatives has led to the creation of many unique groups designed by Associates, for Associates. Please click here to learn about all of BluePearl’s ARGs.
