Hidden Harm: How implicit bias and microaggressions perpetuate oppression and halt progress in veterinary medicine

Our Patients Don’t See Colour—So Why Do We Need EDI? Understanding Race, Racism, and Anti-Racism in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Jordan Woodsworth.

Explore power, privilege, intersectionality, microaggressions, implicit bias, and the roles of allies and accomplices, while learning practical steps for anti-racism action. Grounded in the Social Determinants of Health and a One Health/One Welfare lens, these sessions focus on breaking systemic barriers, repairing harm, and creating safer, more inclusive workplace cultures—enhancing both animal care and clinical outcomes.

Webinar 3 Hidden Harm: How implicit bias and microaggressions perpetuate oppression and halt progress in veterinary medicine by Dr. Jordan Woodsworth
 
Veterinary professionals strive to provide compassionate care, yet biased attitudes and subtle behaviors can go unchecked and unintentionally harm clients, colleagues, and communities. Expanding on previous webinars in our series, this 90-minute webinar will unpack implicit bias and microaggressions within the Canadian veterinary context, exploring their impact on workplace culture and access to care.
 
Participants will learn strategies to recognize, interrupt, and prevent these behaviors, fostering equity and trust within veterinary practice. You’ll leave with the ability to:
 
• Define implicit bias and microaggressions and explain their relevance in veterinary medicine.
 
• Identify common examples of implicit bias and microaggressions in interactions with clients and colleagues.
 
• Examine the impact of these behaviors on professional relationships, team dynamics, and health equity.
 
• Apply practical strategies to mitigate bias and respond effectively to microaggressions in clinical, organizational, and personal settings.

 

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need to join.

These webinars are free and open to everyone in veterinary practice—including veterinarians, student veterinarians, RVTs, student RVTs, and all veterinary team members.

 

You do not need to be a CVMA member to attend. RACE Approved.

 

The sessions will be delivered in English with Wordly providing captioning and audio in French Canadian and 20+ other languages.

CVMA gratefully acknowledges Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets for sponsoring this webinar series.

Questions? Email Dr. Kathy Keil at: kkeil@cvma-acmv.org

Hidden Harm: How implicit bias and microaggressions perpetuate oppression and halt progress in veterinary medicine

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  • Thursday Mar 19 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Virtual
    Canada