HABRI Central

From dog dentist to dean, the image of a veterinary leader is different for all of us. I might picture a laboratory pathologist deep into her research while you imagine a board-certified equine surgeon who also directs her multi-doctor practice like NASA ground control. Someone else envisions a public health officer tracking an avian influenza outbreak, while yet another thinks of a practice associate who is the consummate community member, volunteering as a 4-H leader, and working with the county health commissioner to develop criteria so that the local hospital administrator can legally allow pets in recovery rooms. The notion of a leader is tied less to title and position than to influence and impact. While our idea of leaders is as varied as we are, one persistent image that seems grafted into our minds is that of the person who forges ahead with inspired followers in tow. For those raised on movies where leaders are solitary cowboys, tough military brass, or barking business tycoons, the image is decidedly individualistic, authoritative, and male.

1. Animal welfare
2. Veterinary medicine
3. Women