BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has developed an organization to help diversify the veterinary workforce. The League of VetaHumanz, in collaboration with 18 member institutions, will highlight role models in the veterinary field to provide support to underserved youth wishing to pursue veterinary careers. The League represents academia, practice, research, government and industry. Purdue says it plans to provide veterinary students with resources to engage community youth after graduation. 

Dr. Sandra San Miguel, whose superhero name is Pink Phoenix, is the founder of the League of VetaHumanz and the associate dean for engagement in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to active role models, the organization is planning to provide resources to children who do not have access to in-person role models so that they can learn about a veterinary role model and have a veterinary-related activity at home. The website also offers access to free video role models, an online game and books about veterinary medicine. 

VetaHumanz is meant to resemble the term metahumans from the DC Comics universe, who are humans with superpowers. The website defines VetaHuman as “A human being with superpowers who protects animal and public health; synonym: veterinarian. Role models with the organization are identified as superheroes. 

The league is supported by a five-year grant from the Science Education Partnership Award program of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Purdue’s College of Education will evaluate the impact of the league by studying changes in attitude toward the veterinary profession, knowledge of veterinary science and the impact of live and virtual role modeling. 

Member institutions include several schools and colleges of veterinary medicine as well as a few community organizations. For more information on the organization and to see member organizations, visit their website at https://vet.purdue.edu/vetahumanz/.