A group of female veterinarians had quite the response to a rather outdated article in the latest edition of Bovine Veterinarian. Originally intended to delve into salary trends within the veterinary field, readers were quickly distracted by a cringe-worthy segment that reeked of sexism.
The piece, titled “Drivers of Direction,” opens with a discussion comparing the salaries of bovine vets to their general practitioner counterparts. Just when everything seems to be heading in a professional direction, it takes a sharp turn into the 1950s with the assertion that “Female veterinarians might find more interest in working with small companion animals, while their male counterparts prefer the great outdoors with larger animals.”
Excuse me, what? Did we just time travel back to an era when stereotypes ruled the day?
Green Pasture Veterinary Services took to Facebook to call out this sweeping generalization, asking, “Where’s the evidence to back up these outdated stereotypes?” Dr. Laura, one of the vets involved, noted that her participation in these surveys never hinted at a preference for small animal work. They rightly pointed out that such blanket statements only serve to alienate dedicated bovine practitioners.
It’s baffling how anyone could make such broad claims about what “all” women or “all” men enjoy. It’s akin to assuming that every woman prefers chocolate over vanilla!
But the real gold came from the comments section, where these fierce women weren’t holding back. They made it abundantly clear that not only are they capable of handling large animals, they actually prefer it.
After all, it’s probably not a good idea to irk a woman who knows her way around a cattle prod!
If images could speak volumes, there wouldn’t be a need for salary studies.
It’s clear that the women in the bovine veterinary field aren’t interested in snuggling up with puppies and kittens; they’re utilizing their intellect and getting their hands dirty to help animals in need.
These incredible women are breaking barriers, taking their careers outdoors, and thriving in an industry that once tried to keep them out. Who would’ve thought that a passion for veterinary science could go hand in hand with outdoor adventure?
For more enlightening stories like this, check out our other blog posts, including some helpful information on home insemination resources.
In summary, the response from female veterinarians to a sexist article highlights the need to challenge outdated stereotypes and recognize the diverse interests and capabilities of women in the field.