July 1st 2024.
Dr. Treyton Diggs has been chosen as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Veterinarian of the Year award by the renowned Westminster Kennel Club. This is a remarkable achievement for Diggs, as he is not only the first Black veterinarian to receive this honor, but also the first from Louisiana.
The Westminster Kennel Club recognized Diggs for his unwavering commitment to his values, dedication to his work, and strong moral compass in the field of animal care. As reported by 4WWL, Diggs expressed his gratitude for the recognition, but humbly directed the credit to his hardworking and talented team.
In an interview with 4WWL, Diggs shared his heartfelt sentiments, stating, "I am truly humbled and honored to have been selected for such a prestigious award from The Westminster Kennel Club, which significantly highlights my career and who I strive to be personally and professionally." He also added, "I share this award with my amazing colleagues who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me in making a difference, and validating the impact of veterinary medicine while simultaneously teaching our children and students that dreams accompanied with dedication, perseverance, and grit can become a reality."
Diggs is an alumnus of Tuskegee University, one of the few Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that offer a veterinary medicine program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 2.2% of veterinarians in the United States are Black, making Diggs' achievement even more significant.
The success of Black veterinarians has been gaining more recognition in recent years, thanks to shows like National Geographic's Critter Fixers and Animal Planet's The Vet Life. These shows feature Black veterinarians such as Dr. Vernard Hodges, Dr. Terrance Ferguson, and Dr. Diarra Blue, showcasing their expertise and dedication to their profession. Additionally, Hodges and Ferguson's national Vet for a Day program has been instrumental in introducing teenagers to the field of veterinary medicine.
Despite these positive representations and efforts to promote diversity in the veterinary field, the number of Black veterinarians remains low. In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Dr. Ferguson shared that he and Dr. Hodges have helped 63 aspiring veterinarians from diverse backgrounds get into veterinary programs through their Vet for a Day program. He also emphasized the importance of representation, stating, "When I was young, I didn't see a Black veterinarian, so I said, 'You know what? I want to let kids know that it does not matter what color you are, it doesn't matter if you're handicapped. Whatever your restrictions are, you can become one - even if you don't see it.'"
The success and impact of Black veterinarians in the industry are also reflected in the recent partnership between the Critter Fixers and PetSmart to open a Black-owned veterinary hospital. This is a significant step towards increasing diversity and representation in the field of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Treyton Diggs' achievement as the 2024 Veterinarian of the Year serves as an inspiration to aspiring veterinarians, especially those from underrepresented communities. It is a testament to the fact that with determination, hard work, and perseverance, any dream can become a reality.
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