Stories of Successful Women Veterinarians Globally
Dr M. Bindu Pushpa1; Dr Monoshree Sarma2; Dr Anisetty Shilpa Sree3
- Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751030.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751030.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Products and Technology, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751030.
Role of women in any field has always been undermined by their counterparts. Albeit, world boast of the mammoth roles played by women in shaping the society and their contributions to the field of science and technology. Since, antiquity women are clanged to animal rearing. Science have provided a new dimension to this sphere and today plethora of women are working as veterinarians in patriarchal field of veterinary medicine dealing with myriad challenges. As it is impossible to cover all of them in a single piece of article, we are restricting to a few veterinarians whose contributions have revolutionized the profession.
Dr. Aleen Cust is one such lady from the profession whose zeal for her profession and unwavering efforts for the cause of animals have made her a prominent figure in the field. After the fallout of First World War, Dr. Cust left Ireland to treat and manage wounded horses working with the YMCA from a base near Abbevile. Thereafter, she joined army bacteriology laboratory associated with Veterinary Hospital. The prestigious Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons denied her from practising in Britain until 1922. Her wings got fire only when Henry Sumner, the then president of RCVS, personally presented Dr. Aleen with her diploma and thus she stands as the first women to be awarded with such diploma. In 2007, a plaque was erected in Cust’s honour at Castlestange House, Athleague by Women in Technology and Science and the National Committee for Commemorative Plaques in Science and technology, with support from Veterinary Ireland.
Dr Elinor McGrath, born around 1888, is widely recognized as a trailblazer and the first female veterinarian in the United States. Fueled by a deep love for animals from an early age, she tenaciously pursued her passion despite facing significant gender-related challenges in the male-dominated veterinary field. In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr McGrath shattered barriers in 1907 by becoming the first woman admitted to the Chicago Veterinary College. During an era when the nation heavily relied on veterinary care for farm animals, McGrath made a bold and unconventional choice by focusing her practice on pets. This decision, considered unusual at the time, marked her commitment to address the needs of companion animals. Over the course of 37 years, Dr McGrath dedicated herself to the practice of veterinary medicine, leaving an indelible mark on the profession. Her pioneering spirit extended beyond her clinical work. In a move that showcased her forward-thinking approach, she established Chicago’s first pet cemetery. This initiative not only reflected her acknowledgment of the meaningful bond between humans and their animal companions but also contributed to the evolution of veterinary services to encompass the growing importance of pets in people’s lives.
Dr Jane Hinton was one among the first two American African women to obtain Degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She has pioneered in the study of bacterial antibiotic resistance. She along with John Harvard Mueller developed Mueller Hinton Agar, a culture used to isolate Neisseria bacteria, aetiology of Gonorrhea and meningococcal meningitis. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute tagged this agar as gold standard for antibiotic testing. During World War II, Dr Hinton also served as lab technician in Arizona. After possessing her degree, she practiced as small animal veterinarian in Canton Massachusetts, and later as Federal Government Inspector in Framingham Massachusetts.
Dr Sophia Yin animal behaviourist and Veterinarian was empathetic towards the dumb creatures for euthanasia was a common practice in pets owing to their behavioural problem and medical issues. To address the concerned cause, she took up Masters in Animal science and completed her thesis in Vocal communication in dogs. Dr Yin was the President of American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour. To disseminate information on animal behaviour she Worganised ample of seminars and workshops. Dr Yin came with the innovation which is known as “Treat and Train” in common man’s parlance. It is nothing but a reward-based training system that makes it convenient for pet owners to care for, appreciate and enjoy time with their pets. Her “Fear Free” techniques are instrumental in guiding veterinarians on how to make visits less stressful for pets.
Indian women too have played central roles pertaining to animal care and management. They have left the patriarchal society in awe with their vast stretch of knowledge in the field. The noble profession got new colour in 1948, when the Madras Veterinary College, Vepery let the women to pursue Bachelor of Veterinary Science. MVC produced the first female veterinarian of the country in 1952, Dr Sakkubai Ramchandran. The process got momentum with the formation of Indian Association of Lady Veterinarians in 1985 at Veterinary college Thrissur, Kerala. Dr Annamma Jacob was the first lady veterinarian to assume the office of dean in Kerala Veterinary College and thus stands as the first lady Dean of any Veterinary College in India.
Another academician from veterinary field is Sosamma Iype, who is popular as “Vechur Amma” amongst the mass. She has served as a Professor in Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and later assumed the position of Head of the Department, Animal Genetics and Breeding, KVASU. Dr. Sosamma has retired from the post of Director, Centre for Advance Studies in Animal Genetics and Breeding. She along with Vechur Conservation Trust has contributed at large to conserve Vechur, a native breed of cow. Her efforts got due recognition at national level when she was coveted Padmashri by the honourable President of India in 2022. Her dedication and zeal for work is globally known and she was awarded with the prestigious Indian Biodiversity Award in 2016 by UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). Based on her experience in conservation of Vechur cows, she has written a book entitled “Vechur Pashu: Punarjanam which literally means “Vechur cow: Rebirth”.
Dr Bhomika Shrimali, a lady Veterinarian from Chhattisgarh is well known for her love and compassion for the wild animals. She is a graduate of Veterinary college of Chhattisgarh, Anjora, Durg. Presently, she is serving as Veterinary Officer in the Nandanvan Jungle Safari at Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. She has delivered many talks on wildlife and briefed the common mass on information related to wildlife. Recently, during Covid lockdown she has trained a young zoo lover Aman (7 years old) from Raipur for virtual zoo ambassador programme by Vandalur zoo Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai and thus making him the first young zoo ambassador in Chhattisgarh. She is keen to develop a network of like-minded zoo lovers who are enthusiastic to perpetuate the wave of awareness, care and compassion of conserving wildlife and the habitat.
Dr. Ankita Pathak, a recipient of “Rabies Hero Award” is a graduate of Mumbai Veterinary College, Maharashtra. She is popular as “Injection wali Doctor” for she has administered Anti-rabies Vaccines to 35,000 stray dogs and abandoned pets over the past 10 years. Her dedication to animal welfare is truly commendable. Through her spay-neuter program, she is actively contributing to control the animal population and prevent the suffering of countless animals. By sterilizing thousands of animals, she not only addresses the immediate concerns of overpopulation but also helps create a more sustainable and humane environment. Dr Pathak is known as a “second chance doctor” because she’s really good at helping animals that are very sick or hurt. She has operated more than 10,000 animals with various emergencies and ailments, showing how much, she cares about saving their lives.
Dr. Meghana Pemmaiah, a young doctor from Mangaluru, Karnataka has come to the fore for her deeds of valour. She is known to have rescued eight leopard and many other wild fauna. Her unwavering dedication for the cause of wildlife has benefitted the State of Karnataka in particular and India in general. She is instrumental in ensuring that the wild cats return to their natural habitats in healthy condition. Her dynamic personality, untiring efforts, and being in a close proximity with animals since childhood has set her on the path of animal rescuing and helped her earn confidence to tackle any unpredictable challenge. In a recent dangerous, yet thrilling incident, Dr. Meghana had to jump into a 20-feet-deep well at Niddodi in Dakshin Karnataka to rescue a leopard stuck it in for days together.
The increasing presence of female veterinarians brings diverged perspectives and innovative approaches to the field contributing significantly to the evolution of veterinary medicine. Their influence across global health, research, technology and advocacy is shaping the future of the profession.
