Empowering Diversity in Veterinary Education through Augmented Reality

The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is dedicated to reshaping veterinary medical education, particularly by opening pathways for non-traditional students to enter the field. In line with this transformative vision, Dr. Athena Ganchorre, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, is at the helm of a pioneering project utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) to educate and prepare students considering veterinary medicine as a profession. This visionary initiative, propelled by Dr. Ganchorre and supported by Dr. Bryan Carter of the Center for Digital Humanities (CDH), is fundamentally altering the landscape of veterinary medicine education.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that blends digital information or virtual elements with the real world, enhancing the user's perception and interaction with their environment. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which immerses users in a completely simulated environment, AR overlays digital content onto the real world in real-time. AR achieves this by using devices like smartphones, tablets, specialized glasses, or headsets equipped with cameras and sensors. These devices capture the physical surroundings and project computer-generated sensory input such as visuals, sounds, or haptic feedback, enriching the user's experience.

Overall, AR technology aims to augment and enhance the real-world experience by integrating digital elements, enabling new ways of learning, interacting, and experiencing information. By harnessing Augmented Reality (AR) modules, this groundbreaking project addresses the imperative need for greater diversity and inclusion in the field. Dr. Ganchorre, a trailblazer in championing opportunities for underrepresented communities, leads the charge to establish a pipeline for aspiring veterinarians from diverse backgrounds.

Focused on developing AR anatomy lab modules for five animal species, this innovative approach aims to prepare a diverse cohort of students for entry into the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. Integrating these modules into the pathways curriculum not only fosters academic excellence but also promotes community engagement and collaboration.

The impact of this project resonates across various educational avenues, offering:

• Integration with the Honors College Early Assurance Program (CVM-HEAP)
• Development of Community College Curricula
• Engagement with K-12 Students

With a commitment to inclusivity, the AR modules are tailored to accommodate diverse learning needs, empowering neurodivergent individuals, students with varied abilities, and those from multifaceted sociocultural backgrounds. Annual training sessions for community college students pave the way for a more diverse and representative future in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Athena Ganchorre's leadership in fostering a pipeline opportunity for underrepresented communities underscores the project's significance. This endeavor harnesses technology, innovation, and inclusivity, steering veterinary education toward a more diverse, equitable, and enriched future.