Honouring Asian Heritage Month across our network

Asian Heritage Month, marked annually in May, is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.

Across our network, clinics and team members are supporting our Asian clients each day, through traditional medicine and in the language of their choice. As part of our commitment to increasing diversity within the veterinary practice and our clinics, we’re currently accepting applications from diverse Canadian veterinary students for a one year $5,000 bursary for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Get to know our clinics and team members

• Practicing at Kingston Road Animal Hospital (Toronto, ON), Dr. Ronnie Pusong grew up in the Philippines, where his mother’s love of animals and visits to his grandparents’ farm played a role in his career path, though he didn’t realize it at the time.
  When it comes to how his culture has shaped how he practices as a veterinarian today, Dr. Pusong shared, “Filipinos are known to be very caring and nurturing people. We are also well known for being very positive and welcoming; always having a happy smile and ready to lend a helping hand. I think those traits have helped me to easily establish rapport not only with my clients but with my co-workers as well. And when you are genuinely sincere and honest with the way you interact and care for your patients and clients, alike, it will show.”
• The team at Wellesley Animal Hospital (Toronto, ON) embraces diversity within its team and you’ll hear team members supporting clients in a wide range of languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Japanese. Practice Manager Carissa Tsui shared her story as part of our campaign in 2023.
• In Chilliwack, BC, Valley Veterinary Services’ Dr. Grace Placente shares why it’s important to her to serve clients in multiple languages. “As language barriers can hinder effective communication between me and my clients, being able to speak with them in Tagalog ensures that they fully understand the information being conveyed such as plan of care and I can thoroughly explain the disease process which leads to better outcomes and satisfaction.
  In her culture, Dr. Placente notes that a strong emphasis is placed on family and respect for elders. “I think these values could influence my approach to patient care, fostering a sense of compassion, empathy, and dedication serving both animals and their owners with care and respect.”