b'EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE, ACHIEVE AND LEAD TOGETHEREMPOWERED TO INSPIRE,VETERINARY WOMAN CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGEACHIEVE & LEAD TOGETHERS U M M A R Y My name is Seyedeh Zeinab Peighambarzadeh, Sanam forMy passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom; I strive short. I hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degreeto create an engaging and interactive learning environmentBackground: Im a veterinary clinicaland a PhD in Veterinary Clinical Pathology. I am a full-timethat encourages students to explore the complexities of life pathologist and lecturer at Azadfaculty member, university lecturer and instructor in theand science. By integrating real-world applications and current University in Tehran, Iran. With a DVM andVeterinary Medicine Department at Azad University, Shoushtarresearch into my lectures, I aim to equip my students with the PhD in Veterinary Clinical Pathology, IveBranch, Tehran, Iran. As a young undergraduate student Itools they need to excel in their future careers. spent 18 years teaching and mentoringjoined the research group studying proteins and enzymes students in veterinary medicine. in the biochemistry lab under the supervision of ProfessorI feel it is crucial because I believe that we need a greaterMission: Im passionate aboutMahmoud Aminlari, which allowed me to gain hands-onnumber of skilled scientists to uncover new insights into empowering women in veterinaryknowledge of experimental research methods and techniques.diagnostic and treatment methodologies for various diseases. medicine, especially in Iran, whereI continued my education and earned a PhD in VeterinaryIn an era where both humans and animals are struggling opportunities can be limited. I aim toClinical Pathology. The more I progressed, the more passionatewith new virus variants and genetic mutations leading to inspire students, particularly women,I became to help animal health using diagnostic proceduresserious diseases or cancers, it is essential to cultivate a more and advance animal healthcare throughand therapeutic aspects of veterinary science.educated generation of medical scientists and professionals. diagnostics and research. Nurturing curiosity and a strong ethical foundation in myChallenges: In a developing country,During my residency program, I worked as a clinicalstudents is essential for their development as compassionate women face gender bias and limitedpathologist in the diagnostic laboratory of the animal hospitaland competent veterinarians.Furthermore, I actively resources. Despite these barriers, Imof Azad University. My strong desire for an academic positioninvolve students in research projects, guiding them in their committed to breaking them down andled to my role as a lecturer and instructor in the field ofexploration of disease-specific biomarkers in inflammatory creating paths for women to succeed inDiagnostic Pathology and Biomedicine at the Azad University,diseases and cancers. This hands-on experience not only veterinary medicine. Department of Veterinary Medicine. Over the past 18 years,enhances their understanding of clinical pathology but also I mpact: Ive helped students, especiallyI have taught courses, including Biochemistry (Structure &instils a sense of responsibility and innovation in addressing women, navigate their careers andMetabolism), Clinical Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, andanimal health challenges. overcome personal challenges. Many ofHaematology to DVM and Laboratory Sciences B.Sc. students.Ultimately, my goal is to empower my students, particularly my students have gone on to becomeAdditionally, I have conducted research projects with studentsfemales, to become leaders in the field of veterinary medicine, leaders in the field. and colleagues in academia.Advice: I encourage my students to dreamcapable of making significant contributions to animal health big and believe in themselves. My fatherPlease summarise how you are working towards changeand welfare, while I am still eager to learn more and more always told me to strive to be the best,in the veterinary professions and why do you feel this isto be updated with novel findings in the field along with and I share this advice to inspire others. important?teaching.Next Steps: I plan to continue supportingIn addition to my background in veterinary clinical pathologyWhat motivated you to want to change things? women in veterinary medicine, advocateand research, I am deeply committed to my role as anI saw a need for improvement or a gap in the field of veterinary for policies to support working mothers,educator at Azad University. Lecturing and doing research atmedicine, and I wanted to be part of the solution. Actually, and expand access to educationalthe university level not only allows me to share my knowledgewhen I was a junior veterinary student, I met a 60-year resources for veterinary professionalsand expertise with students but also provides a uniqueveterinary woman in my hometown, who was distinguished by worldwide. opportunity to cultivate the next generation of veterinaryher hard work and significant accomplishments. I approached professionals. I help pave the way for the young generation ofher clinic to learn about poultry practices. She shared the vets to make great achievements. I find it incredibly rewardingstory of her first experience of dystocia in a pregnant cow, to inspire students as they navigate their academic journeys,which was a significant challenge for her to manage at a very fostering their critical thinking and practical skills in veterinaryyoung age. It became an important achievement for her, medicine.www.veterinarywoman.co.uk 6'