Dr. Aziza Glass to star in new Disney XD show, "Roman to the Rescue"

Written by Lauren Cahoon Roberts, Director of Communications

Dr. Aziza Glass, a Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine alumna, has crafted a unique and rewarding career niche for herself — resulting in a chance to showcase the veterinary profession to wide audiences through her role on the new Disney XD show, "Roman to the Rescue” (also available on Hulu).

Being a part of the show has been a lot of fun, Glass says. “It was cool to be a part of the creative process, to be behind the scenes — and also to make sure that the veterinary medicine that was presented on the show was something I could be proud of.”

Glass is no stranger to the screen: as a veterinary student at Cornell, Glass and six of her fellow classmates were featured in the Nat Geo Wild television series, “Vet School.” The most rewarding outcome from the experience was how it inspired others. “After the show, I got so much feedback from people saying that their kids loved the show — people from my community,” she says.

Glass’ private veterinary practice, Personal Touch Veterinary Clinic, in Houston, Texas, uses a broad array of techniques to treat animals, including holistic modalities such as acupuncture, food therapy and herbal medicine. Now seven years into her veterinary career, Glass has advice for those following in her footsteps. “It is imperative for recent graduates to find a couple of mentors who have been in the game for a while,” she says.

This advice is true for everyone, Glass says, but particularly for people of color. “There are already layers of issues that come with that, and it’s important to have somebody who won’t be dismissive about your thoughts and feelings.”

This touches on a key issue that she sees affecting the veterinary profession today — diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). “What’s going to make veterinary medicine relevant in the years to come is by taking DEI seriously,” says Glass.

Pet ownership is changing, she explains, noting that the demographics of people who can afford pets and contribute to their care is becoming increasingly diversified. To adapt to this changing market, Glass says veterinarians and veterinary practices need to be more approachable to new clients and to attract diverse clinicians that can interface easily with the communities these practices serve.

The efforts will take time and dedication, but Glass notes they are crucial for the profession to thrive in the future.