Our series on “Champions for Change” features people of any gender in any role who are making a difference and creating positive change for women in the veterinary sector – enabling aspirations, inspiring and supporting others to grow and follow their passions, and empowering our community.
Sanam Peighambarzadeh DVM PhD is a veterinary clinical pathologist and university lecturer at Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Despite facing various challenges and restrictions in her home country, she continued her education in veterinary clinical pathology with the aim of enhancing animal healthcare, developing new diagnostic methods and treatment protocols. Saman is passionately committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of strong and empowered women in veterinary medicine in Iran, aiming to inspire new students to build a brighter future and achieve their goals. As a mother of three, she remains eager to learn and help pave the way for women to be able to achieve their ambitions, whatever their dreams.
Saman shares more about her vision and motivations in her profile below:
My name is Seyedeh Zeinab Peighambarzadeh, Sanam for short.
I hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Clinical Pathology. I am a full-time faculty member, university lecturer and instructor in the Veterinary Medicine Department at Azad University, Shoushtar Branch, Tehran, Iran. As a young undergraduate student I joined the research group studying proteins and enzymes in the biochemistry lab under the supervision of Professor Mahmoud Aminlari, which allowed me to gain hands-on knowledge of experimental research methods and techniques. I continued my education and earned a PhD in Veterinary Clinical Pathology. The more I progressed, the more passionate I became to help animal health using diagnostic procedures and therapeutic aspects of veterinary science.
During my residency program, I worked as a clinical pathologist in the diagnostic laboratory of the animal hospital of Azad University. My strong desire for an academic position led to my role as a lecturer and instructor in the field of Diagnostic Pathology and Biomedicine at the Azad University, Department of Veterinary Medicine. Over the past 18 years, I have taught courses, including Biochemistry (Structure & Metabolism), Clinical Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, and Haematology to DVM and Laboratory Sciences B.Sc. students. Additionally, I have conducted research projects with students and colleagues in academia.
Please summarise how you are working towards change in the veterinary professions and why do you feel this is important?
In addition to my background in veterinary clinical pathology and research, I am deeply committed to my role as an educator at Azad University. Lecturing and doing research at the university level not only allows me to share my knowledge and expertise with students but also provides a unique opportunity to cultivate the next generation of veterinary professionals. I help pave the way for the young generation of vets to make great achievements. I find it incredibly rewarding to inspire students as they navigate their academic journeys, fostering their critical thinking and practical skills in veterinary medicine.
My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom; I strive to create an engaging and interactive learning environment that encourages students to explore the complexities of life and science. By integrating real-world applications and current research into my lectures, I aim to equip my students with the tools they need to excel in their future careers.
I feel it is crucial because I believe that we need a greater number of skilled scientists to uncover new insights into diagnostic and treatment methodologies for various diseases. In an era where both humans and animals are struggling with new virus variants and genetic mutations leading to serious diseases or cancers, it is essential to cultivate a more educated generation of medical scientists and professionals. Nurturing curiosity and a strong ethical foundation in my students is essential for their development as compassionate and competent veterinarians. Furthermore, I actively involve students in research projects, guiding them in their exploration of disease-specific biomarkers in inflammatory diseases and cancers. This hands-on experience not only enhances their understanding of clinical pathology but also instils a sense of responsibility and innovation in addressing animal health challenges.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower my students, particularly females, to become leaders in the field of veterinary medicine, capable of making significant contributions to animal health and welfare, while I am still eager to learn more and more to be updated with novel findings in the field along with teaching.
What motivated you to want to change things?
I saw a need for improvement or a gap in the field of veterinary medicine, and I wanted to be part of the solution. Actually, when I was a junior veterinary student, I met a 60-year veterinary woman in my hometown, who was distinguished by her hard work and significant accomplishments. I approached her clinic to learn about poultry practices. She shared the story of her first experience of dystocia (difficult birth) in a pregnant cow, which was a significant challenge for her to manage at a very young age. It became an important achievement for her, especially since she was a petite woman, who was able to excel despite these limitations. In fact, dystocia cases are normally complicated for veterinarians to manage, particularly for a female vet, but she did it. She always gave me valuable advice on how to climb the ladder of success, regardless of many restrictions. So I was inspired by her as a mentor who showed me the impact that we could make through our work.
I also have a strong personal passion for helping young students and making a difference in their lives, and that drives me to want to create positive change.
How have you encouraged other people to get on board with your ideas?
I am committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of women in veterinary medicine. What I am strongly passionate about is making a remarkable difference in the lives of my students and in the field as a whole, and cultivating a new generation of strong and empowered women in veterinary medicine. I believe in strength and potential of women, and I’m sure it will motivate many others to join me in this important work.
During my work experience, I encourage and motivate my students to continue their education, in order to be impressive in animal and public health in our society. I take pride in every single step I have taken along the way. I am particularly proud of my students, who have followed me. They are intelligent and driven women pursuing a veterinary residency program in clinical pathology and they serve as an inspiration to others. In my country, which is a developing country with lots of restrictions, these women are proof that with determination and talent, women can excel in veterinary medicine and make a real difference.
Throughout the years, I have played crucial roles in educational and research councils within the Veterinary Medicine department and school. I recall an incident during the enrollment period for new students when a very young lady approached me, visibly distressed. She expressed her concern about her father, who was insisting that she would have to marry instead of pursuing her studies at the university. It was quite challenging to persuade an angry father to sign the registration form for his daughter, especially given his strong opposition. I remember it took half a workday to discuss the beneficial aspects of studying veterinary medicine for women and the bright future it could offer his daughter. Ultimately, I was able to convince him to agree to her registration. Now, six years later, she is about to graduate from veterinary school and often expresses her gratitude for the support she received from me on her first day. This experience reaffirms my belief that I am fulfilling my mission in life.
What are the biggest challenges you have encountered in this journey and how have you overcome them?
Women in veterinary medicine, like in many other fields, often face significant challenges and obstacles throughout their careers including, gender bias and discrimination, work-life balance, limited access to resources: vet women may have less access to mentorship, funding, or other resources that can help them advance in their careers, particularly in developing countries.
I must mention the challenges that women in developing countries like Iran face, where there are more restrictions on women’s rights and opportunities, and the unique challenges that women in these countries may face in pursuing their goals and careers, such as discrimination, lack of access to advanced education or limited resources for education, and social and cultural barriers. By acknowledging these challenges and advocating for change, I could help bring attention to these issues and support women who are working to overcome them. I do believe that we can help create a world where all women have the opportunity to pursue their educational and career goals.
I am always thinking about the big dreams and aspirations that every single young girl has; that burning desire to make a positive impact on the world, whether it’s through veterinary medicine, human medicine, or other fields. Unfortunately, many of these girls may face barriers and challenges that make it difficult to achieve their goals. However, by supporting and empowering these girls, we can help them overcome these obstacles and realize their full potential. By doing so, we can create a better, healthier world for everyone.
What has most helped and motivated you along the way?
I come from an educated family, my mother is a school dean and my father is a retired psychology teacher. From an early age, my family motivated me to pursue a strong education and strive for excellence. Education has always been a high priority for my family. My father shared examples of successful women around the world who have made outstanding achievements. I was taught to explore new avenues in education, to bring something special to my students, and to play a significant role in the world.
What is the best advice you’ve been given, or that you would give to someone else, about driving positive change?
My father advised me to be the best at anything I plan to do. He told me: “If you want to be a painter, be the best one at it. If you want to be a chef, be the best chef, if you want to be a teacher or a doctor, strive to be the best in your community. If you are the best, money will follow.” Through the years, I am a vet and a teacher still striving to be the best.
The best advice I often give to my students is to dream big and have confidence in themselves. No matter how challenging the situation they face. I particularly encourage my female students to aspire to great achievements, whether to be a president who brings change to our country, a Nobel-prize winner to bring change in science, a student at Harvard University, or an NBA player to bring change in their personal lives. I ensure that they believe these huge dreams can come true by having faith in themselves, working hard, and never giving up.
What are your next steps to continue creating change for the better?
The first step is to support and empower organizations such as Veterinary Woman which encourage women in veterinary science to recognize their vital contributions to society and to leverage their remarkable skills and knowledge in the field of animal health. In addition, laws should be enacted to support married female veterinarians with children, enabling them to balance family responsibilities while fully utilizing their professional capabilities in the workplace, without the fear of job loss or family instability.
The next step in creating meaningful change is to break down barriers and open new opportunities.
Science knows no boundaries, therefore we must ensure veterinary students and veterinarians all over the globe have access to advanced education and are kept updated with the latest discoveries in animal diseases, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic techniques. In the world of modern technology and virtual education, it is essential to provide free access to educational resources for both seasoned and emerging generations of veterinarians and specialists. By establishing organizations worldwide, hosting free workshops, webinars, lectures, podcasts, virtual congresses, and annual symposiums in different aspects of veterinary science, we empower ourselves and enhance our collective knowledge. It is obvious that a well-informed community of veterinarians contributes to a healthier society benefiting both animal and human health.
In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2025, we assembled a collection of ‘Champions for Change’ profiles into a free eBook. Explore exclusive stories highlighting inspirational figures driving positive change for women in veterinary.
Our thanks to Sanam for sharing her inspiring story of how she is championing change. If you would like to nominate a Champion for Change or share your story, please let us know.
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