Preparing One Health Veterinary Practitioners
A thorough understanding of One Health assists CVM students in developing and leading community health endeavors.
The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to providing a comprehensive veterinary education like no other, and our approach to fostering day-one-ready One Health practitioners is no exception. A key aspect of our mission is to develop professionals who live healthy, meaningful lives and serve their local and global communities. A thorough understanding of One Health assists students in developing and leading in One Health endeavors.
What is One Health?
One Health is the intersection of animal health, human health, and environmental health. It is a transdisciplinary approach: various disciplines collaborating to address key problems impacting our communities. This approach recognizes the intersection of animal, human and environmental health, and it looks for ways to improve the shared health of each. Veterinary medicine has long been a pillar of One Health efforts, and veterinarians have a unique opportunity to partner with fellow experts across numerous fields to contribute to the overall health and well-being of our shared world.
How does the College of Veterinary Medicine Approach One Health?
The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to One Health, helping students learn how they can contribute to improving community and global health. We are currently the only veterinary college that integrates four semesters of One Health training throughout our DVM curriculum. Upon entering the program, students are introduced to key elements of One Health and the role of a veterinarian in One Health initiatives. In subsequent semesters, students build on this foundational knowledge to apply their skills as a One Health practitioner to real world problems. Dr. Jennifer Wishnie, DVM, MSc, MPH, DACVPM, is an Associate Professor of Practice specializing in One Health. She shared that CVM teaches students to “look at the big picture. [Their studies ask them] ‘How does what you are doing in your veterinary practice impact animal, human and environmental health for their clients, communities and globally?’ since a veterinary practitioner works toward the common good in this way,” she said. Students will be able to put their training into practice as they begin their clinical year. In fact, a One Health elective and clinical rotation allows students to specialize in this area.
Looking Forward
Our strong focus on One Health informs our current curriculum as well as our next steps. We are working to collaborate with leaders in other disciplines to drive robust One Health research examining the Human-Animal Bond, which affects both human and animal health. Enthusiastic faculty members impart research and professional expertise to students, facilitating extensive learning in One Health in a student-centered environment. Dedicated to preparing the next generation of day-one-ready One Health practitioners, our highly qualified faculty readies future veterinarians to become leaders in their communities and beyond.