Partnering on Animal and Human Health

The School of Public Health participated in the first joint symposium of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH): "Partnerships for Preparedness: Future Directions for Schools of Public Health and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine."

The symposium focused on how these two fields can partner on research, education, policy, and workforce training. The SPH has been a national leader in this area, and the school's faculty were well represented at the meeting.

Debra Olson and Will Hueston made presentations on the school's joint M.P.H./D.V.M. program—the first of its kind nationally.

Marguerite Pappaioanou discussed career pathways for veterinarians in the public health workforce. In a separate session, she presented an overview of a multidisciplinary framework for training on avian influenza preparedness.

SPH Dean John Finnegan participated in a discussion on future directions of the field.

"You only have to look at today's headlines to see how the interrelation of animal and human health is shaping our world—whether it be food safety, infectious disease, or emergency preparedness," Finnegan says. "As these issues continue to become more pressing and complex, it's critical that professionals in public health and veterinary medicine work together to address them."

The symposium featured keynote addresses from former and acting U.S. Surgeon Generals David Satcher and Kenneth Moritsugu, respectively, and Lonnie King, director of the CDC's National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases.

• Download symposium presentations