Global thinking and global education: philosophy, programs, perspectives

The purpose of this paper is to offer inspiration for all of us toward increased involvement in international veterinary medicine, and also to provide useful information. Because of my early international exposure, my personal and professional horizons expanded and I became a citizen of the world. As a result, my career orientation changed dramatically and I have had a career that is not only interesting, but from my perspective, socially useful. My primary goal has been to communicate these possibilities to my students. Two programs with strong international emphasis at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis are discussed, the Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) program and the School's Office of International Programs. Many international veterinarians have prepared themselves for careers in population and preventive medicine in the MPVM program. The primary objective of the School's Office of International Programs is to make information on and opportunities in international veterinary medicine available to veterinary students. There is strong justification for increased emphasis in global medicine for veterinarians, and our schools and colleges should take the lead in developing and implementing educational initiatives in this important field.