How Should We Improve How Medical and Veterinary Students Learn About Human and Nonhuman Animals?

Area of Science:

• One Health
• Veterinary Medicine
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Animals hold intrinsic value and are integral to ecosystem health.
• Human and environmental health are interconnected with animal well-being.
• Clinicians require knowledge of the animal-health-environment nexus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline key considerations for clinicians regarding animals, health, and the environment.
• To underscore the importance of the animal-health-environment interface.
• To provide practical guidance for addressing related issues.

Main Methods:

• Review of 5 general points for clinicians.
• Focus on the intrinsic value of animals.
• Examination of health and environmental threats to animals.
• Analysis of medical and veterinary industry interactions.
• Provision of practical advice.

Main Results:

• Animals are crucial for their own sake and for planetary health.
• Health and environmental threats impact animal populations significantly.
• Interactions between medical and veterinary fields are vital.
• Clinicians need to understand these multifaceted relationships.

Conclusions:

• Integrating animal, human, and environmental health is essential.
• Clinicians play a role in addressing One Health challenges.
• Practical strategies can improve outcomes across domains.