By Scout Nelson
The University of South Dakota's medical students are exploring veterinary science through a special elective course, in collaboration with South Dakota State University's experts. This in-depth exploration aims to provide a unique educational experience, focusing on the intersection of human and animal health spheres.
The "One Health" program is a week-long elective that allows medical students to explore livestock and companion animal health, engaging with diverse animal-related setups and participating in activities such as accompanying swine veterinarians, exploring local dairy farms, and visiting zoological wonders, breaking down traditional academic silos.
Future healthcare providers are exploring this field due to various reasons, including a break from medical academia and curiosity about animal-based food production processes and health aspects. Some see it as a refreshing break from academic demands, while others are curious about these practices.
Students at SDSU's veterinary lab experience a unique environment focusing on microbiology, highlighting the prevalence of bacterial and viral infections in animals, in contrast to the human medical focus on individual blood chemistry and cell counts.
Dr. Russ Daly, an Extension Veterinarian from SDSU, guides students through lab sessions, emphasizing the importance of each section in understanding animal diseases. His hands-on approach helps students understand the interconnected paths between human and veterinary medicine.
USD's medical school administrators' strategic decision to establish an elective on the link between animal and human health demonstrates their foresight in the evolving landscape of healthcare education.
The educational approach is not just an elective but a demonstration of interdisciplinary cooperation in improving health understanding. It will benefit students and diverse patients in their medical careers, fostering a ripple effect.
Dr. Russ Daly offers valuable insights to enhance the educational journey by uniting seemingly distinct worlds for the common good of health, contacting him via email or phone at russell.daly@sdstate.edu.
Photo Credit: istock-lprising
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock