Building the bridge between veterinary and public health students at the veterinary college
The Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs share a roof and a common One Health mission at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
But connecting the two groups of students – other than those taking both MPH and DVM coursework – has sometimes proven elusive.
Those pursuing solely a DVM will find themselves sharing space with MPH students only if they take certain electives in their third year. Solely MPH students will only meet DVM students if they cross paths in those electives. Dual degree DVM/MPH students will overlap with MPH students in their third year as they take both DVM and MPH classes to help finish up their didactic work.
The veterinary college, with both degrees housed under it, is uniquely positioned to fulfill the One Health philosophy, which champions the concept that human, animal, and environmental health are inextricably linked.
“When we add our collective expertise in environmental health and policy also, we have all of the components of One Health," said Andrea Bertke, associated professor of infectious diseases in the Public Health program. “Bridging the DVM and MPH programs here at CVM, and also the Ph.D./M.S. programs, broadens the awareness and expertise of veterinarians, public health professionals, and scientists, increasing their knowledge of complex health issues and enhancing their ability to effectively manage health challenges in the future- essentially, cross-training."
There have been some previous attempts to connect the two groups of students, such as One Health Day competitions and combined symposia, but a deeper connection could benefit the veterinary college and its student body in both areas.
“Some groups in the past have been really integrated and others have been pretty separate,” said Laura Hungerford, outgoing department head of Population Health Sciences and a professor of veterinary public health and epidemiology. “I think it depends on the level of shared interests.” and DVM students,” Connor said. “It's something I'm very much looking forward to this semester and I'm hopeful that we can continue as PHA grows."
“Part of why I am so excited and passionate about public health is how it can cater to a variety of different fields,” said third-year, dual degree DVM/MPH student Andrea Connor. “There is a place for pretty much everyone. I also love how it encourages collaboration, especially with the One Health approach our school employs.”
Beginning in 2023, a bridge was extended between the programs. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and a Nestle Purina student representative invited the MPH students to the events being hosted for Purple Leash Week.
Purple Leash week is the time Purina sets aside to raise awareness of the overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse.
Events for the week included a lecture from a forensic veterinarian, a blanket making event to donate to the local shelter, and the debut of “shoe cards”, small resource cards given to people who may be at risk for domestic violence.
Given the overlap, it was the perfect time to bridge the two degree programs.
The Public Health Association (PHA) is the graduate student club which is mostly comprised of MPH students and seeks to do community service that has a public health focus.
PHA's typical events include NARCAN training, self-defense seminars, community socials, and now, Purple Leash week.
Emma Hare, a second-year MPH student, reflected on her public journey.
“Having gotten my bachelor’s in public health and now getting my master’s in public health, I have come to recognize the importance of leadership and community in the field of public health,” Hare said. “PHA has become an integral part of my experience here at Virginia Tech, having seen firsthand the positive impact it has made on the community. Being a part of PHA has brought me a tight-knit group of likeminded people who want to work together to improve the health outcomes of the Virginia Tech community, and I hope to see the club continue to flourish by initiating new passionate members.”
In the fall of 2024, that dream became a reality as PHA petitioned to join the laundry list of clubs housed under the veterinary college, allowing them to more easily reach DVM students.
This spring, PHA members are looking forward to having an easier recruitment process, a larger budget to expand event possibilities, and a renewed vigor for public health across the college.
“Public health plays a vital role in connecting people, animals, and the environment to build healthier communities,” said Jon Dance, a now Ph.D. student who graduated with his MPH in 2024. “PHA expanding to collaborate with the DVM community at Virginia Tech is an incredible opportunity to highlight the interconnectedness of human and animal health, especially in rural areas where these partnerships can have the greatest impact.
“My own work in recovery advocacy and mental wellness programs has shown me how public health touches every aspect of our lives,” Dance said. “I hope this partnership will inspire future veterinarians to embrace public health principles and address complex issues like zoonotic diseases, mental health in rural areas, and equitable access to care for all.”
As a newer and smaller club, there are still many obstacles to overcome, but the bridge has started to be built and will only get stronger. Moving forward, the possibilities are endless.
“I'm so glad that PHA is starting to partner more with both public health and DVM students,” Connor said. “It's something I'm very much looking forward to this semester and I'm hopeful that we can continue as PHA grows."
