One health and public health

One Health

One health is the recognition that the health of animals, humans and the environment are all connected. In one health, vets play a role in:

• Preventing and managing zoonotic diseases
• Ensuring safe and sustainable food production
• Protecting the environment through animal management
• Monitoring disease trends that affect the entire population

This directly affects public safety, food safety, disease control and well-being.

Analysis

When discussing one health in an interview, you should show:

• That you understand that vet work extends to a societal impact
• You appreciate that vets protect public health and not just animals
• You can recognise that the vets play a huge role in food security and sustainability
• You understand the vet's role in addressing health inequalities in farming and environmental impact

How can this be explored in the interview

• “What does One Health mean to you?”
• “How do vets contribute to our public health?”
• “What role do vets have regarding food safety?”

Interviewers want to hear

• Awareness of the veterinary profession’s role in our society
• That you understand that vets can collaborate with doctors, environmental scientists, and policymakers
• Reflection on how this motivates your ambition