Our health is only as resilient as the world around us. To celebrate Earth Day, we’re diving into the interconnectedness of our planet with a special selection of the Extraordinary Vets podcast. Host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with experts to discuss why protecting animals and ecosystems is essential for us all.
Join Dr. Donna Harris as she explores the intersections of animal, human, and environmental health
Earth Day is a reminder that human health is not isolated. Our health is intricately linked to the animals we share the world with and the environment we all inhabit. To celebrate, we've curated a few standout episodes of the Extraordinary Vets podcast with host Dr. Donna Harris. From the front lines of global public health to the conservation of ocean wildlife and African mountain gorillas, these conversations with world-renowned experts illustrate how veterinarians can serve as safeguards for the future of our planet.
Podcast Episodes
Charting a New Path: A Veterinarian's Role in Public Health
In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou, DVM, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM , a veterinarian with a rich history in public health and epidemiology. They discuss Dr. Marguerite's journey from veterinary school to her influential roles at the CDC and her current work in One Health and environmental health. The conversation highlights the importance of veterinarians in public health, the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and the future challenges facing veterinary medicine.
Wildlife Conservation trough a One Health Lens: The Adventures of Dr. Steve Osofsky
In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Steve Osofsky, a prominent figure in wildlife conservation and the One Health movement. Dr. Osofsky shares his journey from being a young boy fascinated by wildlife to becoming a leading wildlife veterinarian and conservationist. He discusses his experiences in Botswana, the establishment of the Dept. of Wildlife & National Parks Wildlife Veterinary Unit, and the importance of integrating environmental stewardship and public health through the One Health and Planetary Health concepts.
Among Goats, Among Goats: The Legacy of Dr. David Sherman
In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. David Sherman shares his remarkable journey in veterinary medicine, detailing his role at the World Organization for Animal Health and his passion for animal health on a global scale. Dr. Sherman also highlights his expertise in goat medicine and his experiences teaching and mentoring future veterinarians, culminating in a full-circle moment as he returns to Nairobi to contribute to veterinary workforce development.
Saving Gorillas, Healing Communities: The Work of Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda's first wildlife veterinarian, to explore her remarkable journey from childhood fascination with primates to her groundbreaking work in gorilla conservation. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka shares her experiences in veterinary school in London, the challenges she faced as a trailblazer in wildlife medicine, and the profound impact of tourism on wildlife. This conversation delves into the complexities of human-wildlife conflict, the importance of a One Health approach, and the lessons learned from great apes.
The Snowball That Changed Veterinary Medicine
In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Scott Dee shares his unique journey in veterinary medicine, particularly in the swine industry. From his early aspirations of becoming a canine veterinarian to his eventual focus on pigs and microbiology, Dr. Dee discusses the challenges he faced and the emergence of significant diseases like PRRS and PED. He highlights the importance of academic rigor, mentorship, and innovative research in addressing these challenges and improving biosecurity in swine production. In this conversation, Scott Dee discusses his extensive experience in veterinary medicine, particularly in swine health.
What Veterinarians Can Do for the Ocean
In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Joe Gaydos, a marine mammal veterinarian and science director at the SeaDoc Society. They discuss Joe's unique career path, his experiences in wildlife medicine, and the importance of ocean health and conservation. Joe shares insights from his time in Zimbabwe, his transition to marine mammals, and his efforts in educating the public through children's literature and media outreach. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in veterinary medicine, particularly in wildlife conservation, and offers advice for aspiring veterinarians.