One Health is a global, collaborative goal that seeks to understand how everything in our world is connected to each other.

One Health as a multi-sectoral and trans-disciplinary approach of achieving optimal health amongst all living things on earth – that the health of people is closely related to the health of animals and plants, and how we share our environment and ecosystems. It’s about co-dependency and a study of how all of these systems are all dependent upon each other and how one affects another.

Will Sander, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, Assistant Professor for Preventative Medicine and Public Health, and Director of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health Joint Degree program at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine - Urbana, is interviewed by Debbie Lakamp, CAE, ISVMA’s Executive Director.

Dr. Sander has been involved with the One Health initiative for years and is working on Illinois state-wide and federal levels in promoting dialogue and study about this movement. He works closely with other veterinary and human public health colleagues to increase the core principles of One Health, along with the challenges and future perspectives in which it faces.

Dr. Sander serves on the ISVMA Board of Directors as the Alternate American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Delegate.

Tune in and learn about key issues that affect the veterinary profession in Illinois and, in turn, you and your practice!

Dr. Sandra Faeh, President, AVMA, discusses how a bill passed in Colorado in November 2024 now allows the existence of a mid-level veterinary practitioner in clinics and hospitals in that state. It is a position that the AVMA, ISVMA and other veterinary-related organizations had opposed prior to a vote in Colorado. At this time, the creation of such a position is not being pursued in Illinois.

This episode also reviews member approval of two new ISVMA membership categories, one of which allowing veterinary practice managers to now join the association. The second membership category, practice membership, goes live mid-2025.

Hear how the ISVMA is on sound financial footing, a review of key legislation the profession in Illinois faced in 2024, as well as proposals that are continuing into 2025. A review of educational opportunities and member benefits rounds out this episode.

Audio in this episode was recorded live at the ISVMA's 142nd Annual Convention's membership meeting presentation, held in November 2024.

Midwestern University in Downers Grove will be the home of Illinois’ proposed second college of veterinary medicine and teaching hospital.

Not since the installation of the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine in Champaign-Urbana in 1944 has there been a similar collegiate offering for doctor of veterinary medicine students in the state.

Coretta Patterson, DVM, DACVIM-SA, is the new dean of this college. In this Veterinary Today Podcast, Dr. Patterson outlines the steps currently being taken to establish this college, the expected timeline for approval and, when approved, when the first class of students may be expected to enroll.

Dr. Patterson also discusses the importance of Midwestern University’s proposed DVM teaching hospital and how having this facility is important to the success of its future graduates.

Dr. Patterson was recently interviewed by ISVMA’s Veterinary Today Podcast host, Dr. Joanne Carlson, Loving Care Animal Clinic, Palatine, about this exciting development.