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Emerging Healthcare Professionals Champion One Medicine On New ‘Humanimal Connection’ Podcast
1 year ago 
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Humanimal Trust, the charity founded in 2014 by Supervet Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, has today (16 February) launched the second episode of a new 10-part monthly podcast series, exploring the links between humans and animals, and the importance of ‘One Medicine’.
In this episode of The Humanimal Connection Podcast 2, host and veterinary nurse, Jane Davidson (known to many as ‘Jane RVN’), is joined by Dr Rakhi Ghosh, a junior doctor working in the East of England; Meghan Lawlor, a veterinary student at the University of Missouri in Columbia; and Kerry Holtham, a bioveterinary science student from Yorkshire.
During the conversation, listeners hear first-hand about the divide in higher education between human and animal medicine, as well as why it is so important that emerging healthcare professionals, researchers and scientists take One Medicine seriously.
Dr Rakhi Ghosh who is specialising in anaesthetics, said: “During my studies, I’ve been surprised by the vast number of similarities between humans and animals, not least in terms of physiology and pharmacology. It also struck me how similar some of the medical equipment is that is used for different species, such as breathing tubes and face masks. Clearly, if something is working for one species, there is no reason why it shouldn't be considered for another, which is something that those who are new to the profession should be championing.”
The guests also reveal a fascinating insight into why we are seeing a move away from traditional anaesthetic gases towards total intravenous anaesthesia, and why veterinary medical professionals could benefit from understanding more about human end-of-life care.
Also featuring as a guest in episode 2 is Dr Emma Griffiths, a lecturer in Classics, Ancient History and Egyptology at the University of Manchester, who takes listeners on a journey through the Dark Ages.
Emma, said: “This is one of the most interesting periods in the development of Christianity in terms of how it relates to human and animal interaction. Saint Francis championed an idea that had existed throughout most of human history - that the differences that divide humans and animals are not as important as the things that link them all together. And it’s lovely that he’s still very much used as a symbol in the veterinary profession today.”
This episode also features a fascinating look back at how a fear of cats evolved during this period and why some believe this was directly linked to the Black Death.
Joe Bailey, CEO of Humanimal Trust, said: “Making sure we feature the people who will inherit and shape the future of One Medicine is so important to us. Hearing Rakhi, Meghan and Kerry talk about the similarities between humans and animals, and their enthusiasm to learn from and with one another to benefit all species is not only fascinating and truly inspiring, but it fills me with hope that we are on the right path to achieving our vision.
“It’s extraordinary to learn how some concepts and myths that came about during the Dark Ages, such as the association between black cats and luck, continue to exist even today. It’s also amazing to see One Medicine come to the fore during the end of this period when certain medicines that were being used to treat humans, were also being used in animals, and vice versa.”
The first two episodes of The Humanimal Connection Podcast 2 are available now via the Humanimal Trust website.
More from Humanimal Trust
- Humanimal Trust announces independent Science Committee
- Humanimal Trust announces research funding to advance One Medicine
- Humanimal Trust joins World Federation for Animals to ensure the wellbeing of animals takes centre stage
- Humanimal Trust joins Eurogroup for Animals to help improve animal welfare standards across the EU
- One Medicine webinars to showcase positive changes for all species