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Humanimal Connection Podcast Explores Ethical Frameworks That Support One Medicine
1 year ago 
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Humanimal Trust, the charity founded in 2014 by Supervet Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, delves into the world of bioethics during the third episode of a new 10-part monthly podcast series, The Humanimal Connection Podcast 2.
Hosted by veterinary nurse, Jane Davidson (known to many as ‘Jane RVN’), the series explores links between humans and animals, and the importance of vets, doctors, nurses and researchers working together so that all species benefit from sustainable and equal medical progress, but not at the expense of an animal’s life. This is One Medicine.
Episode 3, which is available from today (16 March), sees Dr James Yeates, CEO of the World Federation for Animals and Dr Zohar Lederman, an emergency Doctor and bioethicist, consider some of the big questions around how morality is viewed across the world and who should decide what is best for the patient.
Dr Zohar Lederman, said: “Some bioethicists claim that ethics in some parts of the world are different to so-called mainstream or western ethics. In the western world for example, the emphasis is on patient autonomy, whereas in places like Latin America or Asia, some believe the focus is more on the community and family values. But most bioethicists would say the notion of morality is global, it just manifests differently in different parts of the world and it is our job as bioethicists to examine, understand and articulate those differences.”
In considering who decides what is best for the patient, Dr James Yeates, said: “Veterinary ethics is increasingly focused on the welfare of animals and minimising suffering. An important aspect of this is taking into account what the animal itself wants, which is often demonstrated through its behaviour, whilst recognising the rights of the guardian. This is why it is so important that veterinary professionals are supported to make sound, ethical, welfare-based decisions.”
Also featuring in the discussion is James and Zohar’s take on who the key stakeholders should be at a One Medicine Centre and why global representation and mutual respect among professionals would be key.
Joe Bailey, CEO of Humanimal Trust, said: “James and Zohar’s discussion around who is best placed to make clinical decisions about a patient – whether that’s a human or animal – is fascinating. It acts as a useful reminder of how vital it is to respect the views of not just human patients, but animal patients too and highlights the importance of an ethical framework that serves both human and animal research, and the all-important reciprocal relationship that we are aiming for as part of One Medicine.”
The first three episodes of The Humanimal Connection Podcast 2 are available now via the Humanimal Trust website.
More from Humanimal Trust
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- 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
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