Will veterinary medicine transform itself to meet today's critical One Health challenges and remain relevant to societal needs and true to its oath?

Abstract

The most challenging societal needs of the 21st century involve improving the health and well-being of humans, animals, and plants as well as enhancing the resilience and sustainability of environmental, agricultural, and ecological systems. All are threatened by complex factors, mostly driven by human activities on a global scale. Veterinarians have a responsibility and obligation to prevent diseases, optimize health, and mitigate risk in these broad domains; the need has never been greater. Without transformational changes and a new commitment to a broader mandate, a One Health mandate, the profession's future relevance, and impact on society will be greatly diminished.