In Other News… Our Role in Public Health
It is the dream of all good pet owners to be able to provide the care that their pets need. This not only helps in keeping pets healthy but also reduces the number of sick animals in both the community and local shelters, not to mention limiting the spread of zoonotic disease.
Unfortunately, according to a study from the University of Tennessee’s Center for Applied Research and Evaluation and the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition, 28% of households reported barriers to veterinary care in the past two years, money being the biggest obstacle.
On today’s show, Dr. Michael Blackwell, The Director Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, joins Dr. Jen and Dr. Jason to discuss ways veterinarians can make veterinary affordable and accessible to all.
BIO:
A career of public service is what exemplifies Dr. Michael Blackwell. Like his father, he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University. He also earned a Master of Public Health degree from Loma Linda University.
Dr. Blackwell currently serves as the Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity, College of Social Work, at the University of Tennessee. His mission is to improve access to veterinary care, especially for families with limited means. He also chairs the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition.
Previously, Dr. Blackwell served as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, chief of staff, Office of the Surgeon General of the U.S., deputy director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, and chief veterinary officer of the U.S. Public Health Service and The Humane Society of the United States. He achieved the rank of Assistant Surgeon General of U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps during 23 years on active duty. In addition, he has owned two private practices. Dr. Blackwell has received numerous awards and recognitions, most notably, the Distinguished Service Medal, which is the highest personal honor award of the U.S. Public Health Service. He was twice awarded the Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal.
This show is brought to you by Elanco Animal Health, makers of Ultra Duramune vaccines.