Schofield Lecture: The Role of Epidemiology in the One Health Approach with Dr. Hélène Carabin

On November 21, 2024, the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) hosted its annual Schofield Memorial Lecture featuring Dr. Hélène Carabin, a leading expert in epidemiology and One Health. The lecture, titled "The Role of Epidemiology in the One Health Approach: Challenges and Solutions," provided an in-depth look at the importance of the One Health framework in addressing global health challenges, and the critical role that epidemiology plays in this integrated approach.

Dr. Hélène Carabin (DVM, MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology, PhD in “human” Epidemiology and Biostatistics) is a Full Professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and in the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at the School of Public Health of the Université de Montréal in Canada. She holds the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Epidemiology and One Health. 

After an introduction by OVC’s Dr. Alice Defarges, interim associate dean (research and graduate studies), Dr. Carabin shared some lessons learned during her first mandate as Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Epidemiology and One Health. Her research underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, especially during crises such as pandemics and zoonotic disease outbreaks. The lecture addressed some of the primary epidemiological challenges faced in understanding the root causes of health disparities, population health, and health-related behaviors and explored potential solutions using social media and AI. 

As part of her ongoing research, Dr. Carabin aims to integrate advanced epidemiological methods to address complex One Health issues in both Canada and low-income countries, including exploring the links between parasitic zoonoses and mental health. This work will involve a comprehensive investigation of risk factors, the burden of infectious diseases, and the evaluation of control programs for zoonoses and diseases that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

Dr. Carabin’s research is particularly relevant in the context of global health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emerging zoonotic diseases, which require collaboration across sectors and disciplines to mitigate the impact on human, animal, and environmental health.

To close the lecture, Madyson Dailey, president of OVC’s Central Veterinary Student Association presented Dr. Carabin with the Schofield Memorial Lecture medal. 

The prestigious Schofield Memorial Lecture, established in 1970, brings the world’s top researchers in veterinary medicine to the Ontario Veterinary College to present their work to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader University of Guelph community. The lecture series highlights leaders in the veterinary profession who are impacting diverse areas of animal and human health. 

Watch the Dr. Carabin’s Schofield lecture:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CFVGV6Mms4