OVC Professor Receives Award for Courage and Truth in Science

Since early 2020, spirited discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic - and its implications for human, animal and environmental health - have flooded online communities. The Veterinary Information Network (VIN), an online community for veterinarians, is not immune to this surge of scientific debate.

Dr. Scott Weese, (in photo at left) professor in the Department of Pathobiology at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and Director of the Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, has received the inaugural VIN Veritas Award for consistently sharing accurate, empathetic and timely information on the COVID-19 pandemic. The award, to be presented annually by VIN, recognizes those individuals whose actions display courage and integrity in service of science and truth.

“The pandemic has focused attention on the importance of infectious diseases and the need for a One Health approach,” says Weese. “We’re not a population of people living in isolation. We’re part of a vast ecosystem where the health of animals and humans is related.”

Dr. Weese’s work is focused on infectious diseases; he specializes in the areas of emerging diseases and infection control, and has contributed to more than 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals. Recent studies analyzed best practices for the use of antibiotic medications in dogs with urinary tract infections and enhancing treatment strategies to prevent bacteria from gaining tolerance to treatment, called antibiotic resistance. Read more about the research here.

Aside from research and teaching, Dr. Weese also runs a blog promoting safe pet ownership called Worms and Germs, and recently helped organize a webinar series for the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Topics of the blog and webinars include COVID-related content, specifically COVID-19 transmission between animals such as horses, deer, pigs and dogs and humans. 

Within the VIN community, Dr. Weese has received acknowledgment from colleagues on his commitment to research, communication, and scientific truth.

The original story covering the inaugural Veritas award from VIN was posted on dvm360’s website.