Bridging Human and Veterinary Medicine
Cross-species shadowing in Italy
The One Health Fellowship offers a unique, immersive experience by blending shadowing opportunities across human healthcare, veterinary medicine, and conservation.
In your first week, don the white coat and step into Careggi Hospital in Florence, Italy. Walk alongside doctors as they navigate their busy days, witness surgeries up close, and gain firsthand insight into how healthcare is delivered in a European setting.
The second week shifts focus to animal care. Dive into life at two dedicated animal rescue centers, shadowing veterinarians and caregivers as they tend to animals of all sizes. Experience the challenges and rewards of supporting animal wellbeing, from intimate hands-on care to complex medical procedures.
By shadowing professionals in both hospital wards and veterinary clinics, you’ll develop a deeper, holistic understanding of the One Health approach—recognizing the vital connection between human, animal, and environmental health.
One World,
One Health
Ever heard of the “Overview Effect”? It refers to a change in how astronauts think and feel when they see Earth from space.
Astronauts report experiencing a profound understanding of the interconnectedness and fragility of our planet, leading to a deep, emotional sense of unity and concern for our planet and all its inhabitants.
“One Health” is about working together across disciplines and borders, from local communities to the global stage, to ensure the well-being of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the entire environment as they are naturally interconnected.
Meet parrots, horses, bulls, and 200+ others living in the animal rescues
You’ll learn what it takes for them to live a happy and healthy life, how they interact with each other and with their human carers, what types of diseases they need to be checked for, and how a vet can take care of them.
Experience daily life in a hospital and broaden your horizons
Collaborate across professions and expand your network
This immersive real-world experience breaks down the usual barriers between professions, preparing you for a future that will require regular collaboration across different professions.
You’ll learn to overcome the conventional divisions among human health professionals, veterinarians, and others in related fields.
The One Health Fellowship welcomes undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, such as:
- Students in Human Healthcare Fields: Ideal for those aiming for careers in human healthcare, such as nursing, medicine, physical therapy, allied health, and more.
- Animal Health Students: Designed for students focused on veterinary medicine, zoology, animal science, wildlife sciences, animal studies, and other related fields.
- Public Health and Global Health Students: For those dedicated to public and global health, exploring the intersection of human and animal health with environmental and conservation sciences for comprehensive public health strategies.
- Environment & Conservation Focused Students: Suited for individuals in environmental science, epidemiology, conservation, ecology, and related fields, for a direct experience of human and veterinarian healthcare.
- Students Interested in One Health: Open to students from a wide range of disciplines, including Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, STEM disciplines, Health Sciences, Public Administration & Government, Sustainable Development, as well as Gap-year, Post-bacc students, and anyone who wants to learn more about One Health.
- You need to be 18 or older to participate. Due to the program’s exclusive nature and limited spots, we urge interested candidates to apply promptly. The Summer 2024 cohorts are filling up quickly, so secure your place soon to join this transformative experience.
Engage in a dynamic 2-week program in Florence blending real-life medical and veterinary experiences, for a total of more than 40 hours of learning and service.
Daily Shadowing: Spend 5 hours each day immersed in real-world practices, side by side with experienced professionals and like-minded peers.
- Week 1, Human Medicine: Get up close with doctors and surgeons at one of the best hospitals in Italy. Rotate through various departments uncovering the intricacies of human health care.
- Week 2, Veterinary Medicine: Shadow dedicated animal caregivers and vets. Explore sanctuaries, rescue centers, and conservation clinics, connecting with creatures great and small.
- Dive into Florence: Afternoons bring variety: continue your professional shadowing or embark on cultural explorations. Discover Florence’s rich heritage or unwind, soaking in the city’s beauty.
- Extra Excursions: Friday’s day trip lets you explore another city’s charms, with weekends free for more adventures—on your own or with your new friends.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Enjoy hassle-free travel with airport pickup, central accommodation, easy city navigation through included transport, and peace of mind with medical insurance, supported 24/7 by the on-site team.
