"One Medicine Social": A novel (and enjoyable) way to foster multidisciplinary collaboration and emergency capacity

Under Homeland Security Presidential Directive #9 (HSPD-9), Defense of United States Agriculture and Food, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “in coordination with the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the US Department of Justice and the US EPA, will ensure that the combined Federal, state and local response capabilities are adequate to respond quickly and effectively to a terrorist attack, major disease outbreak, or other disaster affecting the national agriculture or food infrastructure.” The primary coordination role for DHS' HSPD-9 responsibilities resides in the newly established Office of Food, Agriculture and Veterinary Defense (FAVD) led by Dr. Thomas McGinn DVM, the DHS Chief Veterinarian. To better facilitate communication between DHS' Federal, State and Private partners within the National Capital Region, Dr. McGinn launched the “One Medicine Social” in the Fall of 2006. The “One Medicine Social” program provides a monthly outlet for those interested in the relationship between animal and human health, emerging zoonoses or simply expanding their social and professional networks. The format incorporates a casual networking environment and a formal presentation by a recognized expert on an area of common interest followed by a moderated discussion. “One Medicine” speakers have included veterinary professionals from USDA, DHS, FDA, The US Department of State, academia and private industry. The “One Medicine Social” has fostered regular relationships between the multidisciplinary professionals responsible for the implementation of HSPD-9 and, in two recent instances, these relationships ensured prompt responses to rapidly developing emergencies.