e are here to be advocates for the animals and to ensure that their health and safety is our top priority. And by keeping them healthy, we can help improve the health of humans. Since an estimated 75% of new or emerging infectious diseases originate in wildlife, advocating for their health and well-being keeps us all healthy,” states Dr. Scarlett Magda, winner of the 2023 AVMA “Global Veterinary Service Award.”

Dr. Magda was recognized for her work with global animal welfare organizations, including Veterinarians International (VI), of which she is the co-founder. The organization helps build infrastructure within communities and provides immediate aid and veterinarian training. She also spent five years on the board of Veterinarians Without Borders Canada during vet school, an experience which helped her understand global health and gave her a foundational framework for helping.

“It was evident at the time that the United States was lacking an organization that could unite and empower the profession globally,” Dr. Magda shares, “So in 2014, world-renowned wildlife veterinarian Dr. William Karesh and I founded Veterinarians International.

“Dr. William Karesh coined the term ‘One Health,’ and it is an honor to co-create VI with him,” she continues. “The work he does with the DOD, CDC, and WHO, amongst many others, beautifully demonstrates the awareness and implementation of One Health at the level of the world’s leading authorities.

“There are also entire institutions dedicated to One Health, and it’s exciting to see One Health implemented in every veterinary school globally. We are in the process of working with the University of Nairobi and Egerton University to develop a One Health program for final-year veterinary students so they are more prepared upon graduation,” Dr. Magda adds.

Veterinarians who work with zoonotic populations are in a unique position to control and prevent the spread of disease. And even with the use of simple technology, lives can be saved.

“The many wins, whether they are big or small, are what keep us going,” Dr. Magda states. “Knowing that a simple piece of equipment like an X-ray machine can save countless lives by assisting doctors with making important decisions is a rewarding feeling that propels us through the most challenging of times.”

Aside from the gratification of contributing to the greater animal welfare, Dr. Magda acknowledges the veterinary profession’s current mental health challenge.

“Our vision is to further unite and uplift the veterinary profession by connecting thousands of veterinarians in North America and globally to support mental health, well-being, and revitalization programs,” she says. “We are in a challenging moment in time where our profession is suffering globally from burnout and suicide. These services are much needed, as well as opportunities to connect veterinarians with one another through our program called ‘Vet Angels’ which allows veterinarians in remote areas to receive guidance on challenging cases through telemedicine.”

Another way that VI supports the mental health of veterinarians is through their well-being revitalization retreats. In addition, Dr. Magda emphasizes the importance of veterinary healthcare professionals taking care of themselves first.

“You are only able to serve to the level that you serve yourself,” she says. “By putting your own health and well-being above all else, you create a sense of pride and honor which will reverberate in every aspect of your life in limitless ways. Self-care equals care of all. No cause is worth your suffering, but any cause will be optimally enhanced when you are optimally aligned with yourself.

“Ensuring I make time to practice yoga outside and meditate barefoot by the trees or in nature is vital for me; this allows everything else to function optimally for me,” Dr. Magda adds. “By caring for my body, mind, and spirit, I am able to show up in my highest self and serve.”

By filling her own cup, Dr. Magda says she can give her full attention to her varied workdays, where no two days are the same.

Photo by Dell Cullum

No cause is worth your suffering, but any cause will be optimally enhanced when you are optimally aligned with yourself.

“I could be in the Pet ER treating whatever animal can fit through the door, and then have a call with our team in Sri Lanka whilst driving back home learning about a certain situation that may benefit from our help,” she explains. “A lot happens while driving in my jeep or waiting for planes to take off! If I am in the field, I could be helping with an anesthesia workshop or meeting with government officials to understand current challenges and what we can do to help.”

Dr. Magda concludes by offering this advice for those considering a career in the veterinary field:

“I recommend they know that they are the voice for those who cannot be heard by the majority of today’s society,” she says. “By being an advocate, they have tremendous power to heal and influence. The values they hold dear should be honored and practiced even in the most difficult times. This is how positive change happens.”

For more information about Veterinarians International, visit vetsinternational.org