College of Veterinary Medicine observing World AIDS Day today
A presentation at Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine by Caroline Schaffer will explore the veterinarian's continuing role in fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The lecture, to be held Dec. 1 on the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, begins at 11 a.m. in Overton Auditorium. Schaffer is an assistant professor in Tuskegee University's School of Veterinary Medicine and is founding director of its Center for the Study of Human-Animal Interdependent Relationships. She says World AIDS Day is an appropriate time to look at the "One Health One Medicine" concept that shows the value of merging the expertise of veterinarians with other health care professionals. The lecture by Schaffer challenges veterinary students to explore how they can help clients, staff, colleagues and friends who may be immunosuppressed to maintain a safe relationship with animals and people. She stresses important points about zoonotic diseases, safe pet ownership, health care teams, laws against discrimination in the workplace, universal precautions, community and client communication, and compassion. The lecture is free and open to the public. To receive lunch, attendees must preregister by e-mailing depompa@auburn.edu or calling 321-7988.