The Assembly Hall of the Los Jerónimos Monastery, headquarters of UCAM, hosted a conference entitled Responsabilidad profesional veterinaria: la dignidad de la profesión en un entorno One Health (Professional Responsibility in Veterinary Medicine: The Dignity of the Profession in a One Health Environment), given by Miguel Motas, member of the Academia de Ciencias Veterinarias de la Región de Murcia (Academy of Veterinary Sciences of the Region of Murcia). The conference also featured presentations by Cándido Gutiérrez, President of the aforementioned academy, and Llanos Martínez, Vice Dean of the UCAM Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Medicine.

During his speech, Miguel Motas emphasised the importance of the role of veterinarians beyond the traditional clinical setting, as ‘they not only look after animal health, but also have expertise in public and environmental health, ensuring food safety and tackling threats such as pandemics and emerging diseases’. In this context, he highlighted the value of the One Health approach as a present reality that requires action with an inclusive vision. ‘We exclude veterinarians from the health system at the risk of creating bigger problems,’ he warned, encouraging students to explore alternative career paths to traditional clinical practice, given the high level of competition in this sector.

Cándido Gutiérrez outlined the role of the Academy of Veterinary Sciences of the Region of Murcia as a non-profit professional association that brings together prestigious professionals, given that ‘it not only promotes scientific dissemination through conferences, but also advises public institutions on relevant health situations such as food crises or zoonotic outbreaks,’ he explained.

Meanwhile, Llanos Martínez spoke highly of these types of seminars, stating that ‘they bring a fundamental dynamism to the students’ education, helping them understand the breadth of the veterinary profession'. The Vice-Dean emphasised the importance of understanding the One Health concept from university education onwards: ‘Human health depends directly on animal health and the environment, and veterinarians play an essential role in this interconnection.’ The event was attended by students and teachers from the Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Medicine, as well as professionals and academics interested in the ethical and multidisciplinary development of this science.