Dr. Deborah Thomson, DVM



Dr. Deborah Thomson, DVM

Contributor "One Connected World" Series | On Redefining Society Podcast

Dr. Deborah Thomson is a veterinarian and One Health expert who started teaching in 2001. Since then, she has served as a Science Policy Advisor in the United States Senate; has founded and led a global organization that inspires children and adults to value the interconnection between human health and the health of the environment, plants, and animals (called One Health Lessons); has practiced clinical veterinary medicine in emergency departments, animal shelters, and general practices; has taught thousands of children about One Health; has worked as a One Health Expert Consultant in multiple global nongovernmental organizations and universities including the One Health Institute at the University of California–Davis; has served as an external member of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s One Health Work Group; has created internationally-acclaimed science lessons that are being translated into over eighty languages; has been running a Science Communication Training program with over 800 global participants; and is currently the Chair of the World Veterinary Association’s One Health Education Subgroup and ad-hoc member of its One Health Subject Focus Group.

In addition, she has won multiple public speaking competitions, has spoken in over a dozen countries, and has most notably been an invited speaker at events associated with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Global Health Security Agenda, the US Agency for International Development, the US Department of Agriculture, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the World Veterinary Association, and the One Health Action Collaborative, an ad hoc activity associated with the Forum on Microbial Threats at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Dr. Thomson has been recognized as a Global Goodwill Ambassador, a distinction reserved for humanitarians, as well as an Impact Leader and an Excellence in STEM Inspiration Honoree. Her articles have been printed in multiple publications, including The Lancet Planetary Health.

Aside from writing and working on these worthy projects, she enjoys playing music, traveling, learning languages, and being outdoors. She lives in the Washington, DC area.


About The Redefining Society Podcast "One Connected World" Series

A podcast hosted by Marco Ciappelli with recurring contributions from Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez, Allison A. Sakara, RN, MSN, NP, PHRN, and Dr. Deborah Thomson, DVM

"One Connected World," is a thought-provoking monthly series within the Redefining Society podcast that seeks to unravel the complex web of connections right here on Planet Earth. This series delves into the symbiotic relationships among humans, animals, and our shared environment, while also considering the role of technology and high alert management in today's interconnected world. From examining the ripple effects of deforestation on global weather patterns to understanding the technological solutions for pandemic management, we explore the consequences—both intended and unintended—of human actions. To navigate this intricate landscape, we've assembled a panel of distinguished experts, each with unique experiences and insights that contribute to our collective understanding.

To guide us through these complex tapestries, we have a panel of distinguished experts each bringing their unique experiences and insights — and often more experts will join the conversation.

Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez serves as the Chairperson for the Institute of Disaster and Emergency Health Sciences, offering a rich history in disaster medicine, bioterrorism, and hazmat scenarios. His expertise in green energy solutions and enthusiasm for sustainable living make him a perfect fit for our multifaceted conversations.

Allison A. Sakara brings her decades of experience as a nurse practitioner specialized in disaster response, pediatrics, and oncology. With an unwavering dedication to green energy initiatives and animal rescue, she enhances our dialogue in unpredictable yet profound ways.

Dr. Deborah Thomson, author of The Art of Science Communication, broadens our scope with her advocacy for One Health Lessons—an initiative linking human, animal, and environmental health. With her background in science policy and veterinary science, she helps us explore the boundaries where human actions and nature intersect.

Our series title, "One Connected World," is more than a label—it's our mission statement. In this digital age, our planet is smaller and more connected than ever. Every action provokes a reaction that ripples through human societies, animal habitats, and our global environment. Through candid dialogues and expert insights, we aim to unravel how these elements are intrinsically linked, affecting each other and consequently shaping our collective future.

So, whether you're concerned about climate change, intrigued by the interconnectedness of life, or curious about how technology can either help or hinder our global ecosystem, this series promises to offer eye-opening discussions that not only inform but also challenge our perspectives.

Your seat at this global roundtable is waiting, as we dive into discussions that transcend boundaries, sparking the thought processes needed to safeguard our intricately connected world.

Join us!