About

Edinburgh Empathy in One Health is a trans-disciplinary initiative focused on cultivating a community of empathy among students, staff, clinicians and professional service colleagues within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and beyond.

Man on floor surrounded by playful piglets

We are a virtual centre, with physical locations within the One Health supercluster at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Edinburgh Medical School. Edinburgh Empathy in One Health sits within the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies 2030 strategic plan, which outlines a vision for One Health, foregrounding the interlinkages and interdependencies between the health and well-being of animals, humans and the wider ecosystem which supports life on the planet.

The aim of Edinburgh Empathy in One Health is to ensure that future professionals are not only technically skilled but also critically reflective, compassionate and emotionally intelligent. We are part of the global network of empathy centres and work in close collaboration with The Global Compassion Initiative at the University of Edinburgh.

Our approach to empathy goes beyond traditional understandings in human healthcare to include empathy for nature and the environment, embracing the concept of planetary empathy as proposed by Levett-Jones et al. 

What is One Health?

In 2023, The One Health High-Level Expert Panel defined One Health’s five foundational principles:

  1. Equity between health sectors and disciplines.
  2. Socio-political and multicultural parity, with inclusion and engagement of communities and marginalised voices.
  3. Socio-ecological equilibrium that seeks a harmonious balance in human–animal–environment interactions, acknowledging the importance of biodiversity, access to sufficient natural space and resources, and the intrinsic value of all living things within the ecosystem.
  4. Stewardship and the responsibility of humans to change behaviour and adopt sustainable solutions that recognise the importance of animal welfare and the integrity of the whole ecosystem, thus securing the well-being of current and future generations.

Trans-disciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration, which includes all relevant disciplines, both modern and traditional forms of knowledge, and a broad representative array of perspectives. 

What will the Edinburgh Empathy in One Health initiative do?

Our initiative will foster an environment where empathy is woven into every aspect of One Health education, from classroom teaching to client and patient interactions. 

We will promote:

  • Consistent high levels of empathetic care for patients and clients
  • An empathetic and supportive teaching, learning and research environment for students, faculty, and staff which promotes One Health and well-being
  • Climate empathy: an understanding of how climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem health affects communities, ecosystems, and future generations, particularly the most vulnerable populations
  • Advanced inter- and trans-disciplinary education that links agriculture, animal and human healthcare with climate science, public health, social justice, and environmental ethics
  • Sustainable practices within healthcare institutions, ensuring that veterinary and medical communities contribute to climate action through reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting climate-friendly policies
  • International collaboration in programmes to research empathy through national, regional, and international agencies and in partnership with patient and practitioner advocacy groups.

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