The Circle of Life
The Lion King said it best...'it's the circle of life and it moves us all'. We are all interconnected. What happens to a population of bats in Asia can affect the health of people in the Mid West. Medical research that focuses on keeping bees buzzing can insure that you and I can continue to enjoy a handful of nutritious almonds along with our morning glass of orange juice. The death of deer in Maine can be the harbinger of a rise in tick borne diseases in the fluffy toy poodles the suburbs of Tennessee and their owners. With the continuum of health between people, animals and our planet, it would seem as though research dollars would be flowing to organizations and agencies who are investigating zoonotic diseases...those conditions that affect people and animals. You would think so but the sad reality is that the dollars are few and far between.
Dr. Cheryl Stroud holds a degree in veterinary medicine and a PhD in endocrine physiology. She is currently the Executive Director of the One Health Commission. Her forte is bringing people together.
BIO:
Dr. Cheryl Stroud has enjoyed professional experiences in industry, academic research and teaching,, private veterinary practice, and One Health. After graduation from veterinary school, she worked briefly in veterinary practice before going to North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine for a masters degree and PhD in Endocrine Physiology.
Dr. Stroud’s deep passion for the One Health concept emerged in 2008 when she returned to North Carolina. While networking around the Research Triangle Park region of N.C. she identified a need to bring together key veterinary, human, public, and environmental health stakeholders in North Carolina to work across disciplines. As a result of her exploratory efforts, in 2010 she helped create the North Carolina One Health Collaborative and for over three years chaired its Steering Committee.
Since 2010, Dr. Stroud’s primary focus has been One Health education, both locally and nationally. In 2013, she served on a National Biodefense Science Board working group on situational awareness, strategic implementation, and bio-surveillance. Dr. Stroud believes strongly in interdisciplinary collaborations and seeks, via the Commission, to connect One Health stakeholders into active teams, creating strategic networks and partnerships that will educate about all One Health Issues. Her forte is bringing people together.