The One Health Initiative as a Basis for Research Development in the Department of Pharmacology at Midwestern University.

The One Health Initiative focuses on the complex relationships among the health of humans, animals, plants, microbes, and the environment. There are dynamic and delicate balances among these various elements, and disruption of these elements can have adverse effects on human health. Over the past 5 years, the Department of Pharmacology at the Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine has used the One Health Initiative as a framework for the growth and development of ongoing research programs in the area of environmental toxicology. As described in this article, this One Health approach has been successful, as evidenced by increases in the number of publications and level of grant-seeking activity by department faculty. With its emphasis on holistic patient care, the osteopathic medical profession is well positioned to be a leading advocate for the One Health Initiative.