Patricia Maruschak is on the board of directors for Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord Canada.
Patricia is a senior executive with extensive experience developing and implementing complex human-rights-based international projects. She has applied her strategic planning, policy development and relationship-building skills in her work with key organizations in the Canadian international development and humanitarian assistance area and possesses a deep understanding of current issues in the sector.
She is currently the Director of Engagement and Learning at Manitoba Council for International Cooperation. Patricia has also held senior positions with Canadian Lutheran World Relief and Canadian International Development Agency. She has a Master of Arts, Public Administration, and International Development, and brings to the board her extensive skills and experience working with non-profits dedicated to humanitarian assistance and international development.
This article explores the diverse and often underrecognized roles of veterinarians within a One Health framework, highlighting how their work in animal health, food safety, wildlife conservation, and climate adaptation strengthens communities, safeguards ecosystems, and supports global health resilience.
This article examines the vital role of veterinarians in immunization and disease prevention, highlighting how VWB’s One Health approach — through vaccination campaigns, CAHW training, and real-time disease surveillance — protects public health, supports farmer livelihoods, and strengthens animal health systems in vulnerable communities.
In remote areas, like the far North, dog bites are more prevalent. This Dog Bite Prevention Week, we're raising awareness about how reading dog body language and improving access to veterinary care can reduce bites—and prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.
