When Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, a cardiologist at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, was first called to examine a chimpanzee with a facial droop, she embarked on a new branch or medicine. She was given the opportunity to assist in the treatment of animals when the opportunity arose and also continue practicing cardiology at UCLA. As she further treated animals with cardiac illnesses, she realized that the conditions that afflicted animals were similar to those that afflicted humans. In fact, animals also experience physiological and mental disorders that are seen in humans such as postpartum depression, diabetes, cancer etc. To further clarify this point, she described that when treating their animal patients, veterinarians usually consult human physiological literature and medical practices in order to get a full grasp of the condition. For conditions that veterinarians need further assistance in treating, it is a common practice to consult with a physician that specializes in the organ system affected. Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz also realized that in order to treat disorders in their human patients, physicians
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Natterson-Horowitz taught me that physicians are no better than any other type of doctor but are at an equal level to all types of doctors that practice in any area of medicine. She exclaimed that many physicians believe that veterinary medicine is lower than human medicine because of the high self image humans have of themselves. However, she argued that veterinary medicine is even more complex than human medicine. While physicians only have to learn human anatomy and physiology, veterinarians have to learn the anatomy and physiology of many, if not all, species of animals. This TEDMED talk also moved me when it was revealed that animals experience many of the same mental disorders and anguish that humans do. Many animals are afflicted with depression and self harm and while this information is very moving, it does not surprise
Natterson-Horowitz taught me that physicians are no better than any other type of doctor but are at an equal level to all types of doctors that practice in any area of medicine. She exclaimed that many physicians believe that veterinary medicine is lower than human medicine because of the high self image humans have of themselves. However, she argued that veterinary medicine is even more complex than human medicine. While physicians only have to learn human anatomy and physiology, veterinarians have to learn the anatomy and physiology of many, if not all, species of animals. This TEDMED talk also moved me when it was revealed that animals experience many of the same mental disorders and anguish that humans do. Many animals are afflicted with depression and self harm and while this information is very moving, it does not surprise