An area veterinarian, Dr Alex Smith has launched a new charity called “Veterinarians for Vagrants”, with an aim of solving the health care crisis that has been created by the over 30 million uninsured humans in America. Veterinarians are well-poised to diagnose and treat a myriad of complex health issues for the uninsured. “The pets that we treat often have multiple problems and no health insurance. Our overhead and costs are lower than physicians, so I thought that this was a no-brainer as far as a way to give back to the community.” The veterinarian quickly added that the term “vagrants” was chosen because of their love of alliteration, not because the patients are really vagrants. The program has grown quickly, and Dr Smith has even found a further benefit, veterinary students are helping out and gaining real world experience, treating humans. “In some ways, treating humans is easier because they can talk and tell us what is wrong, so I think this is a great stepping stone towards the complexities of veterinary medicine. The students love it and they learn so much. And these people would never be able to afford a doctor, so the whole thing is win-win-win!” Dr Smith’s enthusiasm for One Medicine was palpable as we observed firsthand the amazing patient care for a man with multiple co-morbidities, including diabetes, necrotizing fasciitis of his lower extremities, COPD, depression and dental disease. “Nothing that some steroids, PenG, Cerenia, and a dental prophy can’t take care of” said Smith with a smile, while putting an Ecollar on the patient. As an added bonus, for every patient seen, Dr Smith is including a free rabies vaccine and a spay or neuter. “I’m passionate about preventive health care and preventing overpopulation. I am just so glad that I am able to give back.”