Training Clinical And Public Health Leaders In Climate And Health

Abstract

The effects of climate change are accelerating and undermining human health and well-being in many different ways. There is no doubt that the health care sector will need to adapt, and although it has begun to develop more targeted strategies to address climate-related challenges, a broad knowledge gap persists. There is a critical need to develop and cultivate new knowledge and skill sets among health professionals, including those in public health, environmental science, policy, and communication roles. This article describes specific initiatives to train future leaders to be proficient in understanding the linkages between climate change and health. We present an agenda for expanding education on climate and health through health professional schools and graduate and postgraduate curricula, as well as in professional and continuing education settings. Our agenda also identifies ways to promote sustainability in clinical practice and health care management and policy. Throughout, we cite metrics by which to measure progress and highlight potential barriers to achieving these educational objectives on a larger scale.

Educating Community Health Professionals About the Health-Related Effects of Climate Change Through ECHO Telementoring

“… 8 - 14 For practicing health professionals with a significant knowledge gap of the health effects of climate change, there are even fewer options for professional medical training. 15 …”

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13][14] For practicing health professionals with a significant knowledge gap of the health effects of climate change, there are even fewer options for professional medical training. 15 Not only is there a lack of climate science courses available for most health professionals, there is also a gap in teaching climate communication skills. 16,17 In order for health professionals to best serve their patients, they need to learn communication skills regarding the health-related effects of climate change.…”

Evaluating strengths and opportunities for a co-created climate change curriculum: Medical student perspectives

“…Emerging CHE efforts range from isolated lectures to specialized electives and integrated curricula ( 7 – 10 ). Bolstered by calls from students, faculty, and professional organizations, many institutions are seeking to accelerate adoption of CHE or expand their existing CHE content and activities ( 11 , 12 ).…”

Addressing the climate impacts of healthcare

“…These organizations offer individual clinicians the opportunity to join the climate and health movement from an advocacy perspective, helping to support policy changes that improve community health. Physicians may also educate themselves through increasing climate and health CME (continuing medical education) opportunities and may educate their peers and trainees 18 . Within their own practices, clinicians may opt to reduce emissions using tips from organizations like MyGreenDoctor or aim to reduce “low‐value” care that contributes to resource utilization with low clinical yield.…”

“…14 The healthcare supply shortages created by the COVID-19 Physicians may also educate themselves through increasing climate and health CME (continuing medical education) opportunities and may educate their peers and trainees. 18 Within their own practices, clinicians may opt to reduce emissions using tips from organizations like MyGreenDoctor or aim to reduce "low-value" care that contributes to resource utilization with low clinical yield. Beyond individual efforts, hospital systems have a role to play.…”