Climate change must become an integral part of already exhaustive medical curriculum
If the planet is increasingly reeling under the effects of climate change, can humanity really remain healthy? The raging climate emergency is a matter of global concern and health professionals have a central role to play in these tough times.
But the role of doctors in climate action, both in understanding the impact of the crisis and in advocating the right prescriptions and policies, are largely ill-defined today. It is time for the medical industry to be treated as a source for climate and health discipline.
Students seeking integration of climate change into curriculum
The intensifying climate crisis is already altering transmission patterns for infections, heat- and pollution-related illnesses and deaths are on the rise but research and databases have so far failed to expand as per the changing requirements.
These challenges have become more prominent to health professionals in their individual practice. They are now realising at a collective level that their training has not offered them the resources to address the onset of climate-related challenges on health.
It is partly because of this need-gap that there is an unprecedented feeling among young medical students across the globe to integrate climate issues and health into their already exhaustive curriculum for them to attend to their patients better.
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Curriculum must include impact of health sector on climate
Probably for the first time in the history of medicine, already overburdened medical students are demanding that they be taught more and better about the impact of climate change on health. Despite the keen interest, medical schools need to up their game sooner.
In addition, the curriculum must also include the impact of the health sector on global emissions. It is important for doctors to understand the materials they use has an impact on the climate, in order to help them deliver greener solutions in healthcare.
