Future doctors are going to have more training on recognising and treating heatstroke cases, and also be expected to take the climate impact of treatments such as inhalers for asthma patients into account, reported the Guardian.
Leaders of medical schools in Europe have announced the formation of the European Network on Climate & Health Education (Enche). 25 institutions are set to integrate lessons on the climate crisis into the education of more than 10,000 students.
It is a big development as climate change continues to make millions of lives across the globe difficult. Such a change is necessary as future doctors are likely to see a much different array of diseases that they are not seeing today.
Students to be taught to push for green prescribing
Europe noted its hottest summer on record this year. Climate change is a big troublemaker for health services as they substantially increase pressure on them. Enche is seeking to make the climate emergency a stronger part of medical curriculum.
Mosquitos are expanding their range due to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Climate change can also affect chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart and lung conditions and mental health. There is also the case of antimicrobial resistance.
Students are also going to be taught to push for things like green prescribing – encouraging patients to take up community gardening and tree plantation – and active travel – cycling instead of driving. These practices are good for human health and also for the environment.
