Getting climate smart! Innovative medical education for teaching/learning about climate impacts on health across the continuum
Recommended Citation
Knox K, Simpson D, Agard K, Moore L, O’Brien J, Bidwell J. Getting climate smart! Innovative medical education for teaching/learning about climate impacts on health across the continuum. Presented at: UW Medical Education Day; May 29, 2025; UW Health Sciences Learning Center, Madison, WI.
Presentation Notes
Presented at: UW Medical Education Day; May 29, 2025; UW Health Sciences Learning Center, Madison, WI.
Abstract
Climate change affects our patients’ health through a range of exposures—including increasing heatwaves, extreme weather events, poor air quality, and expanding vector-borne illnesses, per the American Public Health Association. On Earth Day 2022 the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a voluntary commitment by private health care organizations to increase climate resilience and emissions reduction that includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. UW School of Medicine and Advocate/Aurora Health have signed this pledge. While faculty are addressing the health consequences and sustainability with patients, most feel unprepared to teach in this area. This session will describe proven strategies for clinician climate education and then in small groups members will brainstorm additional approaches and present their “best” strategy in a shark tank format. The “sharks” will judge based on feasibility, engagement, and ROI. Following the “shark tank” presentations and prizes, we will debrief and share resources.
Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
