Australia’s healthcare system is at a crossroads. With climate change becoming more pressing, our future doctors need to be ready to tackle its effects on health. The recent National Climate Risk Assessment highlights the serious health impacts related to rising temperatures and environmental changes.
Critics argue that the Federal Government’s new target for reducing emissions by 2035 isn’t strong enough to protect public health. The ongoing approval of fossil fuel projects amplifies these concerns, stressing the urgent need for action. Climate change affects the environment, society, and economy, highlighting the importance of a health workforce that understands these challenges. This is where the concept of planetary health comes in; it shows how human health is interconnected with the natural world.
In December 2023, the Australian Government introduced the National Health and Climate Strategy. It aims to include climate education in medical training, which is crucial for building a health system that is both low-carbon and climate-resilient. Changes to the Accreditation Standards by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) now require all medical programs to include planetary health topics. This initiative ensures that every medical student and junior doctor has the knowledge to address climate-related health issues.
This year, the AMC has engaged in public consultations to strengthen environmental themes in specialist training programs. These reforms signal a significant shift in how we prepare doctors for the realities of climate change. Every medical student now receives training on the health effects of climate change and sustainable practices.
Leading the way, Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) advocates for these changes. They collaborate with universities and government bodies to integrate planetary health into medical education. A recent resource, the Climate Grand Rounds Guide, helps health professionals discuss planetary health during educational sessions. This resource aims to educate others on the health impacts of climate change and promote sustainable healthcare.
In 2024, DEA, along with the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA), launched the Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC) in Australia and New Zealand. This initiative allows students to assess their medical schools’ performance in areas such as curriculum and community support, encouraging meaningful reforms in medical education.
Earlier contributions from DEA include the Planetary Health – Organ System Map, which outlines how climate and sustainability topics fit into the medical curriculum. This framework has already influenced changes in medical education, ensuring new doctors are ready for future challenges in healthcare.
DEA’s outreach continues with the new Planetary Health Curriculum Mapping Project. This initiative works with educators and specialty colleges to enhance training on climate and health across all medical fields. Institutions like the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists are already collaborating on this project.
As the climate crisis escalates, it’s crucial that healthcare professionals, educators, and trainees become more engaged with planetary health. Whether it’s through curriculum changes, hosting educational sessions, or supporting student initiatives, everyone has a role to play in this transformation.
As we look ahead, equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge to deliver socially and environmentally responsible care is more important than ever. The health of our planet directly impacts our health, and we must act accordingly.
For more information, several other educational resources are available on the DEA website, offering podcasts, webinars, and fact sheets that can elevate awareness and understanding of this vital issue.
Dr. Grant Silbert MD BA DipLang, Dr. Sonia Chanchlani MB BCH BAO MHM MPH CHIA AFRACMA GAICD, and Dr. Caroline Lee BMed BSc(Med)Hons MD MPHTM are part of the Doctors for the Environment Australia Medical Education Committee.
