An evidence-based roadmap to integrate planetary health education into the medical curriculum

Med Teach. 2022 Nov 17:1-5. doi: 10.1080/0142159X.2022.2137015. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The urgency for action on climate change is regarded as the defining issue of our time. Planetary health education prepares future healthcare professionals to promote the health of the planet, including sustainable healthcare. This has potential benefits for the healthcare system, patients, community, and the environment. However, many educators are not confident in explaining and inspiring students and many deans and educational staff report challenges when integrating planetary health into education. The roadmap presented in this paper uses evidence from medical education literature to support medical schools with implementing this type of education. The roadmap can be used as a guide for educators, university leadership, and policy-makers in the design of planetary health education.

Keywords: Planetary health; implementation in education; roadmap; sustainability.