4th Year Medical Student Elective: Climate Medicine EMED 8010

CLIMATE MEDICINE

EMED 8010
February 15 – 26, 2021

OVERVIEW

Climate change has profound impacts on health including food insecurity, degraded air quality, civil unrest, and changes in vector-borne disease. This course explores the physiologic, ecologic and social interactions resulting in these impacts and provides a foundation in climate medicine and skills in science communication, policy and advocacy.

This course builds on basic medical knowledge and clinical experience gained during the first 3 years of medical education and provides a unique avenue to apply this knowledge to the challenge of global environmental change. Climate medicine builds upon the clinical and basic science of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, heat related illness, pharmacology, geriatric care, gastrointestinal disease, infectious disease, pediatrics, obstetrics and more. It also emphasized a holistic view of human health which encompasses the physical environment and the social determinants of health.

This course takes place from April 20 – May 1, 2020. The first week of this course will be held at Anschutz Medical Campus with various field trips. The second week, the students will get to adventure outside of the classroom and stay at YMCA at the Rockies in Estes Park for two nights and three days in a private cabin with all meals provided.  Students will have the opportunity to go to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Students will be responsible for a fee of $250 – this includes two nights lodging, all meals, shuttle to RMNP, and gear.

Topics covered in the course include: heat waves and heat illness, extreme weather, vector-borne diseases, mental health, air degradation, water and food security, and vulnerable populations.

Develop a critical understanding of climate change and how to address resulting health threats. Build skills in clinical care, communication, professionalism, & more!