Envisioning planetary health in every medical curriculum: An international medical student organization’s perspective

Abstract

Background: With deteriorating ecosystems, the health of mankind is at risk. Future health care professionals must be trained to recognize the interdependence of health and ecosystems to address the needs of their patients and communities. Health issues related to, e.g. climate change and air pollution, are not, however, generally included in medical education. Objectives: To assess the inclusion of climate change and air pollution in medical curricula and to guide the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations’ (IFMSA) Vision of Climate Change in the Medical Curriculum. Methods: A study comprising three surveys (March 2019, August 2019, March 2020) explored medical students’ perceptions of the current status of formal and non-formal elements of climate change and air pollution and health in their medical programs. Results: Respondents originated from 2817 medical schools in 112 countries. Only 15% of medical schools have incorporated climate change and health into the curriculum. Students led climate-related activities in an additional 12% of medical schools. With regard to air pollution and health, only 11% of medical schools have formal education on the topic. Conclusions: It is crucial to acknowledge the current omissions from medical curricula and the importance of meaningful student involvement in curriculum transformation.