Education
Empowering the Future of Care: Interprofessional Climate Health
In a world where environmental shifts directly impact human well-being, healthcare can no longer exist in a vacuum. We believe that the most effective solutions to emerging environmental challenges are found at the intersection of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and social sciences. By breaking down professional silos, we are building a unified front of experts equipped to protect our patients and communities in a changing world. Our mission is to educate and prepare current and future biomedical and health science professionals, learners, patients, and communities to navigate emerging environmental challenges in healthcare.
We are focusing our efforts on three high-impact strategies to drive systemic change across Rutgers Health:
The Interprofessional Outreach Initiative
We are expanding the climate health curriculum far beyond the medical school. By engaging with all Rutgers Health schools, including Nursing, Pharmacy, and Health Professions—we are creating a tailored educational experience through grassroots engagement as well as at the leadership level
Sustainability Training Integration
We are working to embed “Green Practice” modules into existing safety and lab training. This ensures that sustainability isn’t just an “extra” topic, but a core component of operational excellence and safety. This connects with the Healthcare Sustainability Pillar.
Why Interprofessional Education (IPE) Matters for Climate Health
Climate change is a “threat multiplier” that doesn’t respect professional boundaries. Whether it’s managing respiratory distress from wildfire smoke or redesigning hospital supply chains for sustainability, the solution requires a team-based approach.
Our Vision
A healthcare workforce that is as resilient as the communities it serves, united by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and patient safety. By training climate-aware health professionals, we foster:
Innovation
Fresh perspectives from different clinical backgrounds.
Collaborative Literacy
Ensuring every member of the healthcare team speaks the same language regarding environmental determinants of health.
Systems Thinking
Moving beyond individual patient care to understand the broader ecological impact of healthcare delivery.
Resilient Leadership
Preparing future professionals to lead healthcare institutions through resource scarcity and extreme weather events. Empowering every member of the healthcare team to be a “Sustainability Champion.”
Our Strategic Pillars
| Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|
| Learner Readiness |
Integrating climate-smart curricula into foundational training for all health disciplines. |
| Professional Development & Continued Education |
Providing current practitioners with evidence-based tools to mitigate environmental health risks. |
| Community Partnership |
Engaging patients and local organizations to co-create strategies for environmental justice and health equity. |
| Informed Advocacy |
Preparing professionals to communicate the link between planet health and human health to policymakers. |
Are you ready to be a Faculty Champion for your department?
We are looking for dedicated educators at Rutgers to help guide this evolution. Contact the Center to learn how you can help shape the future of climate-smart healthcare at Rutgers.
Do you want to help move the needle?
Whether you are a student, a seasoned practitioner, or a concerned community member, your voice is essential to navigating the emerging environmental challenges in healthcare. Contact the Center to learn how you can help shape the future of climate-smart healthcare at Rutgers.