Dr Amy Booth.UKZN Hosts Seminar on Medical Sustainability
Click here for isiZulu version
The School of Clinical Medicine hosted a seminar under the theme: First, DO NO HARM. But what about the planet?
The seminar was organised in collaboration with undergraduate research students Mr Mohamed Suleman, Ms Zinhle Mzobe and Ms Rivona Harricharan; Dr Munira Motala, School of Clinical Medicine Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning; Dr Reratilwe Mphahlele, Lecturer in the Paediatrics and Child Health Department; Professor Ncoza Dlova, Dean and Head of School.
A thought-provoking seminar was presented by Dr Amy Booth, a Medical doctor who completed her degree, summa cum laude, and gold medalist from the University of Cape Town. Booth gave a South African perspective on the environmental impact of health systems, how the work of health professionals contributes to climate change, and what they can do to practice more sustainable medicine.
‘The reality is that climate change is here and real and will become more and more visual in months, not years. We’ve experienced many extreme weather events in South Africa over the past few years, from droughts, floods, fires to temperatures more than 40°C in some areas… We all need to take responsibility for our contribution to climate change and the impact of health systems on the environment is a vital issue which has been under researched and unaddressed,’ said Booth.
Health systems have a massive carbon footprint, contributing approximately 4-5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. They also produce huge amounts of plastic and hazardous medical waste and make use of pharmaceuticals which leak into environmental sources. The healthcare supply chain (including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, patient food, cleaning supplies, etc,) is a complex entity and the largest contributor to health systems carbon footprint.
Booth concluded the presentation by advising medical professionals to think sustainably, change their organisational culture, practice green behaviour, engage in preventive medicine, create awareness, be an advocate to industries to supply sustainable products, engage in research on this issue and to think innovatively.
Currently working towards obtaining her PhD at Oxford University, she hopes to use her research to bring awareness and advise health systems, governments, organisations such as the World Health Organization, healthcare industries, and health professionals on how they can continue to provide good clinical care sustainably both in South Africa and globally.
The School of Clinical Medicine is hoping that this seminar will introduce what will be a lasting conversation on different topics, particularly those not specifically outlined in the curriculum. This platform will be led by undergraduate students for students and help develop engaging students who go on to become better researchers, academics and health service providers.
Words: Mandisa Shozi
Photograph: Supplied