As global temperature increases and associated anthropogenic climate change continue unabated, the consequences for human health and disease are becoming increasingly apparent. The medical field is beginning to recognize this critical intersection between human health and the environment.

The World Health Organization has categorized climate change as the most significant threat to human health in the 21st century and has highlighted its growing importance for students studying medicine. Medical schools looking for candidates who are ready and motivated to solve future health problems. By taking an interest in environmental health, pre-med students can demonstrate this readiness while learning about a highly relevant topic.

Here are some ways pre-med students can prepare for the growing importance of climate change and the need for environmental health awareness in the medical field.

Educate yourself about current environmental issues and stay current on environmental research and policy that affects health care and public health. Consider sources such as the WHO, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Environmental Health News.

Also read the latest reputable primary research through PubMed or Google Scholar to keep up to date with the latest data. You can sign up for PubMed alerts from several relevant research groups to stay automatically informed through your email inbox.

If you can, take a course and attend conferences, workshops or seminars on environmental health, sustainability efforts, the impact of environmental factors on human health, etc. You can find Seminar work in environmental science, public health or climate studies of particular importance. Courses such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology, and environmental policy can provide valuable knowledge and broadly applicable skills.

These kinds of experiences provide opportunities to learn from industry experts, network with professionals, and stay informed current issues and initiatives.

Ideally, students with a genuine interest in climate change and other environmental issues will seek experiences that demonstrate their commitment to addressing these issues during their medical careers while strengthening their application to medical school.

A great way to start is to work volunteer initiatives or applications for internships at organizations focused on environmental protection, sustainability or climate action. For example, participating in or leading projects related to pollution reduction, habitat restoration, or community resilience can demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship with clear health care implications.

Student organizations are a great place to start. Join an organization or club focused on environmental protection, sustainability or climate protection. These opportunities can also provide valuable leadership experience and teach you to think creatively about ways to engage in the national and international dialogue on climate change.

You may also find a transition between local sustainability initiatives and community outreach, allowing you to meaningfully engage with your local community before entering the medical field.

Depending on your locale, you can find – or create – clinical experience with an ecological orientation. Think about working in communities often affected by environmental hazards or volunteering at clinics that serve populations disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters.

The intersection of environmental factors and human health is an extremely active area research, with many exciting projects aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change regularly making international headlines. Opportunities to get involved in such projects have never been more widespread. These include connections to laboratories studying the health effects of air pollution, water contamination, climate-related disasters, etc.

Gaining research experience in any field shows critical thinking skills and a commitment to developing knowledge—qualities that are invaluable in medicine.

Engage in advocacy efforts aimed at addressing environmental inequities, promoting environmental justice, and advocating for policies that prioritize and protect public health. Popular examples include initiatives to highlight health disparities in specific communities and populations, identify effective interventions to address these disparities, advocate for politicians to implement policies that address environmental challenges and inequities, and advocate for the adoption of stricter environmental regulations (exposure to pollutants, access to air and water purification, etc.).

Consider also the significant adverse environmental impact of health care and biomedical research, where the promotion of sustainable practices in academic institutions is still nascent.

If you’ve taken the time to stay informed, volunteer, and get involved in environmental health, be sure to include those experiences and topics in your medical school application materials.

When writing your personal statement, narratives of experience or secondary essays, highlight how your interests and experiences relate to environmental challenges and climate change. Emphasize your commitment to addressing these issues in the context of your future career in medicine.

By actively engaging with the myriad environmental challenges facing society and incorporating these experiences into your application, you can demonstrate your commitment to solving pressing problems. worldwide problems while also strengthening your candidacy for admission to medical school.