We Need Your Osteopathic Voice in the Planetary Health Space

The World Health Organization has declared climate change the largest global health threat of the 21st century. As the rapidly growing field of planetary health emerges to treat this intersection of environmental decay, human well-being, and medical infrastructure, osteopathic physicians and institutions are currently falling behind our allopathic colleagues. Bridging this gap is critical as who better understands the importance of holistic care, including an individual's environment, than osteopathic physicians! Because we are trained to view health through the interconnectedness of body, mind, spirit, and environment, DOs are uniquely positioned to become leaders in the planetary health space by championing our patients, our peers, and our planet against the looming public health threats of tomorrow.

Your osteopathic voice is highly valued and deeply underrepresented in the planetary health space. Consider becoming an early adopter for opportunities in leadership, scholarship, and advocacy:

For Medical Students

• Become an individual member (or local chapter leader) of Medical Students for a Sustainable Future (MS4SF). MS4SF is a national organization of environmentally concerned medical students advocating for curricular, legislative, and systemic change. They have opportunities for research, advocacy, and community building on their website.
• Consider completing a Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC) to evaluate how your medical school is teaching and adapting planetary health concepts. The PHRC is a student-led, metric-based tool adopted by health professional schools internationally to evaluate the climate action and education of your institution. Reports are published online and can be counted towards ERAS scholarly work! For more information on how to complete a report card check out their site.

For Physicians and Residents

• If you are interested in expanding your knowledge, gaining CME credits, or joining a network of dedicated professionals, consider becoming a physician member or running for a leadership position within the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health.
• Check out the Planetary Health Alliance for local communities of similarly minded individuals.
• Lastly, ACOI has a Committee on Climate and Health. Consider joining and helping lead the osteopathic efforts!