As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, embracing sustainability has become a necessity. This is particularly evident in the realm of healthcare, where it is imperative for medical professionals to understand the intricate intersection between the environment and well-being to effectively address the issues that arise.
At Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), going green goes beyond being eco-friendly.
The university aspires to shape tomorrow’s medical professionals by incorporating sustainable practices into its curricula and daily operations.
Through the NUMed Environmental Sustainable Campus Committee (ESCC), the university’s green initiatives are aligned with the broader vision of its parent campus for sustainability, which includes embedding social and environmental justice throughout its activities and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Leading the way
NUMed has implemented several key sustainability initiatives to promote environmental responsibility and reduce its carbon footprint.
At the heart of this is its Eco Lounge, which serves as a dedicated hub for raising awareness about climate change and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the university encourages a Bring Your Own (BYO) policy for cutlery to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainable habits.
On a global level, NUMed is also a participant in the annual Planetary Health Report Card aimed at increasing planetary health awareness and accountability among medical schools as well as being one of only two Malaysian universities involved in the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education, which focuses on integrating climate and health education into medical training.
Plastic drinking bottles are packed with plastic bags and foil wrappers to form eco-bricks, which are used to make items like furniture, garden walls and other structures.
Furthermore, its commitment to environmental sustainability extends to a wide range of projects, such as making eco-bricks, making eco-enzyme, food composting, making “no sew” tote bags, and encouraging the use of metal straws.
According to NUMed ESSC lead Assoc Prof (Clinical) Dr Maria Lee Hooi Sean, the response from NUMed’s students and staff members has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Among others, the Eco Lounge has become a popular spot for learning about sustainability, and participation in environmental projects has increased over the years.
“Our involvement in the Planetary Health Report Card and Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education has also been well-received, with students appreciating the opportunity to contribute to global sustainability efforts,” she added.
Besides that, sustainability is integrated into the university's curricula, ensuring that students across all disciplines understand and can address environmental, social and economic challenges. For one, climate change is incorporated into its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curriculum.
Students are also offered the opportunity to take sustainability as part of their Student-Selected Component (SSC), which includes project-based, fieldwork and experiential learning. This allows them to apply sustainability principles in real-world scenarios and gain hands-on experiences.
The food composting campaign has made a significant impact by promoting sustainable practices, educating individuals, and fostering community engagement.
“Integrating sustainability into the curriculum is essential because it prepares students to be informed, responsible and proactive individuals who can drive positive change in their personal and professional lives,” added Lee.
Increased Awareness
For many students, NUMed’s green efforts have heightened their awareness on how environmental concerns like pollution, climate change and deforestation can significantly impact global health.
“Rising air pollution levels contribute to respiratory diseases, while climate change exacerbates natural disasters like floods that increase the spread of vector-borne illnesses. Deforestation disrupts ecosystems and may increase human exposure to zoonotic diseases. These environmental shifts place immense strain on healthcare systems as they face surging disease burdens and resource shortages,” shared fourth-year MBBS students Lan Yuen Qi and Insha Shameem.
Their senior, fifth-year MBBS student Goh Jian Cheng, added that it was imperative for medical students and professionals to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address global health issues and be proactive in the sustainable development of healthcare aspects.
“Understanding the connection between planet health and human health is of utmost importance. Practicing medicine with a greener approach will not just create a healthier and safer environment for patients, but also reduce detrimental environmental impacts,” he said.
In its commitment to integrating environmental awareness to nurture leaders with the ability to shape a more robust healthcare ecosystem, NUMed continues its trajectory towards a greener and healthier future with a variety of field trips, sustainability-themed events and workshops, community engagement programmes and student-led initiatives aimed at making a real impact.
Find out more about NUMed and its programme offerings at http://www.newcastle.edu.my. For further details, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call 07-555 3800, or WhatsApp 011-1231 5411/012-784 9456.
