In a pivotal step towards addressing the intersection of climate change and healthcare, the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) has introduced the Planetary Health curriculum, spearheaded by Farah Hussain, MD. This innovative program equips medical students with the knowledge to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change on human health.

Farah hussain

Dr. Hussain, who originally found her passion for environmental advocacy during her undergraduate studies with sea anemones, has become a trailblazer in integrating environmental considerations into medical education. Inspired by the stark evidence presented in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s reports, Hussain realized the importance of aligning her medical career with ecological preservation.

The curriculum, launched in 2022, enjoys growing momentum, reflecting a broader trend in medical education as institutions like Harvard Medical School and Stanford University’s School of Medicine adopt similar programs. The educational content is seamlessly woven into existing courses at PSOM, where students learn about the direct implications of climate changes—such as extreme weather and pollution—on human health alongside traditional medical subjects.

Aside from core courses, PSOM continues to offer specialized classes like the Climate Change and Health elective, examining the differential impact of environmental changes on vulnerable populations and their healthcare outcomes. This elective delves into how shifts in the ecosystem can influence disease prevalence and respiratory health.

Collaboration is Key


A crucial component of this educational initiative is collaboration. Under Hussain’s guidance, PSOM’s students and faculty collaborate to integrate climate-awareness in various medical disciplines, from Psychiatry to Pulmonology, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle these challenges in their professional lives.

Additionally, the thriving student-led Healthcare Sustainability Group leads efforts in pushing beyond classroom learning. Their projects aim to transform healthcare operations, such as creating greener operating rooms, thus reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare services.

From Classroom to Clinical Practice


The curriculum’s next phase will broaden its scope from classroom learning to practical applications during clinical rotations, preparing students to engage with patients directly on environmental factors affecting health and advocating for systemic changes.

As Sarah Wornow and her fellow students champion this vital cause, PSOM remains committed to its institutional goal of becoming the most environmentally friendly healthcare system in the nation. Their comprehensive approach reflects a keen understanding that sustainable practices are essential in preserving both planetary and human health.

For more detailed stories and updates on Penn Medicine’s ongoing sustainability efforts, readers can explore related articles discussing the transformational work in operating rooms, healthcare sustainability goals, and groundbreaking health research on climate change impacts.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

The Mark Tampa Breaks Ground on 800‑Bed Luxury Student Housing Near USF

Landmark Properties has officially begun construction on The Mark Tampa, a six‑story luxury student community featuring over 800 beds, rooftop amenities, study spaces, retail, and modern unit layouts. Set to open before the 2027–2028 school year, the project signals strong investor confidence in North Tampa’s booming student housing market.

Florida’s Insurance Costs Erupt Into a 2026 Election Flashpoint

Florida’s property and auto insurance crisis is intensifying, setting the stage for a major political showdown ahead of the 2026 elections. Republicans argue recent reforms are finally stabilizing the market, while Democrats insist families are being crushed by soaring premiums and can’t wait for relief. With homeowners, condo associations, and insurers all feeling the pressure, lawmakers are preparing for one of the most consequential legislative battles in years.

A December Fed Cut Could Be Coming — But Don’t Expect Mortgage Rates to Drop

Markets are betting heavily on a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, but that doesn’t guarantee lower mortgage rates. Even with an 85% chance of a cut priced in, mortgage rates move more with the 10‑year Treasury than the Fed itself — and recent history shows rates can rise even when the Fed eases. Today’s 6.43% average rate is the lowest in over a year, but still unpredictable, making financial readiness more important than trying to time the market.

Grand Junction’s Commercial Real Estate Market Surges 36% as New Chains Fuel Regional Growth

Grand Junction is experiencing a powerful commercial real estate upswing, with 151 commercial units closed so far in 2025—a 36% jump from last year. Building permits are also up 23%, signaling expanding development momentum. Brokers say interest from national chains is accelerating the city’s evolution, bringing jobs, investment, and long‑term economic potential to Colorado’s Western Slope.

Nashville Ranks #6 in Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 Report

Nashville continues its rise as one of the nation’s most attractive real estate markets, landing the #6 spot in the Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 report from PwC and ULI. With strong demographic momentum, business expansion, and a development pipeline drawing national eyes, the city stands out amid shifting economic conditions. The report highlights fast‑growing sectors such as data centers, senior housing, and evolving office dynamics—offering real estate professionals valuable insight into where opportunities are emerging next.

CRE This Week: The Key Trends Reshaping Canada’s Commercial Real Estate Market in 2025

Canada’s commercial real estate sector continues to evolve rapidly, with new data revealing major transactions, shifting investment patterns, and emerging economic signals across the country. From resilient retail spending to cooling construction and regional standouts like Montreal and the Prairies, this week’s CRE pulse—powered by Altus Group’s research team—gives real estate, mortgage, and finance professionals a sharp snapshot of the market forces to watch as 2025 winds down.