Dr. Camille Huser, co-chair of the European Network on Climate & Health Education, stated that "the doctors of the future will see a different array of presentations and diseases that they are not seeing now. They need to be aware of that so they can recognise them." She emphasized the importance of adapting medical training in response to the evolving health challenges posed by climate change.
This year was Europe's hottest summer on record, and changes in climate are increasing pressures on health services. Insects that spread diseases, such as mosquitoes, are expanding their range being found in new areas, aided by changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart and lung conditions, diabetes and mental illness can all be affected by factors such as extreme weather or air pollution.
Huser noted, "The role of the climate in teaching at medical schools varies considerably, often consisting of just a single module or lecture. The network envisages it being infused throughout teaching in future." This illustrates a shift towards a more integrated approach to education regarding climate impacts on health.
Huser concluded with a critical point, stating, "Climate change doesn't necessarily create a whole new range of diseases that we haven't seen before but it exacerbates the ones that do exist." This highlights the need for medical professionals to understand the connections between climate change and existing health conditions.
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