“I have enjoyed discovering that the subject of climate change and health intersects many different specialities and through panel sessions have had the pleasure to speak with many leaders in various fields.”
Lindsay’s extensive experience in nursing had her questioning the environmental cost of healthcare, and the impact of climate change on her patient's health. Through the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change and Health, she’s learning about how we can make systemic changes and adapt practices to be sustainable.
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Why did you decide to study the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change and Health?
I have been a registered nurse for 17 years, looking after people with cancer for the past 10 years. Over my career I have been increasingly concerned about the environmental cost of healthcare – especially the amount of plastic waste and single use items. I have also grown concerned about the impact of climate change on health. Heatwaves, for example, will have a disproportionate impact on already vulnerable groups such as those with cancer and other illnesses, as well as the elderly, children and those with inadequate housing.
I chose the University of Melbourne as this course offers subjects that give me the skills and knowledge to tackle both the impact of the health system on climate change, and the health impacts of climate change.
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What have you enjoyed about the course so far?
I love all the information that I am learning, especially the understanding that these issues need to be approached from a systems perspective.
I have enjoyed discovering that the subject of climate change and health intersects many different specialities and through panel sessions have had the pleasure to speak with many leaders in various fields.
The group work has been challenging, especially given the hybrid nature of the classes. I learnt valuable skills from the first group assignment though and was able to improve the experience with my next group.
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Where are you currently working, and how has the course been beneficial in that role?
I work as a nurse caring for people with cancer, and as a nurse educator. The part of my job that gives me the greatest satisfaction is the knowledge that I can make a cancer diagnosis less daunting and offer support to help patients through their treatment.
Since starting this course I have introduced recycling bins into our department and I am looking at replacing products with more sustainable alternatives. I also have a bit more fire in my belly about how nurses fit into the system and the larger systemic changes that need to be made if we are to tackle climate change.
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What are your future career goals?
I am not sure at the moment where I would like my career in climate and health to take me, I find so many areas interesting.
One idea is to use my current skills and knowledge of the health system to work on adapting models of care to be more sustainable as well as preparing the health system for extreme weather events.
In this course I have gained a greater understanding of systems thinking and how this will be required to make changes. Individual assignments have also enabled me to improve my knowledge of how sustainable practice can be incorporated.
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change and Health