Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ Singapore’s commitment to advancing sustainable healthcare has taken a significant leap with the introduction of two groundbreaking programs at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The announcement of the Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare and the Executive Fellowship in Sustainable Healthcare at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
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The programs, offered by the Center for Sustainable Medicine (CoSM) at NUS’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, are part of a broader global movement to adapt healthcare systems to the rapidly changing climate. Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major threat to global health, exacerbating health crises and increasing the vulnerability of populations, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia. Extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, are intensifying the spread of diseases like dengue fever, resulting in higher mortality rates and placing greater pressure on healthcare systems.
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According to a recent study by CoSM, 82% of Singaporean clinicians support integrating climate action into healthcare, and 90% think the country should take the lead in achieving net-zero healthcare systems. These findings highlight the growing consensus among healthcare professionals that sustainable healthcare is not only crucial for public health but also for the resilience of health systems globally. Professor Nick Watts, Director of CoSM, emphasized the importance of the new programs in transforming healthcare systems to balance patient care with sustainability. He said, “The healthcare sector contributes to over 10% of the global economy, meaning that local changes can have a profound global impact. Our education programs will prepare a new generation of healthcare leaders who can drive the shift toward low-carbon healthcare and contribute to the broader climate action agenda.”
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Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare
Early-career professionals and graduates with a background in healthcare or sustainability can enroll in the one-year, full-time Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare program. The curriculum focuses on practical skills such as life cycle assessments and strategies for low-carbon transitions in healthcare settings. Students will also engage in electives covering topics like climate science, health system management, and research methodologies. The program’s capstone project allows students to apply their learning to real-world challenges, equipping them with the tools to make a tangible impact in the field.
Executive Fellowship in Sustainable Healthcare
Experienced healthcare leaders, clinical professionals, and policymakers are the target audience for the part-time Executive Fellowship in Sustainable Healthcare program. The flexible hybrid learning model allows participants to continue their work while engaging in advanced training in areas like carbon footprint analysis and leadership in healthcare sustainability. The program, which will launch in August 2025, also offers opportunities for mentorship and networking with global experts and champions of healthcare sustainability. Both programs will foster collaboration with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and The Lancet. A unique knowledge exchange initiative will allow participants to learn from clinical fellows from diverse health systems, including those in the UK’s National Health Service and the US.
Dr. Jessamy Bagenal, Senior Executive Editor at The Lancet, emphasized the urgency of integrating climate action into healthcare. She said, “We are at a pivotal moment, facing intertwined health and climate crises. By equipping healthcare professionals with the right tools and knowledge, we can build a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the challenges of both today and tomorrow.” Applications for both the Master of Science and Executive Fellowship programs are now open. Interested candidates can visit the Center for Sustainable Medicine’s website for more details on how to apply. These innovative educational opportunities mark a crucial step toward ensuring the future of healthcare is sustainable, resilient, and capable of tackling the ongoing climate crisis.
