As the urgency of climate change becomes increasingly evident, the medical community is reevaluating the environmental impact of healthcare practices. In a groundbreaking paper titled “Eight Ways General Internists Can Practice High-Value, Low-Carbon Care,” a team of researchers led by Gaudreau-Simard, Stoynova, and Silverstein has put forth recommendations for physicians to implement climate-conscious practices within the sphere of internal medicine. Published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, this article presents an innovative approach to patient care that prioritizes both health outcomes and environmental sustainability, challenging traditional paradigms that often overlook ecological implications.
The concept of low-carbon care seeks to minimize the environmental toll exerted by healthcare systems, which have been shown to have significant carbon footprints. The healthcare sector’s contributions to greenhouse gas emissions stem from various factors, including energy consumption, the use of medical products, waste management, and travel. Acknowledging these impacts, the authors of the article argue for a model of care that balances patient needs with ecological considerations. This holistic view of health recognizes that human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet, and as such, offers a framework for physicians to lead the charge toward sustainable medicine.
The recommendations detailed in the article revolve around practical adaptations and guidelines for internists. By adopting these strategies, general practitioners can not only enhance the quality of care they provide but also reduce their practice’s carbon footprint. The goal is to create a paradigm shift where low-carbon care becomes an integral part of healthcare delivery rather than an afterthought. The authors emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging healthcare professionals to learn from environmental scientists and sustainability experts to integrate ecological wisdom into medical practice.
One of the key recommendations revolves around the rationalization of diagnostic testing and procedures. The authors advocate for a careful assessment of the necessity of various tests, with an emphasis on avoiding unnecessary interventions that not only burden patients but also consume resources. By focusing on high-value care—which prioritizes interventions that provide the most benefit for patients relative to their costs—physicians can significantly reduce waste and associated carbon emissions.
Reduction of unnecessary medical interventions extends beyond traditional diagnostics; it also encompasses the use of medications and treatments that may be environmentally damaging. The paper discusses the importance of medication stewardship, where physicians can opt for medications that have a fewer environmental impact. This entails choosing therapies that come from sustainable sources and have lower emissions throughout their lifecycle—from production to disposal.
Moreover, the authors highlight the critical role of telemedicine in promoting high-value, low-carbon care. The rise of telehealth services has reshaped how medical consultations occur, allowing patients and healthcare providers to interact without the need for travel. This shift not only enhances accessibility to healthcare but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions resulting from transportation. Telemedicine can facilitate effective patient care while streamlining resource use, making it a key component of the low-carbon healthcare model.
The article addresses how healthcare facilities can implement energy-efficient practices, thus mitigating their environmental impact. It underscores the potential to use energy-efficient equipment, optimize energy consumption, and invest in renewable energy sources to power medical facilities. Hospitals and clinic operations can significantly lower their carbon emissions through structural changes and improved operational practices, contributing to a greener healthcare landscape.
Furthermore, the importance of waste reduction is explored extensively in the paper. Healthcare generates an enormous amount of waste, much of which is non-biodegradable. By encouraging the recycling of materials and reducing single-use products, healthcare providers can minimize their operational footprint. The article calls for the establishment of waste diversion programs and training for staff to foster a culture of sustainability within healthcare organizations.
A salient point made in the article revolves around community engagement. It posits that internists, as trusted figures within their communities, can educate and mobilize their patients toward sustainable lifestyle choices. By fostering a dialogue about environmental health, physicians can empower patients to make informed decisions that prioritize sustainability in their daily lives, further amplifying the positive impact of low-carbon care.
The challenges of implementing these recommendations are not insignificant. Resistance to change, ingrained habits, and limitations in available resources can thwart the adoption of low-carbon practices in traditional healthcare settings. However, the authors argue that through education, leadership, and advocacy, these barriers can be surmounted. The paper encourages internists to advocate for policies that support sustainable practices, thus contributing to a healthcare system equipped to tackle the dual crises of climate change and public health.
The intersection of environmental and human health is increasingly gaining recognition in academic literature. As practitioners begin to bridge these domains, the implications for medical training are profound. Future physicians will need to be equipped with the understanding and skills to integrate climate-conscious practices into their healthcare approach. Educational institutions must respond to this need by revising curricula to reflect the importance of sustainability in medicine.
Looking towards the future, the article posits that the healthcare community holds a pivotal role in addressing climate change. By embracing the recommendations set forth by the authors, general internists can become frontline advocates—not just for patient health but for planetary wellbeing. This shift represents an evolution in medical ethics, one that values the health of our environment as integral to the health of individuals and communities.
In conclusion, the integration of high-value, low-carbon care into internal medicine is not merely a progressive movement—it is essential for the longevity and health of both patients and our planet. The recommendations laid out by Gaudreau-Simard, Stoynova, Silverstein, and their colleagues provide a blueprint for transforming medical practice. Through mindful and conscious decision-making, general internists can lead the way in building a sustainable healthcare system that places equal importance on human health and the health of the planet.
Subject of Research: Low-carbon care practices in general internal medicine.
Article Title: Eight Ways General Internists Can Practice High-Value, Low-Carbon Care: The Canadian Society of Internal Medicine’s Climate Conscious Choosing Wisely Canada Recommendations.
Article References:
Gaudreau-Simard, M., Stoynova, V., Silverstein, W.K. et al. Eight Ways General Internists Can Practice High-Value, Low-Carbon Care: The Canadian Society of Internal Medicine’s Climate Conscious Choosing Wisely Canada Recommendations.
J GEN INTERN MED (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-025-10054-2
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-025-10054-2
Keywords: climate change, sustainable healthcare, low-carbon care, internal medicine, high-value care, telemedicine, medication stewardship, energy efficiency, waste reduction, community engagement.
