Sustainable Student Selected Components
At WMS, there are several opportunities for student-selected components (SSCs) over the four year MBChB course. Students are offered opportunities at all of these stages to pursue opportunities relating to planetary health. Explore some examples of previous student projects and possible mentors below...
Phase II SSC1
The 'Low-Impact and Sustainable Healthcare’ SSC1 was introduced in 2024 focused on planetary health (coordinated by Dr Robert Lilywhite). Additionally, the 'Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine' SSC1 explores preventative sustainable medicine including non-pharmacological prescribing (cordinated by Dr Lavanya Vimalan).
Phase III SSC2
During SSC2, WMS students complete an independent project e.g. primary or secondary research, a literature review, a quality improvement project. Students are able to undertake a project related to planetary-health themes - see some recent examples below!
Post Finals Elective
After finals and before beginning assistantships, WMS students complete a 6-week medical elective which may involve a planetary-health related theme. e.g. in 2024 one student undertook an elective project on healthcare and sustainable development in a South American village.
SSC2 Case Study: Green Endoscopy at Rugby Hospital
"The aim of the project was to trial two environmental initiatives in the endoscopy department at Rugby Hospital. This involved introducing recycling bins and trialling the use of QR codes for patient information leaflets. I spent two weeks on site, measuring waste produced before and after. I then calculated the reduction in cost and carbon dioxide equivalents. Overall, infectious waste was reduced by 13.4% and the uptake of digital patient information leaflets was 38.1%. I found my supervisor (Dr Ben DisneyLink opens in a new window) through the UHCW website’s list of consultants. It was a great opportunity to learn about gastroenterology, and I have since presented at the UHCW’s Grand Round and the British Society of Gastroenterologist’s annual conference." - Kirsty Matthews SSC2 Project 2023
SSC2 Case Study: Sustainable Inhaler Use
"My project was a systematic literature review, aiming to compare the environmental impact of different inhaler types and identify where positive changes could be made. I found my supervisor Rob LillywhiteLink opens in a new window from the list of staff provided by the SSC2 team. Rob was knowledgeable, friendly, and always on hand to help. The most used inhaler type had a carbon footprint 10-60 times that of its lower carbon alternative, predominantly due to their use of high global warming potential propellants. Encouragingly, research into new propellants shows the potential for a greater than eight-fold reduction in carbon footprint. Patients also reported higher levels of satisfaction with these lower carbon inhalers, but better education and training is needed to increase their use." - Priya Dickson SSC2 Project 2024
Elective Case Study: South America
Coming Soon...
