title: Linking health and ecology in the medical curriculum.
abstract: Human health vulnerabilities to ecosystem degradation are well documented. Destabilization of natural ecosystems and the biosphere have posed an entirely new set of risks to human health and preclude any simple extrapolations from the past. Newly emerging diseases, increasing prevalence of many vector borne diseases, increased exposure to harmful UV radiation and a number of other transformations in the natural environment, have decidedly negative implications for the sustainability of human health. Curricula in medical schools are responding to these new realities by exposing the connections between health and ecology. The program in Ecosystem Health at the University of Western Ontario serves as one model for connecting these disciplines. This program has resulted in a perceptible shift in values and professional responsibilities of emerging physicians.
authors.affiliation: College Faculty of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. drapport@oac.uoguelph.ca
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Rapport
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lannigan
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: McCauley
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004463:Ecology; D004501:Education, Medical; D004782:Environmental Health; D006801:Humans; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants