Education

The Integration of Sustainability Education

The Office of Sustainability for the Health Sciences (OSHS) collaborates with all health science schools to weave sustainability into the existing curriculum. Our goal is to offer a combination of coursework and experience focused on sustainability. This includes School of Medicine–specific courses, interdisciplinary courses, and continuing education for all in health care. 

Planetary Health Journal Club

Every other month, faculty, staff, students, and community members meet to critically evaluate articles that address topics around climate change and health. This is an excellent event to network and explore research specific to sustainable health care.

January Journal Club
Friday, January 31st
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
4575 Scaife Hall or Zoom.

Topic: Bioremediation of Pharmaceutical Compounds
Presented by: Ainsley Lederer

Articles we will review:

Microalgae, a current option for the bioremediation of pharmaceuticals: a review

Minimizing the environmental impact of unused pharmaceuticals: Review focused on prevention

We provide a healthy body, healthy planet lunch and model zero waste practices. Everyone is invited. To ensure we have enough food, please RSVP here.

For more information or questions, please contact Lola Conti: loc59@pitt.edu

Courses

Coming soon…Introduction to Sustainable Health Care

The Introduction to Sustainable Health Care course will be an online course for all students and professionals in health care who are interested in understanding the impact of the current health care system on the environment, the science that will make positive change in the future, and the methods for change. This course will include an emphasis on how to cultivate the psychological tools necessary to maintain joy and avoid burnout. This course is being designed in collaboration with the Mascaro Center for Sustainability Innovation.

Faculty & Staff Development Program

Sustainability Professional Certificate Program

A program designed to reinforce the University’s commitment to sustainability through workshops that address both individual behaviors and University programs. Employees that complete the Certificate are eligible to become a Pitt Green Ambassador. 

• Four required core workshops:
  • Sustainability foundations: Balancing the Three E’s
  • Sustainability: Circular, Regenerative, & Just Economies
  • Sustainability: Environment, Ecosystems, and You
  • Sustainability: Building an Equitable Future
• Two elective workshops:
  • One Diversity & Inclusion workshop
  • Pitt Blue & Gold = Green
  • Recycling: How to Reduce Waste at Pitt & Beyond
  • Sustainable Investments
  • Sustainable Landscapes
  • Sustainable Food Systems
  • Sustainable Community Development

Register for workshops here.

Undergraduate Research

Interdisciplinary research opportunities are available for undergraduate students to work with the Office of Sustainability for the Health Sciences (OSHS) through the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MCSI) Summer Research Program.

Ongoing research:

• LCA (environmental lifecycle analysis) of metered dose inhalers
• Effect of Green medical office certification program
• Analysis of the environmental impact of disposable surgical supplies
• Economic Analysis of Green Anesthesia