- Innovative Education: First-of-its-kind Master’s and Executive Fellowship programs launched to prepare healthcare leaders for a low-carbon future.
- Global Collaboration: Partnerships with WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, NHS, and The Lancet for hands-on, real-world learning.
- Sustainability in Healthcare: Programs address critical climate and health challenges to reduce healthcare’s carbon footprint and improve global health outcomes.
Singapore has announced the world’s first Master’s in Sustainable Healthcare and an Executive Fellowship to tackle climate change’s growing impact on healthcare systems. Launched by the Centre for Sustainable Medicine (CoSM) at NUS Medicine during COP29, the programs aim to shape leaders for a low-carbon healthcare future.
“The future of healthcare lies in balancing patient protection from climate impacts with transforming health systems to operate sustainably,” said Professor Nick Watts, Director of CoSM at NUS Medicine.
Why It Matters
Climate change poses an urgent threat to global health. Southeast Asia faces risks such as:
- A 12.7% increase in mortality from extreme heat, leading to heart and kidney issues.
- A 28% rise in dengue transmission suitability over 50 years.
The healthcare sector, responsible for 10% of the global economy, must act swiftly to reduce emissions while meeting increasing demand for sustainable solutions.
About the Programs
- Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare
- Target audience: Early-career professionals in healthcare or sustainability.
- Focus: Climate-smart healthcare, including life cycle assessments, low-carbon transition strategies, and ISO14040 standards.
- Flexibility: Customizable electives and capstone projects tied to career goals.
- Start date: August 2025, in-person at NUS Medicine.
- Executive Fellowship in Sustainable Healthcare
- Target audience: Clinical leaders, policymakers, and executives.
- Format: Year-long, part-time hybrid model.
- Focus: Carbon footprint assessments, institutional-level change implementation, and bespoke leadership training.
“Our vision is for these programs to act as a springboard, preparing professionals to design data-driven strategies that accelerate healthcare’s sustainability transition,” said Dr. Amanda Zain, Deputy Director of CoSM.
A Global Collaboration
Students will learn from world-leading faculty and participate in knowledge exchange programs with partners like the NHS, WHO, and The Lancet. These collaborations provide students with mentorship and real-world experience to drive measurable decarbonization efforts in healthcare.
“We are at a pivotal moment, facing intertwined health and climate crises,” added Dr. Jessamy Bagenal, Senior Executive Editor at The Lancet. “Equipping professionals at every level can reimagine healthcare systems to meet these challenges head-on.”
Transforming Healthcare
Prof. Yeoh Khay Guan, Chief Executive of NUHS, emphasized the urgency:
“Healthcare generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. These programs build the capability we urgently need to embed sustainability into patient care while addressing our environmental footprint.”
Looking Forward
As climate change accelerates, these groundbreaking programs position Singapore as a leader in sustainable healthcare education, equipping the next generation to pioneer solutions for both patient care and planetary health.
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