2024 Achievements and Initiatives November 22, 2024

Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility (Texas PSR) has demonstrated unwavering commitment to addressing critical health and environmental issues throughout 2024. The organization’s multifaceted approach includes educational programs, advocacy efforts, and community engagement, all aimed at promoting public health and environmental sustainability.

New Leadership

In February 2024, Texas PSR welcomed Professor Adelita G. Cantu, PhD, RN, FAAN, as the new Chapter President. An Associate Professor at the UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing, Professor Cantu brings extensive experience in community-focused health promotion and environmental health research. Her leadership is expected to enhance Texas PSR’s initiatives, particularly in addressing the health impacts of climate change.

Texas PSR welcomed new student board members, Alan Nagarajan (MS#2) and Lauren O’Neal (MS#4), who bring fresh perspectives and contribute to the organization’s initiatives.

Young Health Professionals

Texas PSR supports Student Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) chapters at several medical schools in Texas to ensure that young and emerging health professionals can carry forward PSR’s critical work into the future. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in health and environmental advocacy. Texas PSR has officially recognized or is in the process of recognizing student chapters at the following institutions:

• Baylor College of Medicine in Houston
• The University of Texas at Austin-Dell Medical School (proposed)
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas
• The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long UT School of Medicine at San Antonio

By fostering these student-led chapters, Texas PSR aims to empower emerging health professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to champion public health and environmental sustainability, ensuring a legacy of impactful work that extends well into the future.

Civic Engagement

In August 2024, Texas PSR participated in Civic Health Month, collaborating with partners to encourage healthcare professionals to engage in voter registration and education efforts, emphasizing the importance of civic participation in public health.

Educational Initiatives

Texas PSR has organized a series of webinars offering free CME credits to healthcare professionals, focusing on the intersection of environmental issues and health:

• Greening Your Medical Practice (January 2024): Led by Todd Sack, MD this session introduced viewers to an easy-to-implement system for decreasing the carbon footprint of their medical practice.
• Synergy on the Plate: The Optimal Diet for Animals, the Planet, and our Health (February 2024): Led by Matt McCurdy, MD, this session presented the substantial evidence that the optimal diet for the planet, animals and human health is plant-based.
• Climate Change, Child Health, and Our Role as Healthcare Providers (March 25, 2024): Presented by Sophia Gaultier, MD, this session explored the effects of climate change on pediatric health, including heat-related illnesses and respiratory diseases.
• How to Prepare for the Unexpected: Disaster Preparation for Healthcare Professionals (April 29, 2024): Led by Douglas Havron, RN, this webinar provided insights into emergency preparedness for healthcare providers.
• Air Pollution and Human Health (May 20, 2024): Presented by Dr. Poune Saberi and Dr. Folashade Afolabi, this session addressed the health impacts of air pollution, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
• Climate Change and Mental Health: What to Know and What to Do (June 24, 2024): Presented by Jessica Isom, MD, this webinar discussed the psychological effects of climate change and strategies for healthcare providers to support affected individuals.

Texas PSR has expanded environmental health education:

• Environmental Threats to Health Elective: In its fourth year at UT Dell Medical School, this elective educates medical students on the health impacts of environmental issues, including climate change and pollution.
• Former Board Member Nikalina O’Brien collaborated with Dr. Dan Mahoney (professor at Baylor College of Medicine) developed and ran an elective at BCM on the intersection between human and planetary health

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Texas PSR has actively engaged in advocacy and community outreach:

• Disarming Toxic Empire Conference (March 21-22, 2024): Co-sponsored by Texas PSR, this conference at the University of Texas School of Law addressed nuclear disarmament and environmental justice.
• Health Advocacy Trip to Port Arthur (August 2-3, 2024): In collaboration with the Medical Society Consortium for Climate and Health and the Port Arthur Community Action Network, Texas PSR organized a trip for healthcare professionals to learn about the health impacts of fossil fuel industries and to provide community health services.
• Gun Violence Prevention Forum (September 27, 2024): Co-sponsored by Texas PSR, this forum in Austin focused on gun safety education and legislative strategies to prevent firearm violence.
• OSHA Heat Rule: Created a sign on letter for health professionals to support a critical proposed OSHA rule that would protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries.

Publications and Presentations

Our board members have contributed to public discourse through publications and presentations in 2024:

• Dr. Lakshmi Balasubramanian provided medical grand rounds at UTHealth Science Center San Antonio on “Health Effects of Climate Change on Cancer.”
• Professor Adelita Cantu authored “How Texas Challenges the Notion that Green Policy is Anti-Business” in The Financial Times.
• Dr. Lisa Doggett is a columnist for Public Health Watch, including her last commentary, “We Can’t Fix Health Care if We’re Not Talking About It.”
• Dr. Anusha Govind hosted a workshop at the APDIM (Association of Program Directors of Internal Medicine) conference titled “Workshop 102: The Climate Curriculum – A Masterclass for Future-Proofing Internal Medicine Training.”
• Dr. William B. Perkison published “Development of System-Based Digital Decision Support (‘Pocket Ark’) for Post-Flood Enhanced Response Coordination and Worker Safety: An Intervention Mapping Approach” in Frontiers in Environmental Health.

Conclusion

Throughout 2024, Texas PSR has demonstrated a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental health challenges through leadership, education, advocacy, and community engagement. The organization’s efforts have significantly contributed to raising awareness and fostering action on critical health and environmental issues in Texas.