With Earth Day 2024 on the horizon, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is joining other pharmacy educators and pharmaceutical scientists in taking proactive steps to address the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and the healthcare system. At the forefront of this initiative at UBC are Robert Pammett, associate professor (partner), and Dr. Karen Dahri, associate professor (partner), who are leading efforts to integrate planetary health into pharmacy education and clinical practice.
Pammett is focused on incorporating planetary health topics into the pharmacy courses he teaches at UBC. His work extends beyond the classroom, where he has established a national Special Interest Group on the topic, connecting pharmacy educators nationwide through the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada.
"In my clinical practice, I'm collaborating with prescribers to mitigate the environmental impact of medication treatment," says Pammett. "This involves deprescribing medications where feasible and transitioning to alternatives that are equally effective but less harmful to the environment."
Dr. Dahri is actively involved in various projects aimed at promoting environmental awareness within the pharmacy curriculum. She highlights the significance of understanding the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment and emphasizes the interconnectedness of health and the climate crisis.
"Our goal is to ensure that pharmacy students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the environmental footprint of healthcare," explains Dahri. "By fostering responsible environmental awareness, we can empower future pharmacists to make informed decisions that promote sustainability."
Their efforts coincide with broader national initiatives, including Pammett's involvement with the Canadian Association of Pharmacy for the Environment (CAPhE). Through CAPhE, Pammett collaborates with professionals nationwide to explore strategies for supporting planetary health.
In addition to their academic endeavors, Pammett is a collaborator on a scoping review of planetary health related content being taught in pharmacy curricula across the globe and involved in an environmental scan—led by Dahri—of Canadian pharmacy programs content related to sustainability. Additionally, Dahri has a residency project this year that is a survey of B.C. patients’ views on pharmaceuticals and the environment, and how it relates to their medication related decision-making.
As Earth Day approaches, UBC's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences reaffirms its commitment to addressing the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals. Through academic leadership, research, and advocacy, Pammett, Dahri, and their colleagues are leading the charge towards a more environmentally conscious approach to pharmacy practice and education.
To learn more about Earth Day, click here.