• Frank Müller, Akhilesh Munagala, Michael J Bouthillier, Jesse I Skok, and Harland Holman.
• Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI.
• Fam Med. 2024 Jun 1; 56 (6): 353361353-361.

Background And ObjectivesClimate change is a major threat to the health of people worldwide. The health care system deals with the immediate health-related effects of climate change and, at the same time, is a major emitter of greenhouse gas. This study aimed to investigate (a) the awareness and perception of climate change among family medicine residency program directors, and (b) the state of climate change education in family medicine residency programs.MethodsThe Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA) conducted a cross-sectional survey of family medicine program directors in the United States in April 2023. We analyzed anonymous data using descriptive and bivariate statistics.ResultsWe analyzed responses from 284 family medicine residency program directors (response rate 41.1%). Of these, 56.8% indicated not having any lectures/seminars dedicated to climate change and no plans to introduce such curricula, with considerably higher rates in East South Central United States (92.8%). A majority considered principles of climate change, carbon emissions emitted by the health care system, and discussion of climate change with patients of lesser importance for residency program education.ConclusionsWhile climate change is an emerging topic affecting health and the provision of health care worldwide, our study suggests that many family medicine residency programs do not teach about it. Family medicine trainees may not always receive sufficient education about the risks posed to their patients by climate change, which could lead to them having limited knowledge and skills when discussing this topic with their patients in the future.

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