Climate Fresk is an interactive workshop designed to explore the science of climate change and empower participants to take actionable steps toward a sustainable future. Facilitated by trained experts, the workshop encourages participants to actively engage with the material, building understanding collaboratively rather than passively receiving information.

By linking the causes and effects of climate change, participants gain a clear view of the systemic nature of the challenges we face. Climate Fresk fosters group discussion, critical thinking, and a shared commitment to climate action, equipping individuals and organizations to implement practical solutions.

Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or staff, Climate Fresk offers a participatory learning experience that is scientific, neutral, and effective in inspiring positive change.

Learn more and sign up for the next workshop on our Faculty of Medicine IGHO events page.

The Planetary Health Research Collective (PHRC) is a collaborative hub dedicated to exploring the vital connections between human health, environmental sustainability, and ecological systems. Bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and staff, the lab supports projects at every stage—from early development to knowledge translation.

Through quarterly meetings and engaging presentations, the PHRC highlights innovative research and real-world applications of sustainability in healthcare. It’s a space for discussion, learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, all with the goal of advancing sustainable healthcare locally and globally.

By fostering dialogue and supporting emerging scholars, the PHRC is helping shape a healthier future for both people and the planet.

Learn more and get involved by visiting the Planetary Health Research Collective webpage. 

Since 2021, our faculty has served as a hub for the Summer Institute on Sustainable Health Systems, part of CASCADES Canada. The Institute brings together local experts and national leaders to train the next generation of professionals in sustainable health systems.

The Summer Institute equips graduate trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to lead, manage, and innovate within health systems in the context of climate and environmental change. Through guided learning activities, meetings with local sustainability leaders, and nationwide panel discussions, trainees develop leadership skills, build interdisciplinary networks, and gain hands-on experience addressing the challenges of sustainable healthcare.

By participating, trainees increase their awareness of sustainable health systems, connect with national experts, and are prepared to take action that improves both health outcomes and environmental sustainability.

Learn more about the Summer Institute and join the national community of sustainability-focused health professionals on the CASCADES Canada website. 

Our research initiatives at the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine are at the forefront of addressing the health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. From reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare systems to exploring the links between ecological shifts and human health, our work is driving meaningful change.

Ongoing projects span multiple disciplines and focus on:

• Sustainable healthcare practices
• Climate-related health risks and adaptation strategies
• Policy development and knowledge translation
• Health equity in the context of environmental change

These efforts not only generate critical insights but also inform clinical practice, education, and public policy—locally and globally.

View Planetary Health resources for learners, faculty and staff.

• July 2024 —  The Ottawa Hospital's Excellence Award in the Health and Wellness

Dr. Mathilde Gaudreau-Simard is the recipient of The Ottawa Hospital's Excellence Award in the Health and Wellness category for her outstanding work in planetary health. As the department of Medicine representative to the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine’s Planetary Health Council, she plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices. 

Currently completing a Choosing Wisely Canada fellowship at the University of Toronto, she focuses on planetary health and quality improvement. Her work is particularly centered on reducing waste in the inpatient medical service related to bedside procedures and collaborates with the pharmacy team in a project geared at reducing waste associated with metered dose inhalers at The Ottawa Hospital. She also led a national working group that formulated new Choosing Wisely recommendations on planetary health to help general internists green their clinical practice.

She is one of the founding members of the University’s Planetary Health Research Lab, with Dr. Husein Moloo, Dr. Salmaan Kanji and Dr. Tim Ramsay. Passionate about this subject, Mathilde aims to have a positive impact on the world and mentors several students interested in planetary health. 

Congratulations to Mathilde for her commitment and dedication!

• June 10-13, 2024 — Summer Institute on Sustainable Health Systems

We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Summer Institute on Sustainable Health Systems was a resounding success! Our goals were fully achieved through meaningful learning and enriching connections with sustainability leaders. Participants had the opportunity to engage in national panels and enhance their leadership skills.

The event equipped senior-level students from across Canada with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead, manage, analyze, guide, or provide sustainable healthcare.

Thank you to all participants and speakers for helping make the 2024 Summer Institute on Sustainable Health Systems a memorable and transformative event. 

• April 2024 — Earth Week

Earth Week, which took place from 22 to 26 April, was a great success! It was an opportunity to participate in a series of engaging activities such as the planetary health research laboratory meeting, seed planting, online trivia, river cleanup, and many more.
The main objective of this week was to raise awareness and take action for the environment by learning more about important actions to undertake.

• January 31, 2024 — Launch of PH Research Lab

On January 31^st 2024, we celebrated the launch of the Planetary Health Research Lab!

A diverse group of 11 speakers, including students, faculty members, and residents, came together to showcase their impactful planetary health initiatives within the Faculty of Medicine. 

• September 2022 — uOttawa Faculty of Medicine learner co-authors an article published in the prestigious Canadian Medical Education Journal 

September 2022 – Harry Wang, learner at the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine, has co-authored the following paper to be published in the Canadian Medical Education Journal. Read the complete article: An approach to implementing planetary health teaching in medical curricula. Congratulations to all the paper’s authors!

• August 2022 — uOttawa Family Physician wins the 2022 Bruce Timmermans cycling award

Dr. Eugenie Waters received the 2022 City of Ottawa Bruce Timmermans cycling award earlier this year (read the announcement on the City of Ottawa website: Bruce Timmermans cycling awards). You can also read more about Dr. Waters’ advocacy in promoting year-round sustainable transportation here:  Manor Park Chronicle – March-April 2022.

• July 14, 2022 — Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Speciality Scoop podcast : Planetary Health

Tune-in to hear Dr. Husein Moloo’s special appearance on the RCFPCS Speciality Scoop podcast and learn how you can make your medical practice more sustainable for the Planet!

• June 20-23, 2022 — CASCADES Summer Institute on Sustainable Health Systems

The Summer Institute provided health services and policy trainees (HSP) (including healthcare professional, public health, & health management trainees with an interest in health services and policy) with the opportunity to increase awareness of sustainable health systems and current action in Canada. Trainees developed knowledge, leadership skills and capabilities, and built a professional, interdisciplinary network of students and professionals with interests in the area of sustainable health systems.

The Summer Institute was hosted by CASCADES (Creating a Sustainable Canadian Health System in a Climate Crisis), and ELESH (Emerging Leaders for Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare), in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (CIHR-IHSPR).

To learn more, visit the CASCADES website today: CASCADES Summer Institute on Sustainable Health Systems 

• April 22, 2022 — DFM's Dragons' Den Clinic Goes Green

After a successful Tinder-esque pitch by last year's winning team, the University of Ottawa's Department of Family Medicine (DFM) launched a second DFM's Dragons' Den contest, this time to address planetary health in family medicine.

• April 7, 2022 — Tackling the climate emergency with the BC Cancer Planetary Health Unit

Read more on the recent creation of the BC Cancer Planetary Health Unit, led by diagnostic radiologist Dr. Maura Brown, radiation oncologist Dr. Shilo Lefresne, and medical oncologist Dr. Caroline Mariano.  Read the article about the BC Cancer Planetary Health Unit on the BC Cancer website. 

• 2022 — Release of the Planetary Health Report Card

The Planetary Health Report Card is a novel tool for health education institutions to evaluate their planetary health education, advocacy, research and sustainability practices. 

Following a comprehensive review undertaken by medical students and faculty from 74 medical schools in the U.S., UK, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Malaysia, and Japan during the winter of 2022, a report card has been created for the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine, highlighting its planetary health strengths, weaknesses and progress. 

The International and Global Health Office is excited to be leading the Faculty’s Planetary Health initiative and by the students’ level of engagement.

Visit the Planetary Health Report Card website to learn more about this student-driven initiative, or click on the following link to read this year's report: 2022-PHRC-Summary-Report_FINAL.pdf (phreportcard.org, 2600 KB). 

Stay tuned for future editions to track the Faculty’s progress!

• April 13, 2023 — Webinar: The Future of Planetary Health:  Emerging Research Areas and Opportunities for Change

Speaker: Dr. Andrea MacNeill, Surgical Oncologist at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Cancer, and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia - Webinar: The Future of Planetary Health:  Emerging Research Areas and Opportunities for Change Recording (YouTube) 

• March 8, 2023 — Webinar: Healthcare Professionals Advocacy:  Using our Powerful Voice to Help Advance Planetary Health

Speakers: Dr. Eugenie Waters, Family Physician and Dr. Claudel Pétrin-Desrosiers, Family Physician and President, Quebec Association of Physicians for the Environment - Webinar: Healthcare Professionals Advocacy:  Using our Powerful Voice to Help Advance Planetary Health Recording (YouTube) 

• February 22, 2023 — Webinar: Why Yellow Buses Must Go Green!

Speakers: Dr. Laura Minet, Clean Air Lab (CLAIR), University of Victoria and Dr. Eugenie Waters, Family Physician, CAPE, Ontario Regional Committee - Webinar: Why Yellow Buses Must Go Green!Recording (YouTube) 

• February 8, 2023 — 5:30 to 6:30pm: Webinar: Using Principles of Change Management to Green Healthcare Settings

Speaker: Alexandre Messager, Manager, Faculty/Clinical Leadership Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa - Webinar: Using Principles of Change Management to Green Healthcare Settings Recording (Youtube)

• January 10, 2023 — 5:30 to 6:30pm: Webinar: Novel Climate-Conscious Approaches to Clinical Medicine

Speaker: Dr. Melissa Lem, Founder and Director of PaRx and President-Elect of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment - Webinar: Novel Climate-Conscious Approaches to Clinical Medicine Recording (Youtube)

• December 14, 2022 — 5:30 to 6:30pm: Webinar: Practical tips for incorporating planetary health into your clinical, research, and administrative activities

Speaker: Dr. Husein Moloo, Interim Director, Planetary Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine - Webinar: Practical tips for incorporating planetary health into your clinical, research, and administrative activities Recording (Youtube)

• November 9, 2022 — 5:30 to 6:30pm: Webinar: Lessons of Planetary Health and Healing from Indigenous Communities

Speaker: Dr. Nicole Redvers, Associate Professor, Western University) - Webinar: Lessons of Planetary Health and Healing from Indigenous Communities Recording (Youtube)

• August 22, 2022 — 5:30 to 7:00pm: Webinar: It’s getting hot! Planetary Health & Health-related illness

Speakers: Dr. Brianna McKelvie, Dr. Curtis Lavoie. Facilitated by Dr. Eugenie Waters. Webinar: It’s getting hot! Planetary Health & Health-related illness Recording (YouTube) 

• May 10, 2022 — Mini-Medical School Spring Webinar Series (Planetary Health Session, Presented by Dr. Husein Moloo)

Lets look at the impact that healthcare has on the planet as well as how our changing environment (ie. the climate crisis) is affecting our health. It will highlight how each of us has our part to play in helping with the climate crisis and how eco-anxiety can be turned into eco-action - Mini-Medical School Spring Webinar Seriesrecording (YouTube) 

• April 19, 2022 — The Physician Role in the Climate Emergency: Turning Despair into Action

Webinar organized by the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine's Office of Continuing Professional Development. Webinar The Physician Role in the Climate Emergency: Turning Despair into Action Recording (YouTube)  

• February 15, 2022 — Planetary Health: What Is It and How Do We Achieve It

Webinar hosted by the University of Ottawa's Centre for Environmental Law and Global Sustainability. Webinar Planetary Health: What Is It and How Do We Achieve It Recording (YouTube)