Renowned experts to inspire medical students about the need for healthy environments on Sunday 7 April 2013.

Around 100 medical students and doctors from around Australia will be gathered at the University of Adelaide on Sunday to hear Dr Bob Brown speak about the need to advocate for a healthy environment. His presentation is part of the three-day iDEA conference run by medical students each year, drawing together renowned experts on the environment and health.

Dr Bob Brown, former leader of the Australian Greens is the keynote speaker at iDEA. He will describe the role of medical students and doctors in advocating for environmentally sustainable practices to prevent health impacts.

Other iDEA highlights include Professor David Karoly from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and Professor Michael Kidd, AM.

Climate change has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as the biggest health threat of the 21st century. Medical schools and colleges around Australia are now incorporating climate change into the curriculum, to prepare students for the surge of heat waves, natural disasters and vector-bourne diseases which they will encounter in their careers, and to advocate the importance of prevention.

iDEA is backed by Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA). It aims to educate, engage and empower medical students about the need to protect the environment in order to protect human health. DEA spokesperson, Dr David Shearman explains, “Climate change and extreme weather events are already affecting human health.

“Cutting down man-made greenhouse emissions is the best way to reduce the impact of climate change and save lives.

“It is great to see our future doctors taking a strong interest in environment management.

“We are fortunate to have Bob Brown and other high-calibre presenters bringing their vast knowledge and insights to iDEA, empowering our future doctors to be confident advocates for human health through environmental sustainability.” Dr Shearman said.

Media opportunity
Dr Bob Brown available for interviews
Sunday 7 April at 10:15- 11:00 am
Adelaide University Napier Building, lower ground, room LG29

Other speakers by arrangement.

More information
iDEA conference program: https://dea.org.au/events/item/idea13

Media contact:
For keynote speaker interviews, please contact: Katya Glogovska M 0410 113 734
DEA spokesperson Dr David Shearman: 08 8339 3972