CO2-assistent: White Coats, Green Goals
Founded in 2023, CO2-assistent Maastricht has grown into an enthusiastic group of medical students raising awareness in future doctors about the far-reaching consequences of the climate crisis. Currently, we have twelve members collaborating with educational staff and green teams at MUMC+ to integrate sustainability into medical curricula and everyday practices. CO2-assistent has active branches at other universities making meaningful contributions. Aiming for more impact and long term involvement in medical education development, our goal is to become a nationally acknowledged organisation by the end of this year.
CO2-assistent in Action
So, what have we achieved for the students of Maastricht University? One example is the integration of sustainability into pharmacology courses. Students now learn how small changes in prescribing more environmentally friendly medications can make a great impact. In addition, students also receive tools to discuss this in the workplace.
CO2-assistent at AKO
In June, we organised a panel discussion during the AKO (physician-clinical researcher) Science Day. With inspiring speakers and an engaging public, the day turned into a great success!
A Second Life for White Coats
A collaboration with MSV Pulse, the medical student association, has been one of our highlights of the past academic year. In the third year of the bachelor’s program, students have their first patient contacts, all excited and eager to wear their white coats for the first time! However, by the end of the year, many of these new coats will end up at the bottom of their wardrobes or are being thrown out. To resolve this problem, we have co-created a solution: a doctor’s coat lending service. Less costs for the student and better for nature!
In the upcoming year we will keep you updated on our progress and upcoming educational events through this newsletter.
