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ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
MEDICINE MEDICINE
MEDICINE

• Developing and launching Texas’ first continuing education pro- Additionally, TxPSR plays a crucial role in advocating for equitable
gram for healthcare professionals focused on climate change’s access to healthcare. In a state where healthcare disparities persist, par-
impacts on health. This program includes webinars on topics such ticularly among marginalized communities, TxPSR works to address
as excessive heat exposure, infectious disease risks in floodwaters, systemic inequities and promote policies that ensure all Texans have
climate change’s impacts on cancer, reducing the carbon footprint access to quality healthcare services.
of medical practices, the health and carbon emission impacts of TxPSR’s impact extends far beyond the borders of Texas. As part
diet, climate change’s effects on children’s health, disaster pre- of the larger Physicians for Social Responsibility network, which
paredness for healthcare professionals, air pollution’s impact on spans across the United States and globally, TxPSR collaborates with
human health, and strategies to address climate change’s effects like-minded organizations to address shared challenges and advocate
on mental health. for policies that prioritize health, equity and sustainability.
• Increasing medical student participation on TxPSR’s board to In a time marked by unprecedented health and environmental cri-
include four medical students from Baylor College of Medicine, ses, the work of Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility is more vital
UT Dell, UT Southwestern and UTMB medical schools. than ever. By championing the health of communities and the planet,
advocating for social justice, and promoting peace, TxPSR exemplifies
Texas, with its vast industrial and energy sectors, faces significant the power of health professionals to effect positive change beyond the
environmental challenges, from air and water pollution to the impacts confines of the clinic. As Texans and global citizens, we all have a stake
of climate change such as extreme heat events. TxPSR works tirelessly in the vision of a healthier, more just and secure world that TxPSR
to raise awareness about these issues and advocates for policies that tirelessly pursues.
promote clean energy, reduce pollution, and protect public health.
Moreover, TxPSR is committed to promoting peace and prevent- www.texaspsr.org
ing nuclear threats. In a world where the specter of nuclear conflict
looms large, this organization understands the catastrophic conse-
quences such events would have on public health and global security.
Through education and advocacy, TxPSR strives to reduce the risk of Adelita G. Cantu, PhD, RN, FAAN, Board Chair, Texas
nuclear proliferation and advocates for disarmament measures that Physicians for Social Responsibility. She serves on the BCMS
prioritize human well-being. Publications Committee.

Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility:

Advocates for Public Health and Global Security

By Adelita G. Cantu, PhD, RN, FAAN
public health hazards in curriculum through electives, lectures and
ounded in 2003 by concerned Central Texas physicians, Texas
Physicians for Social Responsibility (TxPSR) serves as the state training sessions for healthcare professionals and students, offer tes-
Fchapter of the National PSR. Dedicated to addressing environ- timonies at legislative hearings, publish articles and letters, engage in
mental threats to public health, TxPSR focuses on mitigating risks discussions with elected officials on key policy matters, and collaborate
associated with climate change, fossil fuel production and environ- with environmental organizations to amplify health perspectives.
mental toxins through policy advocacy, medical education and pro- Recent notable achievements include:
grams tailored for vulnerable populations. • Conducting the fourth course in environmental health at UT
TxPSR stands at the forefront of the healthcare landscape, advocat- Dell Medical School, receiving positive and constructive evalu-
ing not only for individual well-being but also for the broader health ations from students and faculty.
of communities and the planet. Founded on the principles of social • Assisting in the development and implementation of the first
responsibility, this organization brings together physicians with other environmental health course at Baylor College of Medicine, and
health professionals and health professional students dedicated to the first course on climate change and health at UT Southwestern
addressing pressing social and environmental issues affecting Texans School of Medicine.
and beyond. • Assisting in the development and implementation of the first
As a vital link between the healthcare community and policymak- interprofessional environmental health and climate change elec-
ers, TxPSR endeavors to raise awareness and educate decision-makers tive course at UT Health San Antonio.
about the public health hazards linked to climate change, fossil fuels • Contributing to the drafting and revision of organ system slides
and environmental contaminants. To influence policy and safeguard to be incorporated into the core curriculum at UT Southwestern
environmental health, TxPSR members advocate for including these Medical School.

22 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • July 2024 Visit us at www.bcms.org 23