Mhairi Cowan from East Lothian in Scotland is graduating today with a degree in Medicine from Queen’s University Belfast. 

As well as completing her medical degree, during her time at Queen’s, Mhairi was an ambassador for planetary health which focuses on the connections between human health and the health of the planet's natural systems. 

She explains: 

“My interest in planetary health started when I was in high school and I began to understand the need for climate action. I was exposed to new ideas through the books I read, and like-minded friends, which bolstered my passion for sustainability and climate action.  

“An appreciation for the natural world is vital. But when it comes down to it, climate action is also about saving ourselves. I want to live in safety, security and good health in my older years. Taking care of our planet is taking care of ourselves.” 

Mhairi joined the Sustainable Healthcare Development Group (SHDG) at Queen’s which works to create positive environmental change at the University by highlighting good practice, making recommendations, and fostering a collaborative approach between students and staff. 

Mhairi adds: 

“Being part of the Sustainable Healthcare Development Group made me think more critically about my course and made me more conscious of both the impact the climate crisis has on our health, and how healthcare systems contribute to the crisis.  

“It became important to me to see how to integrate this into my course and further career. How can we improve patient care and the practices of the NHS, while also being beneficial to the planet?” 

As part of the group, Mhairi suggested ways for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s to integrate planetary health further into the curriculum. 

She also represented Queen’s at the NI Science Festival, which engages and inspires schoolchildren and hosted a panel discussion on social prescribing for the Queen’s REACH 25 Festival, an arts and sustainability festival examining the climate emergency and sustainable solutions. 

She continues: 

“I am proud of being part of planting the seed that makes young people and future healthcare professionals consider the impact of the climate crisis on our health and our patients.” 

Mhairi encourages other students at Queen’s to get involved with groups like the Sustainable Healthcare Development Group. 

Mhairi shares her advice: 

“Find your people - join groups like the SHDG. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet different students and collaborate closely with teaching staff across Queen’s to make a real impact. 

“Also, take care of yourself, mountains of eco anxietyand burning out are not beneficial to anyone. These things take time, and small changes over time are the way that long lasting change is created. Don’t be disheartened when things don’t happen immediately. Keep working steadily and you’ll start to see your impact.” 

Following her graduation, Mhairi plans to return home to Scotland to begin working as an FY1 doctor. She plans to continue her strong commitment to planetary and climate action alongside working in the NHS.