The University of Montpellier is launching the third edition of its environmental health program
On September 28, 2023, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montpellier will launch its Primary Care, Environment, and Health (SPES) program for the third consecutive year. This environmental health training program is led by the university’s Department of General Medicine (DUMG), in partnership with the Avicenne University Multidisciplinary Health Center (MSPU) in Cabestany (66). The program, primarily intended for healthcare professionals, will also feature a public lecture on the impact of sports on health.
A training program selected under the 3rd Regional Health and Environment Plan, led by the Occitanie Regional Health Agency
The SPES program aligns with the objectives of the 3rd Regional Health Strategy (PRSE), led by the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS) and launched in 2017. Within this framework, SPES aims to increase public and healthcare professionals’ engagement with environmental health. At the Faculty of Medicine, the SPES program integrates environmental health and the “One Health” concept into the curriculum for future general practitioners. This program is also part of the broader initiative centered on the i-Site project“Montpellier University of Excellence,”which focuses on three pillars: nourish, care, and protect.
An environmental health program for professionals, adapted for the general public
The SPES program consists of two phases for professionals:
- Throughout the year, distance learning courses will be offered to residents, future general practitioners, and their instructors. Learn more at +
- On September 28, an in-person training session will be held for these same residents. The program will include thematic sessions and workshops designed to help them get started on their medical thesis projects focused on environmental health.
The program is also available to the general public:
- A public lecture will be held on September 28 in the late afternoon at the historic building of the Montpellier Faculty of Medicine on the topic of sports and health, giving everyone the opportunity to learn more about these issues. It will be led by Dr. Olivier Coste, a medical advisor to the regional director for the sports and health initiative and also affiliated with the Regional Academic Directorate for Youth, Engagement, and Sports (DRAJES).
Physical inactivity is the leading cause of noncommunicable disease-related mortality worldwide
It has been proven that regular physical activity helps prevent and manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and several types of cancer, as well as high blood pressure. It also improves mental health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
“Initiatives are being promoted to support our fellow citizens in taking up and maintaining physical activity. These initiatives are being particularly highlighted in the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Dr. Olivier Coste will discuss the benefits of physical activity and answer questions from participants,” explains Dr. François Carbonnel, associate professor at the University of Montpellier, academic director of the SPES program, and practitioner at the MSPU Avicenne.
Practical information:
Date: September 28, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Location: School of Medicine, 2 Rue de l’Ecole de Médecine, Montpellier Registration: here