The University of Montpellier is launching the third edition of its environmental health program

[Press Release] - Published on September 14, 2023 in the Press Room

On September 28, 2023, the University of Montpellier’s Faculty of Medicine will launch, for the third consecutive year, its Primary Care, Environment, and Health (SPES) program—a training course in environmental health led by its Department of General Medicine (DUMG), in partnership with the Avicenne Multidisciplinary University Health Center (MSPU) in Cabestany (66). The program, intended primarily for healthcare professionals, will also feature a public lecture on the impact of sports on health.

A training program recognized under the 3rd Regional Health and Environment Plan, led by the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS)

The SPES program is aligned with the objectives of the 3rd PRSE, led by the ARS Occitanie and launched in 2017. Within this framework, SPES aims to increase awareness of environmental health among citizens and healthcare professionals. 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 key areas: feeding, caring, and protecting.

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 doctors of general medicine—as well as 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 dissertations on environmental health.

The program is also available to the general public:

• A conference open to the public will take place 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 subjects. It will be led by Dr. Olivier Coste, a medical advisor to the regional director for the sports and health initiative, who is also affiliated with the Regional Academic Directorate for Youth, Engagement, and Sports (DRAJES).

Physical inactivity: the leading noncommunicable cause of death worldwide

It has been proven that regular physical activity prevents and helps manage chronic diseases 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 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 lead-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.

Keywords: School of Medicine, Training, Health