The University of Montpellier launches its 3rd environmental health training course

On September 28, 2023, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montpellier will be launching for the third year running its Primary Care Environment and Health (SPES) program, an environmental health training course run by its University Department of General Medicine (DUMG), in partnership with the Maison de santé pluri professionnelle universitaire (MSPU) Avicenne in Cabestany (66). The course, aimed primarily at healthcare professionals, will also include a conference for the general public on the health implications of sport.

An award-winning training course for the 3rd regional health-environment plan, steered by ARS Occitanie

The SPES program is in line with the objectives of the 3rd PRSE, led by ARS Occitanie and initiated in 2017. Within this framework, SPES aims to reinforce the appropriation of environmental health by citizens and healthcare professionals. At the Faculty of Medicine level, the SPES program makes it possible to include environmental health and the "one health" concept in the teaching given to future doctors of general medicine. This program is also part of the movement federated around the i-Site project " Montpellier Université d'Excellence ", based on 3 axes: nourish, care, protect.

An environmental health program for professionals, aimed at the general public

The SPES program is divided into two phases for professionals:

• Over the course of the year, distance learning will be provided for interns, future doctors of general medicine and their teachers. Find out more +
• On September 28, a face-to-face course will be held for these same interns. The program includes themed sessions and workshops to initiate medical thesis work on environmental health.

The program is also available to the general public:

• A conference open to the public will be held at the end of the day on September 28 in the historic building of Montpellier's Faculty of Medicine, on the theme of sport and health, giving everyone the opportunity to get to grips with these issues. It will be led by Dr. Olivier Coste, medical advisor to the regional director in charge of the sport and health mission, and also attached to the DRAJES (Direction de région académique à la jeunesse, à l'engagement et aux sports).

A sedentary lifestyle is the world's leading non-transmissible cause of death

Regular physical activity is proven to prevent and help manage chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many cancers, as well as hypertension. It also improves mental health, quality of life and well-being.

"Schemes are being promoted to support our fellow citizens in achieving and maintaining this physical activity. They are particularly highlighted in the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Dr Olivier Coste will provide information on the benefits of physical activity and answer questions from participants," explains Dr François Carbonnel, senior lecturer at the universities of Montpellier, educational manager of the SPES program and practitioner at the Avicenne MSPU.