The University of Montpellier launches the third edition of its environmental health training program

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

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 run by the university's Department of General Medicine (DUMG) in partnership with the Avicenne de Cabestany University Multidisciplinary Health Center (MSPU) in Cabestany (66). The training, primarily intended for healthcare professionals, will also be the subject of a conference open to the general public on the health benefits of sport.

A training program selected for the third regional health and environment plan, led by the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS)

The SPES program is part of the objectives of the 3rd PRSE, led by the ARS Occitanie and launched in 2017. Within this framework, SPES aims to strengthen the ownership of environmental health by citizens and health professionals. At the Faculty of Medicine level, the SPES program integrates environmental health and the "one health" concept into the curriculum for future doctors of general medicine. This program is also part of the movement federated around the i-Site project "Montpellier University of Excellence"around three axes: nourishing, caring, and protecting.

An environmental health program for professionals, adapted for the general public

The SPES program is divided into two stages for professionals:

• Throughout the year, distance learning will be provided to interns, future doctors of general medicine, and their teachers. Find out more +
• On September 28, face-to-face teaching will take place for these same interns. The program includes thematic sessions and workshops to introduce thesis work in medicine on environmental health.

The program is also available to the general public:

• A conference open to the public will be held on September 28 at the end of the day at the historic building of the Faculty of Medicine in Montpellier on the theme of sport and health, allowing everyone to learn about these topics. It will be led by Dr. Olivier Coste, medical advisor to the regional director in the context of the sport and health mission and also attached to the Regional Academic Directorate for Youth, Engagement, and Sports (DRAJES).

Sedentary lifestyles are the leading non-communicable cause of death worldwide.

Regular physical activity has been proven to prevent and help manage chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, several types of cancer, and high blood pressure. It also improves mental health, quality of life, and well-being.

"Measures are being promoted to support our fellow citizens in taking up and maintaining physical activity. These measures are being particularly emphasized 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 University of Montpellier, educational director of the SPES program, and practitioner at MSPU Avicenne.

Keywords: School of Medicine, Training, Health