Mhairi, could you tell us about your role as the Head of the Sustainable Healthcare Development Group? What are your key responsibilities? 

As Head of the Sustainable Healthcare Development Group, I oversee our team’s work on the Planetary Health  Report Card and its broader initiatives. The report card allows us to audit sustainability practices and planetary health education at Queen’s University. It’s been great to see the progress we’ve made in moving from just focusing on the report card to also tackling sustainability efforts across multiple areas, from medicine to nursing and beyond. 

My responsibilities also include organising events, meetings, and faculty discussions, as well as reaching out to different healthcare faculties to create a transdisciplinary approach to sustainability.  

We’re working to make the group more streamlined and focused, and we’ve also been growing our social media presence to raise awareness and engage more people in our initiatives. 

What motivated you to take on this leadership role, and how do you balance it with your academic workload? 

In 2022, I saw that many key members of the group were graduating, and there was an opportunity to step up and fill a leadership position. Although I’m not usually one to put myself forward, I felt it was important to ensure the group didn’t dissolve. I suggested leading the report card, partly because of my passion for climate activism and my concern about the climate crisis. Over time, I realised this was a chance to make a larger impact at the university and beyond. 

As for balancing this role with my academic responsibilities, it’s definitely a challenge, but I’ve found that the work with SHDG aligns well with my personal values and interests, which helps me stay motivated. It also allows me to integrate sustainability into my academic journey and broaden my understanding of the connections between healthcare and planetary health. 

What is the overarching goal of the Sustainable Healthcare Development Group, and how does it contribute to the broader university community? 

Our main goal is to improve sustainability practices and planetary health education at Queen’s University. The report card provides a merit-based system to assess the university’s sustainability practices and teaching, identifying areas for improvement. We focus on the impact of healthcare on the environment and how healthcare systems can be made more sustainable. 

We also work to connect different parts of the University, from medical students to other healthcare faculties, to break down silos and encourage collaboration across disciplines.  

This wider approach helps to create a community of individuals who are passionate about improving both healthcare and the planet. 

Could you highlight some of the major projects or initiatives your group is currently working on? 

There are several exciting projects underway. We’ve created a Sustainable Healthcare page on the medical portal, which provides information about sustainable practices in healthcare. We’ve also partnered with the Green Fund to host sewing classes, helping to engage students in sustainable practices. 

Our work isn’t limited to medical students—we’re also looking at expanding into other disciplines. For example, we’re creating a nursing team to develop a nursing report card, and we recently held a Sustainability Fair in the Students Union, featuring local community groups, which was open to everyone.  

This year we were also really excited to be involved in the NI Science Festival again to teach children about the climate crisis and its impact on our health. 

How do you engage with other departments or student organisations to promote sustainability in healthcare? 

Social media is a key tool we use to engage with the broader student community. We’re working hard to grow our social media presence and create more visibility for SHDG’s initiatives. We also collaborate with other medical school societies, such as Scrubs, GP, and Internal Medicine, to increase exposure and drive engagement. 

We try to communicate with students through faculty staff and class announcements but reaching everyone can be challenging. Since we’re a working group rather than a formal society, it takes some extra effort to get the word out to students across campus. 

What qualities do you look for in new members of your group, and how do you keep the team motivated? 

We look for passionate individuals who are dedicated to sustainability and climate activism.  

You don’t need extensive experience—passion and willingness to learn are key. Our team is supportive and fun, and we encourage everyone to contribute their ideas and skills. We emphasise teamwork and continual learning, ensuring that every member feels valued and has a chance to grow. 

Can you share a project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of? 

While there’s no single big moment that stands out, I’m proud of the ongoing work our group is doing. Our previous lead, Fionán, spoke at the QUB Net Zero launch, which was a big moment for the university, and we were excited that our group could be a small part of it.  

On a personal note, I was delighted to speak at the REACH ‘25 Arts and Sustainability Festival. I’ve been pushing myself to do more public speaking and the event brought about some great discussion about social prescribing. 

On a broader scale, the fact that we’re making incremental changes in sustainability practices is what truly excites me. We’re creating collaborations and raising awareness, and I believe these small steps will lead to lasting change. 

How has your experience with SHDG influenced your academic and career aspirations? 

My experience with SHDG has made me more interested in pursuing a career in general practice, particularly because of the sustainability aspect. As a GP partner, it would allow me to make decisions about how a practice is run, including choosing more sustainable options like powdered inhalers or social prescribing.  

Even if I don’t become a GP, these values will influence how I approach healthcare in any setting. 

Where do you see sustainable healthcare heading in the next 5 to 10 years, and what role will students and universities play? 

I see sustainable healthcare becoming increasingly important in the coming years. The more we integrate planetary health into medical education, the better equipped future healthcare professionals will be to address the intersection between climate change and health.  

Education and awareness will be key, and universities and students will play a significant role in advocating for change both within the healthcare system and in society at large. 

The growing focus on sustainability in healthcare is encouraging, and I believe it will become a central part of healthcare training and practice soon. 

What advice would you give to other students who are passionate about sustainable development but don’t know where to start? 

Start by connecting with others who share your passion for sustainability. If you're in a healthcare degree, reach out to groups like ours. There are also various societies and communities within the university that focus on sustainability, and they can offer support and encouragement. 

Take the time to educate yourself—whether through online resources, books, blogs, or podcasts. And remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to solve the world’s problems on your own. The important thing is to start making small changes, both personally and within your community. 

What is your long-term vision for the Sustainable Healthcare Development Group? 

My ultimate goal is for SHDG to become an integral part of Queen’s University, embedded in its core mission and activities. I want the group to continue growing, expanding, and making a meaningful impact for years to come. 

• You can contact the Sustainable Healthcare Development Group via email on shdg@qub.ac.uk.  

Media

Media enquiries to Lia McKenzie on email: lia.mckenzie@qub.ac.uk