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In Nov 2024, the National University of Singapore (NUS) announced the launch of the Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare (MSc-SH). Designed for professionals and graduates with relevant exposure to the field of healthcare or sustainability, this programme is the first of its kind globally. We approached the team behind the programme to learn more about the driving factors behind its creation as well as what it offers learners and the healthcare system at large.

1. When we talk about sustainability, healthcare is not one of the sectors that comes to mind immediately. How are the two related?

   Climate change has been called is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Over the last century, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has climbed dramatically, increasing to more than 40% of pre-industrial levels. Up to 10% of current global carbon emissions can be attributed to the healthcare sector — with hotspots found within the supply chain in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and in the provision of health services in hospitals.

   

   However, the relationship between climate change and the healthcare sector is not simply one of cause and effect. Global climate change has resulted in record high temperatures as well as a rise in the severity of floods and storms across the world. If this is left unmitigated, Southeast Asia will see an estimated 12.7% increase in excess mortality from extreme heat, leading to issues such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease and dehydration. Compounding issues for health systems, the climate suitability for the transmission of dengue fever has risen by over 28% over the last 50 years.¹

   A rapid transformation towards higher-quality healthcare while directly tackling climate change is needed.

   Professor Nick Watts, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Medicine (CoSM) at NUS Medicine, elaborates: “The future of healthcare and medicine lies in the fine balance between two critical factors. First, we must ensure patients are protected from the devastating impacts of climate change. At the same time, health systems need to be transformed to deliver care in a more sustainable way, from the surgeon’s reprocessed scalpel to the general practitioner’s online clinic.”

   

2. As the world's first Master’s programme in Sustainable Healthcare, how will this programme respond to the urgent demand for sustainability-driven transformation in the healthcare sector? What kind of professionals is the programme aiming to nurture?

   The new postgraduate programme will fill gaps in the healthcare sector that were identified in a recent study by CoSM. Our research has found that more than 80% of clinicians surveyed supported action to tackle climate change in Singapore’s healthcare system, while 90% of surveyed clinicians want Singapore to be a champion of net zero healthcare. Additionally, with 85 out of 120 of the world’s top publicly listed companies in biotechnology, health and pharmaceutical sectors having climate pledges or strategies in place, sustainable healthcare jobs are expected to be on the rise.²

   Our faculty aims to nurture a generation of sustainability leaders in healthcare who are equipped and ready to pioneer the transition into a low-carbon future. The programme will equip students to drive healthcare's transition toward a climate-resilient, low-carbon future by providing the following:

   • A comprehensive understanding of how global environmental systems affect human health,
   • A solid grounding in the principles of sustainable healthcare practices and analytic carbon accounting methodologies applicable to clinical settings,
   • Hands-on, experiential learning and the opportunity to learn alongside a diverse global community of students focused on real-world change and climate action and
   • The opportunity to collaborate on ongoing CoSM projects

3. What will the curriculum in the MSc-SH programme cover?

   It will encompass specialised courses on carbon analytics, implementation and change-management in healthcare. A year-long Capstone Project is also offered, where students will have the opportunity to identify an existing problem in a real-world setting and critically apply learned skills from the programme.

   In addition, students will participate in a first-of-its-kind knowledge exchange programme between Singapore, the United Kingdom (represented by the National Health Service), and the United States, where a network of clinical fellows will share best practices from around the world.

   Graduates of the programmes will also have the opportunity to collaborate with or be mentored by an international network of healthcare sustainability champions and draw on real-world experiences to guide their decarbonisation efforts within existing organisations and future vocations.

4. Can you share more about the backgrounds of the teaching faculty?

   The programme will be taught by world-leading experts in the field of sustainable healthcare. These experts come from various backgrounds, including international organisations, the private sector and national governments, all working on climate change and healthcare. We will also be inviting experts and partners from organisations such as the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, and The Lancet to share their knowledge through information sessions.

   The programme is also arranging to host guest lectures with C-level executives and sustainability leaders from organisations such as Johnson & Johnson, the National University Healthcare System (NUHS) as well as the Singapore healthcare system. Students will hear directly from changemakers at all levels — those driving innovation within their departments, making grassroots changes in daily healthcare practices and orchestrating large-scale transformation across global organisations.

5. We understand that the courses “Sustainable Healthcare Implementation Project I & II” are designed to provide students with practical opportunities and experience. Could you share more about these courses?

   The courses “Sustainable Healthcare Implementation Project I & II” make up the Capstone Project of this programme. They will be conducted over the course of a year, affording students the opportunity to pursue a topic or project related to net zero healthcare. This timeframe and flexibility of topic selection will allow students the scope to apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout the programme in a real-world situation and propose feasible, actionable solutions. Students will be assisted by faculty members and CoSM for introductions to relevant experts within its network for guidance, including interviews or requests for information.

6. What are the employment prospects in fields related to sustainable healthcare? Are there any relevant qualities or competencies that are sought-after by employers?

   In general, jobs in sustainability are currently the second-fastest-growing careers worldwide, according to the Future of Jobs Report published by the World Economic Forum. Employers in healthcare are looking for graduates who are able to work in their specific domain, but who also understand the impact climate change will have on the sector and how to mitigate it.

   The MSc-SH programme prepares students to take on the challenge of tackling climate change by equipping them with specialised knowledge of sustainable healthcare. These include education on healthcare system and operations, sustainability management, as well as the latest advancements and challenges in the sector. In addition, professional networking opportunities will be provided to support their career growth.

   Rounding back to the question, this course would help enhance the managerial and forward-thinking skillsets of healthcare professionals, providing them with a competitive edge in key roles in fields such as: clinical leadership and hospital management, research and health sciences, medical technology and pharmaceutical innovations, national health policy and public health, as well as supply chain and operations, amongst others.

   

7. Who is this programme for? Who would benefit from it?

   The MSc-SH is suitable for bachelor’s degree graduates or early career professionals in healthcare-related fields (e.g. medicine, nursing, biomedical science, health policy, public health and allied health disciplines), as well as other fields such as public policy and social sciences, sustainability and environmental science. We also welcome candidates with other relevant qualifications and displayed interest in healthcare and/or sustainability to apply.

We thank the programme administrators and faculty for their time to answer our questions! For more information about the programme, including application periods, visit the programme page: MSc in Sustainable Healthcare