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June 30, 2025
News & Updates
MCW faculty, collaborators present research on digital tools and environmental knowledge
Jonathan Dellinger, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication at UW-Whitewater, presented work on the use of AI as a tool to engage tribal youth in environmental health knowledge-sharing from their elders at the International Association of Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) annual conference in Milwaukee on June 4. This work is a collaborative effort with MCW’s Brian Jackson, EdD, MS, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Social Sciences, and Matthew Dellinger, PhD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, who moderated the conference session.
Native American communities are disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation, and, using the AI tool to engage with youth and elders, Drs. Jackson and Dellinger found that tribal members of both age groups shared concerns about preserving and promoting traditional ecological knowledge. Their work continues as they make new connections with other tribal communities to expand their research. This work is supported by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment through the SHE Center.
Dr. Jonathan Dellinger presenting at the IAGLR annual conference
MCW-Milwaukee student presents on OR supply and waste costs at surgical meeting
Rising M3 Aiden Moore from the Milwaukee campus presented his project, "The Impact of the Surgeon’s Preference Card on Supply Cost and Wasted Supplies for Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy," at the Central Surgical Association meeting on June 7 in Indianapolis. The initial findings show that robotic cholecystectomy is associated with higher costs due to the larger quantity of consumable surgical supplies used during the procedure. The data also shows a high degree of variability in the cost of the procedure because of the lack of standardization between individual surgeon’s preference cards. Standardizing preference cards is one way to reduce both the cost and the environmental impact of a procedure. This project is jointly mentored by Jon Gould, MD, MBA, Division of Minimally Invasive and Gastrointestinal Surgery, and Christa Wagner, PhD, SHE Center director.
MCW-Milwaukee student presents on MCW’s first Planetary Health Report Card results
Rising M2 Katie McShea from the Milwaukee campus presented a poster at the virtual meeting SHARE - Sustainable Healthcare Academic Research and Enterprise on June 20. The poster, “Planetary Health in Practice: Using the PHRC to Advance Environmental Health Education at Medical College of Wisconsin,” outlined the completion of MCW’s first Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC) and future opportunities to enhance the medical school curriculum regarding environmental determinants of health in Milwaukee. The PHRC evaluates how well medical schools incorporate planetary health into the domains of education, research, community engagement, student lead initiatives, and campus sustainability. McShea led the completion of MCW’s first report card with mentorship from Dr. Joanne Bernstein, MD, Course Director, Department of Medicine, and Dr. Christa Wagner, SHE Center director. SHARE is a free online conference co-hosted by the University of Brighton, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, in collaboration with the PHRC.
Campus sustainability partners and summit attendees at the resource fair
Froedtert Sustainability Council hosts first Sustainable Health Care Summit
The Froedtert Sustainability Council hosted its first Sustainable Health Care Summit on June 26. The Summit featured a sustainability resource fair with representation from five partners from the MRMC community, including Ride Guide and the SHE Center. The Summit also held a plant-forward food demonstration from Froedtert's Workforce Health, a screening of The Here Now Project, and a panel discussion on the intersection of climate and health. Panel members included Caidon Iwuagwu, rising M4, MCW-Milwaukee, Langston Verdin, Co-Executive Director, MKE FreshAir Collective, Nancy Retana, Resilient Communities Program Director, Clean Wisconsin, and Paul Mathewson, Science Program Director, Clean Wisconsin. This summit was made possible through a grant from the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment. Interested in getting involved with the Froedtert Hospital Sustainability Council? Contact co-chairs Alice Muehlbauer or Monica Edwards.
The Greenhealth Partner for Change award logo from Practice Greenhealth
Froedtert Health receives sustainability award
Froedtert Health has been honored with the Greenhealth Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth at four of its locations: Froedtert Hospital, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital, Froedtert West Bend Hospital, and Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital. This is the first year of recognition for multiple sites, and the 6th consecutive year of this recognition for Froedtert Hospital. This prestigious recognition highlights Froedtert Health’s commitment to environmental sustainability in healthcare delivery through comprehensive programs and impactful initiatives. The award emphasizes achievements in areas such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing, and mercury elimination—demonstrating meaningful progress toward a healthier environment and community.
Upcoming Events
Webinar: How Sustainability Enhances Community Benefit and Resilience, July 2, 11am-12pm
On July 2 at 11am CST, the National Academies of Medicine will host a webinar titled "How Sustainability Enhances Community Benefit and Resilience," featuring Todd Suntrapak, President and CEO, Valley Children's Healthcare, Eftitan Akam, MD, Boston Medical Center, Ben Money, Senior Vice President, Population Health, National Association of Community Health Centers, and Jerry P Abraham, Director of Public Health, Integration & Street Medicine at Kedren Community Health Center. The discussion will focus on how aligning environmental sustainability priorities with hospital strategic goals fosters employee employee engagement and retention, community trust, and highlights why hospitals need climate resiliency plans. Click here to read more and register.
Full Moon Canoe, July 10, 6:30-8:30pm
The Urban Ecology Center will host a canoe paddling adventure through downtown Milwaukee as the full moon rises. Individuals with all experience levels are welcome. Pre-registration is required. Click here to learn more and register. Students: MCW students have access to a free Urban Ecology Center individual or family membership, which includes discounts on activities like canoeing! With questions about student wellness benefits, please contact kcorcoran@mcw.edu in the Office of Student Health and Wellness.
Lac du Flambeau Family Circles Cultural Event, July 28-30
In partnership with the Waaswaganing Indigenous Institute Teaching Learning, the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLNARCH), and the Institute for Health & Humanity, the MCW community is invited to a professional development workshop July 28-30, 2025 in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin at the Lakes of Torches Casino Convention Center.
The training will be led by Dr. Brian Jackson, EdD, MS, Assistant Professor, Epidemiology & Social Sciences, Dr. Alton Sonny Smart, Sociology and Social Work, UW-Steven's Point, and Ernie St. Germaine. This workshop is with the Ojibwe Communities Family Circles Training and will include a visit to GLNARCH, an outdoor evening Indian Bowl (teaching of singing and dancing), and a session on Honoring Mother Earth: sustainability, health and environment indigenous connection to the earth and the importance of living in balance with the environment led by tribal Elders. The agenda is outlined in the workshop flyer. If you you are interested in participating, click here to apply.
Hank Aaron State Trail fundraiser, August 9
MCW will have a team at the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail 5k run/walk on August 9, starting at 8:30 am. The trail provides the community with opportunities for recreation and alternatives to commuting by car, and this 5k is its largest fundraiser! If you are interested, please click here for more details and registration. To participate on the MCW team, sign up for the $25 Team Run/Walk and indicate that you will be participating with the Medical College of Wisconsin. Happy trails!
MCW Cancer Center Fundraiser -- Audaxity Ride, August 17
The MCW Cancer Center will hold its inaugural bike ride and community movement to accelerate cancer research, Audaxity, on August 17 at American Familiy Field. The ride is open to people of all ages and abilities, with course lengths ranging from 3 to 100 miles. All proceeds from the ride will support cancer research at the MCW Cancer Center. If you are looking for other ways to support the ride, there are volunteer opportunities as well, such as helping with registration or water stations. For more information and to register, click here.
Funding Opportunities
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants:
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund is accepting applications for grants of $2,500-$50,000 focused on climate change and human health, with rolling deadlines starting Jan. 23, 2025 and extending through July 24, 2026. The Fund plans to dedicate $1 million during that time to projects that pilot ways to reduce healthcare’s climate impact, explore connections between basic science approaches and planetary health, and prepare for climate-related natural disasters. For more information, review the grant details on the Fund website.
Resources & More
MCW is a member of several consortia and membership organizations with different resources to support engagement in climate action in academic medicine. Contact us for any assistance in signing up!
Global Consortium for Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) aims to unite health professional training institutions, health societies, and regional health organizations to create a global climate-ready health sector, prepared to mobilize and lead health promotion and response in the era of climate change, while restoring the health of the planet. Learn more and join here.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Climate Action Virtual Community provides meaningful connection to the myriad people in academic medical centers working across mission areas to address the climate crisis and improve institutional resiliency. Request an account using your MCW email address here. Once your account has been approved, click here to join the Climate Action and Sustainability group.
Practice Greenhealth is the health care sector’s go-to source for information, tools, data, resources, and expert technical support on sustainability initiatives that help hospitals and health systems meet their health, financial, and community goals. Learn more.
Interested in learning more about the SHE Center at an upcoming MCW departmental, institute, or center faculty and/or staff meeting? Email Dr. Wagner to schedule.
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