Medical doctors and health experts have expressed many concerns about the impact of climate warming on human health.
The concerns are many including: increased respiratory issues, heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, mental health impacts, cardiovascular health, vulnerable populations, emerging health threats, preparedness and adaptation and even food and water security.
Given these pressing issues, it is no surprise that many of the nation’s leading medical experts are eager to speak at the interactive 2024 Florida Climate Conference, focusing on climate and human health. This important event, scheduled for November 14-15, 2024, at USF-SM, will bring together top medical minds to address these climate warming and health challenges.
These doctors will present the latest research and developments on the effects of climate warming on human health, sharing cutting-edge insights into the challenges we face. They will also engage directly with attendees, answering questions in an interactive format, fostering an open dialogue to deepen understanding and explore solutions together.
So who are the doctors? Let me introduce you to them.
Dr. Eugene Fu
Dr. Eugene Fu will discuss “A Medical Perspective on Increasing Heat Health Issues.”
Dr. Fu, a clinician scientist with over 25 years of experience in neuroscience, pain, and perioperative monitoring, now focuses on climate science and sustainability with the Florida Clinicians for Climate Action (FCCA). He leverages his expertise in respiratory, cardiovascular, and brain monitoring to address the health impacts of extreme heat and shares vital knowledge with teams in emergency management, critical care, and healthcare sustainability.
Dr. Ankush K. Bansal
Dr. Ankush K. Bansal will discuss “Preemptive Planning to Thwart Excessive Impacts from a Warming Climate.”
Dr. Bansal, is an internal and lifestyle medicine-certified physician, Clinical Associate Professor at Florida International University, President of the Florida Chapter of the ACP, co-founder of Florida Clinicians for Climate Action, and Vice President of the Florida Chapter of PSR. He also serves on multiple national medical boards, including the AMA and WMA.
Dr. Jack Wazen
Dr. Jack Wazen will discuss “Emphasis on Upper ENT.”
Dr. Wazen specializes in Otology and Neurotology, focusing on the treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders. He performs advanced microsurgical procedures for complex cases of hearing loss and also specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of sinus disorders, including the surgical removal of acoustic neuromas (tumors).
Dr. Kathryn Lago
Dr. Kathryn Lago will discuss “Emphasis on Infectious Disease.”
Dr. Lago, a University of Florida graduate with a medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and completed her Internal Medicine residency and Infectious Disease fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center, has published research on HIV, travel-associated illnesses, and infections in burn patients, participated in COVID-19 treatment and vaccine trials, and received multiple military awards before transitioning from the Army as a Major in June 2024.
Dr. Kirk G. Voelker
Dr. Kirk Volker will discuss “How Medical Impacts from Air Quality May Evolve in the Decades Ahead.”
Dr. Voelker is a triple board-certified internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care physician and researcher. He is an assistant clinical professor at Florida State University College of Medicine and Medical Director of Clinical Research for Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Cheryl L. Holder
Dr. Cheryl Holder will discuss “Preemptive Planning to Thwart Air Quality Impacts from a Warming Climate.”
Dr. Holder, a Princeton and George Washington University School of Medicine graduate, is an Internist and HIV Specialist who served as Medical Director at a major Miami community health center, contributed to NIH and CDC advisory panels, and dedicated her career to improving health for underserved populations; she joined Florida International University’s founding faculty in 2009, where she taught about health disparities and climate change, retired as Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Community Initiatives in 2022, and currently serves as the executive director of Florida Clinicians for Climate Action, co-chair of the Miami-Dade Heat Health Task Force, and a member of the National Academy of Medicine’s Climate Collaborative, with her TED Talk “The Link Between Climate Change, Health, and Poverty” garnering over 300,000 views.
Dr. Robinder Bhangoo
Dr. Robinder Bhangoo will discuss “Psychological/Psychiatric Issues from Climate Heating.”
Dr. Robinder Bhangoo, a board-certified child, adolescent, and general psychiatrist with over twenty-five years of experience, completed her medical training at Wright State University, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the National Institute of Mental Health, has worked in various settings including academia, inpatient, outpatient, and as the sole psychiatrist for the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and currently resides in Sarasota where she has been with Sarasota Memorial Hospital for the last four years, serving as the medical director of the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at the Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion.
Dr. Judy Schaechter
Dr. Judy Schaechter will discuss “The Needed Evolution of Mental Health Infrastructure to Meet Patient Needs.”
Judy Schaechter, MD, MBA, with 27 years of experience in public health, policy, and academia, recently served as President and CEO of the American Board of Pediatrics, leading initiatives on mental health and workforce development, and now teaches public health and pediatrics while consulting on health strategy and climate health.
Dr. Judy Monroe
Dr. Judy Monroe will discuss “Preparing for Expected Medical Impacts from a Warming Climate, National to Local.”
Dr. Monroe has been the President and CEO of the CDC Foundation since February 2016. With a career dedicated to protecting public health, she previously served as deputy director at the CDC and as Indiana’s state health commissioner. She now leads global health initiatives, including responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Zika epidemic.
Dr. Jody McBrien
Dr. Jody McBrien will discuss “Climate Driven Migration, The Medical Impacts.”
Dr. McBrien, a USF professor with 19 years of experience in international human rights, global migration, and globalization, has conducted research in countries such as New Zealand, Greece, and France, received multiple fellowships, and authored over 50 publications, while expressing growing concerns about climate change-induced migration in an increasingly anti-immigration world.
Don’t miss it!
Attendees at the climate conference will leave better informed and empowered with actionable knowledge about the intersections of climate warming and human health. They will gain firsthand insights from leading medical and climate experts, learn about the latest research and developments, and understand practical strategies for mitigating health risks associated with climate change.
Participants will also have the opportunity to speak directly with professionals, engage in dynamic discussions, and access valuable resources that can enhance their personal and professional approaches to climate health. This enriched understanding and networking will better equip them to make informed decisions for their families, businesses, governments, and philanthropic efforts.
Secure your spot today and be part of this important dialogue by purchasing your tickets now at here.