The Hidden Health Impacts of Climate Change

What are some of the lesser-known ways that climate can impact patients’ health? How do climate-related health impacts present in patients? How can physicians best approach conversations about climate-related health impacts with their patients? The first session in this Climate and Health Webinar Series features stories from physicians on how their patients are experiencing hidden climate impacts, including increased cancer risk, exposure to vector-borne diseases outside their historical range, and the mental health effects of climate change.

Anusha Govind, MD, FIDSA

Dr. Govind is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and opportunistic infections, pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV, and general infectious disease management. She is the creator and director of the Climate and Health enrichment elective for the medical students at UT Southwestern and is Vice President of Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility. Dr. Govind earned her medical degree at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. She completed both her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in infectious diseases at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Edward Balaban, DO

Dr. Balaban is an oncologist in Penllyn, Pennsylvania and is affiliated with Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He also recently became the Vice President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and is a member of OUCH-I which stands for Oncology Advocates United for Climate and Health – International. He received his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

Lise Van Susteren, MD

Dr. Van Susteren is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University and a psychiatrist in private practice in Washington, DC. Dr. Van Susteren has a special interest in the psychological effects of climate change. She organized the first conference to focus on the psychological impacts of climate change and co-authored several books on the topic, including The Psychological Effects of Climate Change, Climate and Your Mind, and Emotional Inflammation. She also serves as a Steering Committee member of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance. Dr. Van Susteren received her medical degree from the University of Paris.

Ilse R. Levin, DO, MPH & TM

Ilse R. Levin, DO, MPH & TM is a board-certified internist and an epidemiologist. Elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in June 2020 and re-elected in 2024, she is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and has served in many leadership positions throughout her career. Dr. Levin received her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Calif., and completed her residency in internal medicine at Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine in Springfield, Mass.

Event Details