Environmental Sustainability Working Group
Ontario’s Anesthesiologists recently launched a new Environmental Sustainability Working Group. We believe anesthesiologists are accountable to not only their patients, but also to their wider communities. Protecting the health of our communities includes ensuring anesthetic practices minimize effects on our environment.
The OA Working Group has a unique opportunity to collaborate with the University of Toronto, Centre for Sustainable Health Systems. Please visit sustainablehealthsystems.ca for more information about the centre and their current projects.
With a coordinated effort, our members can effectively advocate for an environmentally responsible post-pandemic recovery.
Resources
In the Media
Major B.C. trauma hospital switches anesthetic gas to reduce carbon footprint | CBC News
Ontario anesthesiologist and Environmental Sustainability Working Group volunteer Dr. Sanjiv Mathur is featured in this article.
How some doctors want to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the operating room | CBC News
Dr. Nam Le, an Ontario anesthesiologist and former Executive Committee member, makes an appearance in this clip for CBC’s The National.
Doctors, companies are finding ways to reuse or recycle more medical supplies.
Hospitals are finding new ways to reduce medical waste | CBC News
Ontario anesthesiologist and Environmental Sustainability Working Group volunteer Dr. Ali Abbass shows how they're reducing operating room waste at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto.
Position Statements
Citizens’ Climate Lobby #LeaveNoGHGBehind Campaign
CAS Section for Environmental Sustainability
ASA Medical Student Component: Green Anesthesia Initiative
The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care’s Green Hospital Scorecard
Learning Opportunities
Environmentally Sustainable Perioperative Medicine: Simple Strategies for Anesthetic Practice, a CPD module from the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society
Resources for Greening Your Practice
WHO guidance for climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health care facilities
CASCADES: Surgery, Anesthesia and the Operating Room
The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care’s Green Hospital Procurement Guide
The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
Additional Resources
ANZCA Library Guide - Environmental Sustainability
Stryker Sustainability Systems
2021 WHO Health and Climate Change Survey Report
PAHO’s Climate Change and Health Program
Working Group Members
We are grateful for the efforts of our volunteer Environmental Sustainability Working Group, listed below. Their enthusiasm and dedication are sincerely appreciated!
Dr. Anita Rao - Working Group Lead
Dr. Rohit Kumar - OA Chair
Dr. Amanda Jasudavisius - OA Executive Committee Lead
Dr. Ali Abbass
Mike Apostol
Dr. Connor Brenna
Dr. Douglas Crawford
Dr. Shalini Dhir
Ana Lopez Filici
Dr. Gail Hirano
Dr. Melissa Ho
Dr. Huda Khayyat
Dr. Catalina Casas Lopez
Dr. Sanjiv Mathur
Dr. Peter Menikefs
Dr. Safia Nazarali
Dr. Elaine Ng
Dr. David Ohrling
Mr. Ed Rubinstein
Dr. Matthew Schurter
Dr. Alex Sebaldt
Dr. Andrew Shanmugarajah
Dr. Sujata Sikka
Dr. Rickesh Sood
Dr. Martin Van der Vyver
Dr. Malissa Yang
Join Us
We welcome members interested in promoting environmentally responsible perioperative clinical practices. Many anesthesia providers in our province are already engaged in this work. The Working Group will provide a forum for knowledge sharing and guidance on greening initiatives. The Working Group will also focus on advocacy through engagement with politicians, the OMA and regulating bodies.
Interested members are invited to complete the form below or contact us at info@ontariosanesthesiologists.ca. Thank you!