Headwaters
In keeping with the spirit of Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, this column highlights actionable articles on the interplay between human and environmental health, with a special eye towards climate change.
Column Editor: Sara Kirkpatrick, DO
Stevenson Yip, BSNikita Habermehl, DO May 14, 2026
We share evidence-based strategies on how to reduce unnecessary IV use while improving patient care and procedural success.
Derious Oliver, MS3Nikita Habermehl, DO March 13, 2026
Neonicotinoid-coated seeds are widely used in agriculture but carry potential risks to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. This article examines the science behind these chemicals and the proposed Colorado SEED Act aimed at regulating their use.
Aimee Mishler, PharmD, BCEMP Ethan Sims, MD, FACEP October 20, 2025
Pharmaceuticals have a big carbon footprint—from production to waste. This article explores how clinicians and hospitals can make greener choices through smart prescribing, sustainable sourcing, and reducing medication waste.
Aimee Mishler, PharmD, BCEMP Ethan Sims, MD, FACEP August 6, 2025
Pharmaceuticals have a significant impact on our contribution to climate change as clinicians, and we can choose medications that have lower impacts without compromising patient care and often reduce the cost of care.
Cheryl Kam February 24, 2025
Underneath the glitz and glamour of this world-class airport, exists another facet of innovation, the airport's environmental efforts
Robin Barraclough, FRNZCGP, BMBS, PGCE, BSc (hons), Dip Mtn Med (hons) December 23, 2024
A Kiwi perspective
Adrian Cois, MD August 28, 2024
Healthcare providers should be experts
Sara Kirkpatrick, DO March 1, 2024
Three wins in climate policy from the past year
Danusha Sanchez, MD, MIS, PMP, NREMTIanna Hondros-McCarthy, DO, FAWM December 19, 2023
Imagine going to a doctor and instead of being given new medications, the doctor prescribes time in greenspaces
Jen Veldhuyzen, MD, SAMFE, FAWM March 16, 2023
Your lawn may contribute to starvation and climate apocalypse
Dr. Tatiana HavryliukJulie Ramirez August 26, 2022
Who takes the trash out?
Nate Hemmer, MD May 23, 2022
Making informed choices for world and health
Jen M. Veldhuyzen, MD December 10, 2021
Learning new approaches to infectious diseases for an expanding tropical world
Jen Finelli, MD, SAMFE, FAWM September 10, 2021
D. Scott McCracken, MD, FAAFP, FAWM April 26, 2021
Teaching Students in a Variety of Ways
Lynn E Yonge, MD, FAAFP, FAWM February 23, 2021
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Jen Veldhuyzen, MD December 18, 2020
Threatening the Practice of Wilderness Medicine
Carolyn S. Meyer, M.D. March 14, 2020
The health benefits of being physically active in the natural environment
Kelly DiLorenzo, MD September 1, 2019
Fueling Wildfires and Endangering Our Health