Your Practice, the Planet, and Our Patients: The AMA and MGD Put Sustainability Within Reach
As the health effects of climate change escalate—from record heat waves to rising rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and mental health distress—healthcare managers and clinicians are being called to lead. The American Medical Association (AMA) has declared climate change a public health crisis and is mobilizing physicians, practices, and medical institutions to respond.
AMA has repeatedly recognized the My Green Doctor resource as a useful resource for creating environmentally sustainable and climate resilient practices. MGD offers many free, practical tools to help clinics become greener, healthier, and more cost-efficient. In addition, MGD offers customized support for practice managers, administrators, and clinicians.
The Climate Crisis Is a Health Crisis
The U.S. healthcare system accounts for nearly 10% of national toxic air pollutions and greenhouse gas emissions. That means the way we operate our clinics—our electricity usage, supplies, food services, and waste management—has a direct impact on the health of our communities. The AMA’s climate strategy that was announced in November 2024 aims to turn this around through four pillars:
- Educating physicians and trainees on climate-related health impacts
- Supporting clinic decarbonization and resilience efforts
- Elevating physician leadership on climate and health
- Partnering with allies like My Green Doctor to expand tools and implementation
MGD: Making Climate Action Easy for Healthcare Teams
As an AMA-recommended resource, My Green Doctor provides free, step-by-step guidance for outpatient offices of any size. Whether you’re in a primary care clinic, specialty practice, or community health center, the MGD practice management program helps your team make progress with just five minutes per monthly staff meeting.
You’ll learn how to:
- Lower your utility bills and reduce waste
- Improve indoor air quality and patient comfort
- Reduce exposure to toxic materials
- Switch to healthier food, water, and cleaning options
- Earn the Green Practice Recognition Certificate that demonstrates your commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Practice managers and clinicians can access these resources directly through AMA Ed Hub™ and the AMA climate action webpage. You’ll also find continuing medical education (CME) offerings, webinars featuring MGD founder Dr. Todd Sack, and the Lower Costs by Going Green! guide, co-produced by My Green Doctor and the AMA.
What’s In It for Your Practice?
Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment—it is also good business. Clinics that implement green policies often see cost savings, improved staff morale, stronger community reputation, and perhaps better patient outcomes.
Many of your patients care about climate change. Many are looking for providers who reflect their values. My Green Doctor gives you the tools to meet this moment with confidence, credibility, and care.
A National Movement, A Local Commitment
Together, MGD and the AMA are helping thousands of outpatient practices across the country reduce emissions and prepare for the health risks ahead. Healthcare can lead the way in building a safer, more resilient future.
Have a conversation with My Green Doctor: [email protected]
For more details:
AMA Climate Advocacy Resources
