Integrative Environmental Health: An Introduction (2026-2028)

Overview

Environmental health is based on the premise that what we eat or are exposed to in our environment directly affects our health. It examines the impact of air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, toxicants, and other environmental factors on the health of individuals and populations.

Needs Assessment

Designed for medical and nursing personnel, this Introduction to Integrative Environmental Health course primarily focuses on the broader patterns of disease caused by environmental toxicants. Learn about the major chemicals affecting our health as we break down their impacts across our environment — Air, Land, and Water. By understanding the links between chronic disease and environmental toxicants, students learn how to support a patient's whole health. The course is not an exhaustive review of individual toxicants but focuses on the toxicants of greatest concern and prevalence. Important resources are shared throughout.

Once you have completed this Introduction course, enroll in The Integrative Environmental Health: Advanced Approaches. This course will build upon the Introduction course by exploring a more in-depth clinical approach — what populations are most at risk, how to take an environmental health patient history, emerging research, and case-based learning — to reinforce clinical relevance.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Appraise the links between environmental toxicants and the documented rise of complex chronic illnesses, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders, and reproductive health.
  • Recognize how an integrative medicine model may be applied in the prevention of environmentally-associated diseases.
  • Identify the primary categories of chemical toxicants present in the environment and interpret how their mechanisms of action may impact human health.
  • Identify the range of toxicants known to demonstrate endocrine disruptor activity in humans.
  • Review consumer resources that can help individuals reduce unnecessary environmental toxicant exposures.
  • Recognize how cultural and socioeconomic status may influence the number of exposures and the ability to limit exposure.

Target Audience

Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, and psychiatrists in any specialty.

Curriculum

  • Introduction
  • From Environment to Humans
  • Air
  • Land
  • Water
  • Course Exam

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the course exam with a score of 70% or better. You are allowed unlimited re-attempts. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Course Fees

Physicians - $272.58
Other Healthcare Professionals/General Public - $192.56
Students - $163.60

The Center (AWCIM) is waiving the registration cost. Enrollment is free!

Integrative Environmental Health: An Introduction (2026-2028)
Disclosure & Education Credit Info

COM CME

Physicians

ACCME/AMA PRA Accreditation and CME Designation Statement

The University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson designates this enduring material for a maximum of 8.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Current CME Approval Period: January 14, 2026 to January 13, 2028

Most Recent Review: October 27, 2025

Nurses

Nursing Continuing Professional Development Information

This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

8.25 NCPD Contact Hours for RNs

Current Approval Period - NCPD: January 14, 2026 to January 13, 2028

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the course exam with a score of 70% or better. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Relevant Financial Relationships Disclosure Information

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Continuing Medical Education adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Dr. Lyn Patrick has disclosed the following: Consultant, Biocidin LLC (Relationship has ended).

All other individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning this CME activity.

Commercial Support

There is no commercial support for this activity.

Faculty / Authors

Aly Cohen MD, FACR; Integrative Rheumatologist, Environmental Health Expert, Curriculum Creator, Bestselling Author, Legal Expert

Lyn Patrick, ND

Planning Committee

Victoria Maizes, MD; Professor of Medicine; Executive Director, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD, MPH; Director, Fellowship Program, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona; Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine- Tucson

Elizabeth Knight, PhD, DNP, FNP-C; Integrative Health Coach, Flower Power Health and Nurse Practitioner, Reed College

Copyright

All rights reserved - Arizona Board of Regents.