Integrative Environmental Health: An Introduction (2024-2026)

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.

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 major chemicals affecting our health – as we break down impacts through our environment: Air, Land, and Water. Sharing the latest research linking chronic disease and environmental toxicants, students see 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've 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

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
  1. Appraise the emerging research links between environmental toxicants and the documented rise of complex chronic illnesses, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders, and reproductive health.
  2. Identify how an integrative medicine model may be applied in the prevention of environmentally-associated diseases.
  3. Identify the primary categories of chemical toxicants present in the environment and interpret how their mechanisms of action may impact human health.
  4. Recognize and identify the range of toxicants known to demonstrate endocrine disruptor activity in humans.
  5. Acquire familiarity with consumer resources that can help individuals reduce unnecessary environmental toxicant exposures and recognize how cultural and socioeconomic status may influence their number of exposures and ability to limit exposure.
  6. Identify several resources for patients and clinicians interested in environmental advocacy.

Curriculum

  • Module 1: Introduction
  • Module 2: From Environment to Humans
  • Module 3: Air
  • Module 4: Land
  • Module 5: Water
  • Course Evaluation and Exam

Completion Requirements

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

Target Audience

This enduring material educational program is intended for physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, and psychiatrists in any specialty. In addition, all healthcare professionals who have an interest in an integrative approach to healing are targeted.

Certificate

When all of the above requirements are met (during the agreed-upon timeline), a link for the completion certificate is available to download and print anytime from "My Account." If a specific credit type was selected at registration, your certificate will indicate earned credits.

Disclaimer

This course does not constitute medical advice. Healthcare providers should exercise their own independent medical judgment.

All case studies and patient scenarios in this course are used for illustrative purposes. All depictions of persons (other than faculty) are models and not actual patients.

Course Fees

Physicians - $239.54
Other Healthcare Professionals/General Public - $169.22.
Students - $143.77

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


Integrative Environmental Health: An Introduction (2024-2026)
Disclosure & Education Credit Info


Nursing Continuing Professional Development Information

7.25 NCPD Contact Hours for RNs

Current Approval Period - NCPD

January 15, 2024 to January 13, 2026

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test 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.

Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure Information

None of the presenters, planners, or faculty for this activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies.

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.

COM CME

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 to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson designates this enduring material for a maximum of 7.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Current Approval Period - CME

January 15, 2024 to January 14, 2026

Most Recent Review by Author: November 6, 2023

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test 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.

Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure Information

All Faculty, CME Planning Committee Members, and the CME Office Reviewers have disclosed that they do not have any 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

Lyn Patrick, ND

Joanne Perron, MD, MPH, FACOG; Public Health Consultant

Lise Alschuler, ND; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona; Assistant Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Priscilla Abercrombie, RN, PhD, AHN-BC; Founder, Women's Health & Healing Integrative Health Coach

Planning Committee

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

Lise Alschuler, ND; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona; Assistant Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Priscilla Abercrombie, RN, PhD, AHN-BC; Founder, Women's Health & Healing Integrative Health Coach

Molly K. Burke, MFA, CMT; Director of Online Education, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine