Sustainability in STEM: Why It Matters as a Pre-Med Student

As a pre-med student deeply engaged in sustainability initiatives at the University of Michigan, I’ve come to appreciate how interconnected environmental consciousness is with healthcare and scientific research. While sustainability efforts are often associated with environmental science or policy majors, there’s a growing need for students in STEM—especially future healthcare professionals—to embrace sustainable practices.

The Hidden Waste in Science and Medicine 

Scientific research, especially in laboratory settings, generates significant waste. From single-use plastics like pipette tips and culture dishes to hazardous chemicals, the environmental impact of routine lab work is substantial. According to a Nature report, labs produce an estimated 5.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills. Similarly, hospitals contribute to this burden, with medical waste—including unused supplies, packaging, and disposable equipment—accounting for up to 30 pounds of waste per patient per day in some settings.

Bridging Healthcare and Sustainability 

As someone aspiring to work in healthcare, I’m acutely aware of the parallels between environmental and public health. Air pollution, climate change, and improper waste disposal disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and exacerbate chronic health conditions. By incorporating sustainable practices into my academic and extracurricular pursuits, I’m not only contributing to environmental conservation but also advocating for better health outcomes in the long term.

Taking Action: Upcycling and Beyond 

One of the sustainability initiatives I’ve worked on involves upcycling paper waste from previous semesters into new paper—a project that highlights how small changes can reduce environmental impact. But there’s more work to be done. Encouraging labs to adopt greener protocols, promoting the use of reusable materials, and advocating for waste reduction in hospitals are just a few ways future healthcare professionals can make a lasting difference.

Why STEM Majors Should Care 

Sustainability isn’t just a concern for environmentalists—it’s a multidisciplinary challenge that affects us all. As STEM majors, we’re equipped with the analytical skills and problem-solving mindset to identify inefficiencies and propose innovative solutions. Whether it’s minimizing waste in research labs or advocating for sustainable practices in hospital settings, we have a responsibility to ensure that scientific progress doesn’t come at the cost of our planet.

For me, pursuing a career in medicine isn’t just about helping individuals—it’s about fostering healthier communities and protecting the environment that sustains us all. Sustainability and healthcare go hand in hand, and by embracing both, we can build a future where science thrives without compromising the health of our planet.