The Carbon Footprint of Residency Interview Travel

• DOI: 10.4300/jgme-d-20-00418.1
• Publication Date: 2021-01-13T23:32:18Z
• Authors: Laura M. Donahue; Helen K. Morgan; William J. Peterson; John A. Williams
• Keywords: Carbon Footprint; Footprint

ABSTRACT Background Over the last decade, medical student residency applicants have shown a substantial increase in number of interviews attended, which is associated with significant travel. The carbon footprint has not been well documented prior to this investigation, and critical issue related climate health. Objective purpose study document travel from single institution. Methods Graduating students University Michigan Medical School were surveyed 2020 gather information regarding interviews. A validated emissions calculator was used determine footprint. Results Response rate 103 174 (59%). Average per across all specialties 14.39 student. overall class average for total calculated as 3.07 metric tons CO2, making interview 0.21 CO2. If we extrapolate results our residents, resulting CO2 approach 51 665 year, equivalent amount produced by 11 162 passenger cars 1 year. Conclusions education leaders could help reduce encouraging reduction in-person attended applicants.