CME | From Heat Waves to Health Risks: Climate Change in Primary Care

In this episode of CME On the Go, our hosts discuss how changing climate and weather patterns are already affecting patient health and family medicine practice.

They examine the health consequences associated with extreme heat, worsening air quality, wildfire smoke, longer pollen seasons, expanding vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity and climate-related mental health concerns. They also highlight how these effects can compound existing cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and pregnancy-related risks, particularly among older adults, children, outdoor workers and historically marginalized communities.

The hosts offer practical strategies family physicians can use to prepare their practices and protect patients, including broadening clinical differentials, discussing heat safety and hydration, helping patients monitor air quality, recommending appropriate protection from smoke and insects and identifying patients who may lack access to cooling or other essential resources. They also explore opportunities for community advocacy, climate resilience and sustainable changes within medical practices.

Learning objectives

1. Identify climate‑related environmental changes that directly affect patient health, including heat, air quality, allergens, infectious disease patterns, and extreme weather events.

1. Recognize emerging climate‑related trends in clinical practice and implement strategies to anticipate and respond to these changes in patient care.

1. Describe the role of physicians in climate advocacy, including practical ways clinicians can engage without compromising professionalism or clinical boundaries.

The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 07/20/2026 to 07/06/2028. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

This session, "CME | From Heat Waves to Health Risks: Climate Change in Primary Care" is approved for 0.50 credits Enduring Materials, Self-Study, AAFP Prescribed credit(s). 

The AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

The American Academy of Family Physicians designates this Enduring Materials activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

 

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link. 

https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/20236/e 

 

Resources 

Climate-Smart Health Care: Family Medicine's Role in Climate Action and Resilience (American Family Physician)

Read the article

Climate Change and Health (New England Journal of Medicine)
Read the article

AAFP Environmental Health and Climate Change Resources
Explore AAFP resources

Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health (AAFP)
Learn about the consortium

Medical Society Consortium for Climate & Health
Visit the consortium website

References

Romanello M, Ballester J, Cai W, et al. The 2024 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: facing record-breaking threats from delayed action. Lancet. 2024;404(10465):1847-1896. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01822-1

Neven JCG, Quispel C. Extreme heat and pregnancy: A growing public health concern. Case Reports in Women's Health. 2025;49:e00762. Published October 30, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2025.e00762

Romanello M, Amann M, Ayeb-Karlsson S, et al. Climate change and health. New England Journal of Medicine. 2019;380(26):2519-2529. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1807873

 

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity.  All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.   

Disclaimer: Copyright 2026. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP.  The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.  AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.  Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.