Going Green in Gynecology: Decreasing the Carbon Footprint of Our Care_OnDemand-Going Green in Gynecology: Decreasing the Carbon Footprint of Our Care

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Alexandra Melnick, a urogynecologist and co-founder of OBGYNs for a Sustainable Future, presented a comprehensive webinar on reducing the carbon footprint in gynecologic care. She highlighted that healthcare contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with operating rooms being major energy consumers and waste producers. Anesthetic gases, single-use items, and inefficient waste management were identified as key sources of environmental impact. Dr. Melnick discussed studies demonstrating that reusable surgical tools, like stainless steel specula and uterine manipulators, have a substantially lower carbon footprint and lower long-term costs compared to disposable options. She described successful initiatives such as a "green draping protocol" that reduced waste and costs without increasing infection rates. Challenges include staff resistance rooted in long-standing sterility practices and institutional policies, but engagement and education helped overcome these barriers. Dr. Melnick emphasized the need for collaboration among providers, industry, and regulatory bodies like the FDA to promote reusable medical devices and streamline their approval. She also encouraged clinicians to adopt measures such as customizing surgical packs, using telemedicine when appropriate, and advocating for sustainable practices within their institutions. Resources and organizations like OBGYNs for a Sustainable Future support providers interested in healthcare sustainability. Overall, the webinar called for systemic change and grassroots efforts to achieve environmentally responsible gynecologic care.

Keywords

urogynecology

carbon footprint

gynecologic care

healthcare sustainability

reusable surgical tools

green draping protocol

waste reduction

anesthetic gases

sustainable medical practices