Environmental sentinel doctors in Chile: an opportunity to strengthen health, community, territory, and resilience
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56116/cms.v65.n3.2025.2483Keywords:
Primary Care, Climate Change, Environmental Health, Public Health Surveillance, One Health, Sentinel PhysiciansAbstract
The relationship between environment and health has become increasingly evident in Chile due to climate change, pollution, vector-borne diseases, wildfires, and drought. The Chilean health model, based on Primary Care and with strong territorial roots, offers a unique opportunity to integrate environmental prevention into healthcare and community practice.
This article, the result of the Climate Change Conference organized by the Talcahuano Health Service (August 2025), analyzes the feasibility of implementing in Chile a network of Environmental Sentinel Physicians (ESP), inspired by international experiences such as the Italian Network (RIMSA). ESPs act as privileged observers of early warning signs of environmental risk and their effects on health, connecting clinical data with environmental and climate information.
Evidence is presented regarding the impact of climate change in Chile, the reemergence of arboviruses, climate migration, wildfires, and megadrought, and the strategic role of Primary Care in anticipating, communicating, and coordinating responses is discussed. Likewise, the importance of doctor–patient communication, community awareness, and institutional advocacy is highlighted in transforming knowledge into preventive action.
As an operational proposal, the creation of a National School of Environmental Sentinel Physicians, or alternatively, Sentinel Family Health Centers, is suggested, with three objectives: professional training, integrated surveillance under the One Health approach, and strengthening communication and health resilience. This initiative could position Chile as a regional leader in environmental health and climate change adaptation.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Paolo Lauriola, Jaime Sepúlveda Cisternas, Francesco Saverio Apruzzesse, Lisa di Pasquale
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