Why physicians are severely affected by climate change

    

    

Doctors newspaper online, 08.10.2019

    

        
        
        

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Willy Pitzer Price

Eckart von Hirschhausen used the Pitzer Prize Ceremony to inform physicians about the dangers of global warming. The laureate also railed against the economization of the profession.

By Alexander Joppich

Award winner Eckhart von Hirschhausen (2nd from left) next to his wife Ursula (left) and Dr. Ing. Helmut as well as Pia houses on the terrace of the Alte Oper in Frankfurt shortly before the award ceremony.

© Alexander Joppich

FRANKFURT . "Do you have anything healthy?" Eckart von Hirschhausen points to a smoothie, consisting of local orange, cucumber, lime and mint – he rejects the sparkling wine. The small gesture recently on the terrace of the Alte Oper in Frankfurt exemplifies the theme that he will mention several times this evening: the connection between health, sustainability and climate protection. He would have every reason to celebrate and therefore to seize the sparkling wine in the German tradition: On this day he receives the Willy-Pitzer Prize, which is awarded every two years – in the annual change with the Erika-Pitzer-Prize.

The award is intended to honor his extensive personal and financial commitment to the sick and disadvantaged, according to the Willy Robert Pitzer Foundation. Especially the work of the Foundation "Humor helps to heal", which was founded by Hirschhausen ten years ago, should be honored. The initiative sends specially trained clowns to hospitals to create a better atmosphere in clinics. Von Hirschhausen thinks that many hospitals are too dull and everyday life is too monotonous to offer a good recovery.

Aid for doctors and nurses

In addition, "Humor Helps Heal" also looks after doctors and nurses: the foundation offers them workshops for resilience and positive psychology. She also develops programs for nursing schools around the topics of mindfulness and stress management.

Hirschhausen managed to bring the "knowledge as a doctor to the people," says laudator Professor Tobias Esch from the University of Witten-Herdecke. He has written a book on the benefits of the second half of life with the prize winner . In addition, Esch von Hirschhausen praised the fact that he had created his own brand and is now using it to promote important topics such as organ donation.

In addition to the medal, the prize includes a donation of 50,000 euros. In his acceptance speech von Hirschhausen said that the money was not donated to his foundation, but donated to Kerstin Blum of the organization Brueckenköpfe. With the prize money, the Honored Blum's job wants to finance a year: it should act as a "hinge" between medically-influenced NGOs and politics in Berlin – especially in climate protection.

Doctors are victims of climate

Climate protection and sustainability are the themes that Hirschhausen picks up again and again this evening: He sees climate change as the greatest challenge doctors have in this century.

There is "no tablet against high temperatures", but rising temperatures will severely threaten people's health, predicts the laureate. He refers to the already existing problem of lack of air conditioning in clinics and retirement homes .

Broadside against economization

In addition, von Hirschhausen is a constant critic of the economization of the health system. Germany's most famous doctor – whether in the role of TV presenter, speaker or comedian – has in conversation with the "doctors newspaper" clear ideas about what he would change: the number of clinics massively lower, the role of the caregiver recognize more (they are the key figures in the treatment in the hospital) and the fee change. Case flat rates should only be paid if the doctor has previously provided information about alternative treatment methods with all the advantages and disadvantages.

The supply is "not a self-service store," said Hirschhausen, and prevention must be adequately paid, rather than first reward the treatment. In addition, medical students would have to learn much more as a doctor empathically communicates with patients rather than cramming Latin . Establishing contact with the patient is what the excellent person calls a medical goal that is far too short.

However, the most important goal for physicians is to work against global warming, according to Hirschhausen. The doctor himself had spoken to the activists during the global action week against the climate crisis in front of the Brandenburg Gate . There it is again, the topic for which he was also awarded: sustainable thinking as a physician.

Willy Pitzer Foundation

• Funded: Physicians and researchers related to Hesse. The endowment of the annual prize is 50,000 euros.
• Founded: 2001 by the assets of Willy Pitzer, the founder of a clinic consortium.

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