82 | Dr. Dermot Coffey on student health, climate change & Ora Taiao

Dr. Dermot Coffey is originally from Kerry, graduating from medical school in Ireland before migrating to Aotearoa 20 years ago. He is a GP/general practitioner working in student health at the University of Canterbury. Dermot has had an interest in climate change for many years, and joined OraTaiao seven years ago, and since 2020, has been co-convenor. He joins us today to talk about the work of OraTaiao and what we can do as health professionals to advocate for an equitable climate response.

In this episode, we discuss the contrast between training in Ireland and New Zealand, his journey to NZ, venturing into GP and student health, and his work with Ora Taiao - this includes what they do, and what they recommend we should do to get involved and active in climate change! 

Mentioned:
Ora Taiao: https://www.orataiao.org.nz/
Practical tips for addressing climate change: https://www.orataiao.org.nz/practical_tips_for_health_professionals_to_address_climate_change

Chapters

• 0:00 Dermot Coffey
• 1:29 Finding medicine
• 4:09 Going into GP
• 6:00 Challenges of GP
• 8:16 Student health
• 12:49 Climate change activism and his beginnings
• 21:07 Current projects of Ora Taiao
• 33:59 Climate change and health systems