The Future of Medicines and Innovation: A Systems Approach to Environmental Sustainability
Posted on: Wednesday 12 March 2025
Author: Dr Sheuli Porkess PFPM
The Role of Doctors in Innovation
As medicine advances, so too must the responsibilities of those who develop and regulate it. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) exists to support doctors working in the development of medicines, vaccines, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. We set standards and provide training and education to ensure the safe and effective implementation of medical innovations, with the ultimate aim of improving patient health and benefiting the public.
In reflecting on the past 35 years of FPM’s work, it is evident that a structured and knowledgeable approach to pharmaceutical medicine is essential. From the response to historical tragedies such as the thalidomide crisis, to the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, the role of medical professionals in innovation has always been vital. Now, as we look to the future, we must ask: how does environmental sustainability fit into pharmaceutical medicine, and what steps must we take to integrate it into our everyday practices?
The Intersection of Medicine and Environmental Sustainability
The relationship between medicine and environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly significant. With climate change affecting public health and the healthcare sector itself contributing to environmental challenges, we must ask:
- How should medicines and medical innovations be designed, developed, and used in a way that maintains safety and quality without harming the environment?
- How can pharmaceutical decisions align environmental objectives with other crucial concerns such as health equity, patient engagement, and diversity?
- What constitutes good practice in environmental sustainability within pharmaceutical medicine?
Questions such as these were at the heart of discussions at the Pharma Sustainability Integrates conference on Tuesday 25 February 2025, where I joined health and life science leaders and sustainability experts in exploring the critical role of sustainability in medicine development. The insights shared at the conference reaffirm the need for a systems approach that integrates environmental sustainability into every stage of medical innovation.
Systems Thinking in Pharmaceutical Decision-Making
One of the key shifts required is the adoption of systems thinking in pharmaceutical decision-making. This means:
- Understanding how innovations fit within real-world care pathways rather than viewing them in isolation.
- Recognising the broader impact of medicines beyond their immediate clinical efficacy, including their environmental footprint.
Doctors and scientists working in pharmaceutical medicine must develop a wide-lens perspective—moving beyond the confines of their immediate projects to consider the broader implications of their work.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps: The Need for Training and Standards
To embed environmental sustainability into pharmaceutical medicine, we must work towards equipping doctors with the right skills and knowledge. This includes:
- Engaging in discussion about what skills, knowledge and standards are required within pharmaceutical medicine.
- Collaborating with other organisations to provide a pharmaceutical medicine perspective.
- Incorporating sustainability education and thought leadership into our work, so we can support doctors to make informed, forward-thinking decisions that benefit patients, the public, and the world around us.
The Path Forward
The future of medicine depends on more than just technological breakthroughs; it requires a holistic approach that accounts for the environmental, ethical, and societal impact of pharmaceutical decisions. By adopting a systems-based mindset, investing in education, and establishing clear sustainability standards, we can ensure that medical innovations not only improve patient outcomes but also safeguard the health of our planet.
As FPM’s current strategy concludes at the end of 2025, we are actively shaping our 2026-28 strategy with a focus on thinking ahead for the future.
We cannot do this alone. We invite doctors, researchers, regulators, and industry leaders to collaborate, building a future where pharmaceutical medicine drives responsible innovation. Together, we can create a lasting impact—advancing healthcare while protecting the environment for generations to come.