The Decarbonization Fellows program supports clinician–scholars who are advancing practical, data-driven strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare delivery. Through discipline-specific projects embedded within health systems, Fellows identify actionable opportunities to lower emissions, reduce waste, and align clinical practice with planetary health.
Call for Applications
CCHE is currently recruiting faculty from all UC Health campuses to apply for the 2027 Faculty Clinical Decarbonization Fellowship. Fellows may receive up to $25,000 to support a project focused on decarbonization and building resilience plans at UC hospitals.
Applicants must have:
- A faculty designation at any UC Health campus in any series and in all ranks, or be an appointee to the Professional Research Series
- The ability to dedicate a set amount of time to their fellowship project for one year, including attending each monthly Fellowship session
Applications are due no later than Friday, October 30, 2026 at 5:00PM PST.
2025-2026 Fellows
Dr. Eugene Carragee, UCSF
Project focus:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Matching Fresh Gas Flows and Patient Minute Ventilation
Motivation:
“As a pediatric anesthesiologist participating in the UC Faculty Decarbonization Fellowship, my goal is to combine excellent clinical care with environmental responsibility, ensuring that we are not only safeguarding the health of children today but also preserving the planet for their future.”
Dr. Abhinav Gupta, UCSD
Project focus:
Reducing Unused Propofol and Other Anesthetic Waste in the Operating Room
Motivation:
“It was my childhood in the Rocky Mountains that first instilled in me a sense of awe and wonder of our natural world. During my residency in anesthesiology at Stanford Hospital, I witnessed the sheer amount of waste in our health care operations, specifically the operating rooms. I began to learn more about how this is not only detrimentally impacting our environment but our patients as well. Since then, I made it my mission to enact changes in individual behaviors and health care systems that keep the well-being of both our patients and planet in mind.”
Dr. Nathan Scott, UCSD
Project focus:
Improving Sustainability by Decreasing Waste in Ophthalmology
Motivation:
“I do this work because as a health care provider, I believe that we have a profound responsibility to take care of patients. Reducing waste and improving efficiency in healthcare operations are essential steps toward lowering our carbon footprint and improving the quality of patient care. Marginalized communities, who already bear the brunt of environmental pollution and climate-related health risks, deserve a healthcare system that actively mitigates harm rather than contributes to it. By prioritizing sustainability and decarbonization, we can create healthier spaces for patients and staff while fostering long-term environmental and social resilience. This work is about more than just saving resources - it is about ensuring a healthier and equitable future for everyone.”
2024-2025 Fellows
Hilary Ong, MD, FAAP
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, UC San Francisco
Project focus:
Conducted a carbon emissions assessment of metered-dose inhaler prescriptions at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, identifying opportunities to reduce high-emission prescribing practices while maintaining high-quality pediatric care.
Motivation:
“As a frontline provider in pediatric emergency medicine, I care for children presenting with climate-related health conditions such as heat illness and asthma exacerbations. Advancing healthcare decarbonization is essential to protecting children from the climate crisis.”
Meghana Gadgil, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Medicine, UC San Francisco
Adjunct Professor, Health Policy and Management, UC Berkeley
Project focus:
Reduced the use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) by implementing data-driven contact precaution strategies for infection control, targeting scope 3 healthcare emissions.
Motivation:
“Healthcare decarbonization is imperative for protecting both human health and our planet’s future. By cutting carbon emissions, we can build more equitable, resilient, and sustainable health systems.”
Christine James, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor of Medicine, UC San Diego
Project focus:
Developed strategies to reduce unnecessary use of metered-dose inhalers through clinician education, electronic medical record tools, and analysis of health system formularies.
Motivation:
“Climate change makes it clear that our work as physicians must extend beyond exam rooms and hospital walls. By taking tangible actions within our healthcare systems, we can be part of the change that is needed.”
Naomi Hauser, MD, MPH
Assistant Clinical Professor, Infectious Disease, UC Davis
Project focus:
Reduced excess waste by addressing inappropriate urine culture testing in intensive care units, improving diagnostic stewardship while lowering environmental impact.
Motivation:
“The U.S. healthcare system contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and total waste—both of which directly cause or worsen the conditions we treat every day.”
