Teresa Gerhalter is the Chair of the WMS Sustainability Committee. As the Committee embarks on a process with sustainability consultants, Curve, we wanted to find out more about Teresa and what drives her passion for sustainability.

Teresa has been a member of the WMS for four years, but was previously in contact with WMS during her PhD. She says she joined because she wanted to connect with other professionals in the field of neuromuscular disorders and gain a better understanding of the current needs of NMD patients and caregivers. Teresa says: “Being part of WMS has allowed me to engage with diverse clinicians and researchers and contribute to meaningful discussions.

Teresa is currently working in clinical research in the field of MR imaging, where she investigates the potential of imaging biomarkers to track the disease and identify early changes within the muscle tissue. Her research aims to improve prognostic precision and treatment monitoring, ultimately benefiting patients.

When it comes to her contribution to the WMS through the Sustainability Committee, Teresa says: “Being on the Sustainability Committee is important to me because I believe that addressing environmental concerns is essential for the long-term health of our planet, our patients, and the global healthcare community. Aligning sustainability efforts with WMS’s mission allows me to contribute in a meaningful way.

Teresa believes we all have a role to play and that the WMS can minimize the environmental impact of congresses and raise awareness among members about climate-health connections. She describes the work the Sustainability Committee is currently doing: “We are currently working with an external consultancy to identify actions with the highest impact in terms of sustainability efforts, while also engaging with different stakeholders in the field. Viable change can only occur when we take into account the diverse perspectives of our community.

“I would remind members that even small actions can collectively create a big impact. By choosing eco-friendly travel options, supporting WMS sustainability initiatives, or even adopting changes in their workplace – such as switching off machines such as MR scanners overnight - each member plays a vital role in fostering a greener future for our community.

While Teresa hasn’t worked on any large-scale sustainability projects in her professional or personal life, she takes responsibility for the sustainability of her actions and makes changes where she can: “I have always tried to make changes in my personal life or at work. For example, I ask to change from single-use to reusable cups, take the train to conferences, and encourage colleagues to do the same.

“I am eager to expand these efforts and contribute to larger-scale initiatives through the Sustainability Committee.”

In order to lead a more sustainable life, Teresa always does these three things:

“I have never owned a car and commute exclusively by bike or public transport. I also avoid air travel as much as possible, instead opting for alternatives like night trains. I follow a vegan diet at home and eat vegetarian when dining out. And I am mindful of the ecological footprint of my clothing choices, avoiding fast fashion. I keep my wardrobe minimal, support sustainable brands, and wear second-hand clothes, which are often of better quality.”

Teresa hopes her own efforts can inspire others: “I would encourage readers to reflect on their daily habits (e.g., shopping, travel, food) and prioritise the area that feels least important or easiest to change. For example, in the area of food, they could avoid beef, eat meat only once a week, or even transition to a vegetarian diet. Small, incremental changes add up to make a significant difference.”

The Sustainability Committee welcomes new members. Teresa says: “I would say that joining the Sustainability Committee is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference within the WMS community. It’s a chance to collaborate with passionate individuals and drive impactful initiatives that align healthcare with sustainability goals.

“It’s also an excellent way to develop solutions and influence positive change across our community.”

If you would be interested in joining the Sustainability Committee, please email [email protected].