When choosing a location for your clinic, financial and business factors are, of course, important. However, I also encourage my students at National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama) to think beyond profitability and consider the long-term health and well-being of themselves and their families.
Most healthcare professionals end up living near where they work. This means your spouse, children, and family will grow up and spend years in the same area. That’s why it’s important to evaluate the environment not just from a business standpoint, but also from a health perspective.
Here are some crucial health-related factors to consider before selecting a location. There are mobile apps and websites that can help you gather this information:
Ozone Levels – Areas with damaged ozone layers may expose you to higher levels of UV radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Air Pollution – Some towns have extremely poor air quality. In certain cases, living there can be as harmful as smoking two packs of cigarettes a day.
Cell Phone Towers – Avoid living or working within 600 meters of mobile phone antennas. Prolonged exposure may pose health risks, especially to children.
Electrical Substations – Keep a safe distance (at least 600 meters) from hydro or power transfer stations, which have been linked to various health concerns, particularly in children.
High-Traffic Roads – Areas near busy highways are associated with increased cancer risks due to vehicle emissions and air pollutants.
Radon Gas – In some regions, especially in Canada, radon gas levels in homes can be dangerously high. Radon is a known carcinogen and can be particularly harmful to children.
Many of these environmental factors fluctuate daily—especially air pollution—so it’s wise to monitor them over the course of a month for a more accurate picture of the area’s safety.
By taking the time to evaluate these health risks in advance, you’re not just choosing the best place for your clinic—you’re also protecting your family and investing in a healthier future.