The American Academy of Disaster Medicine Marks National Preparedness Month

Aug 24, 2011

Tampa, FL — The American Academy of Disaster Medicine (AADM) strongly believes that knowledge of how to respond to disasters and how to coordinate that response with other agencies and organizations involved is essential for every physician.

September is the eighth National Preparedness month, and serves as a reminder to all physicians, that helping to prepare their communities for emergencies of all kinds is a vital professional responsibility. This year’s theme designated by FEMA, A Time to Remember, A Time to Prepare, recognizes the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

“When disaster strikes, survival requires the full range of medical specialties and knowledge,” said James Terbush, MD, MPH, and President of the American Academy of Disaster Medicine. “We can’t always predict disaster, but we can be better prepared for a crisis when it strikes.”

AADM was created to promote disaster health care preparedness and interdisciplinary cooperation. AADM functions to bring together disaster medicine community resources that efficiently and effectively focus collective action toward preserving life, reducing morbidity, human suffering and restoring health capacity in disaster zones.

AADM’s affiliated American Board of Disaster Medicine (ABODM) is the first medical board to offer certification in disaster medicine. As survival rates can be most dependent upon the response of physicians within all areas of expertise, ABODM believes that disaster medicine should be every physician’s second specialty.

“Disaster medicine plays a vital role in the disaster life cycle – preparation, planning, response and recovery,” Terbush said. “Physicians trained and certified in disaster medicine are needed to provide medical expertise and to work in tandem with other stakeholders to create public health policies that improve both the effectiveness and availability of medical care during epidemics, terrorist attacks and natural disasters.”

Save the Date

House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting

Innovation & Overcoming Challenges

June 10-15, 2022

Plan Your Visit. Meeting Information

Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD

Disaster Medicine

When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD

Integrative Medicine

There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD

Internal Medicine

When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD

Emergency Medicine

When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD

Administrative Medicine

The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO

Internal Medicine

Meet Our Staff Read All Reviews