Find Your Specialty 813-433-2277

Physicians Play a Key Role in Community Preparedness – A National Disaster Preparedness Month Reminder from the ABODM

National Disaster Preparedness Month 2016The American Board of Disaster Medicine® and the American Board of Physician Specialties® urge physicians to remember the key role they play in community preparedness as part of National Disaster Preparedness Month this September. While disaster medicine and emergency preparedness are often associated with major storms and acts of terrorism, the emergencies that most communities face every day tend to be smaller in scale – but no less traumatizing to those affected. During times of crisis, physicians are looked to for leadership, which is why it is so important to have a plan in place in order to respond to the emergency situations that may arise in your community.

At the ABODM, our board certified physicians have demonstrated their mastery of disaster medicine and emergency planning. These highly trained professionals have the unique skill set needed to help develop a community-wide emergency response plan that can be implemented in disaster situations ranging from tornadoes and flash floods to car accidents and house fires.

Whether you’re a board certified specialist in disaster medicine or not, it’s extremely important that you are prepared to respond to any emergency situation in your community. One helpful suggestion is to always have an emergency medical kit nearby, because you never know when you might run into someone who needs help in your neighborhood. At a minimum, this bag should include:

  • Stethoscope
  • Otoscope and ophatlmoscope
  • Flashlight
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Gloves
  • Thermometer
  • Tourniquets
  • Respiratory protection
  • Needles
  • Bandages

Additionally, while you might be focused on developing a community response plan, don’t forget to have an emergency plan for your own practice as well. Make accommodations for your records, back up your important files regularly, and have a phone message system available to communicate with patients as needed.

Ultimately, the goal of National Disaster Preparedness Month is to remind physicians and members of the general public that it makes sense to be prepared for the unexpected. To learn more about board certification through the ABADM, contact us today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc®.

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.

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
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
Meet Our Staff Read All Reviews
Boards
Careers
Login
Contact