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The Role of Disaster Medicine Board Certification in Community Disaster Preparation

Disaster PreparationDisaster preparation in many communities is viewed as a function of the government, or of a loose coalition among various local, state, and federal government agencies. However, the government plays little, if any, role in training civilian physicians in how to respond to disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or any kind of unforeseen occurrence that puts a large segment of the population at risk.

Who, then, is best prepared for taking a lead role when it comes to disaster preparation, response, and recovery? Because widespread disasters, by their very nature, put a great of the population at medical risk, the logical candidates to lead are physicians. And the most effective way for physicians to demonstrate their mastery of the core skills and knowledge necessary to take a lead role in those situations is for them to achieve board certification in disaster medicine from the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).

The ABPS is the only multi-specialty physician certification body to offer disaster medicine certification and recertification, which is administered through the American Board of Disaster Medicine (ABDOM). We are committed to helping physicians prepare themselves in case of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemic outbreaks, terrorist attacks, and other natural and manmade disasters. While hospitals may already have disaster plans in place, they often are developed only to meet the bare minimum requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and  they might not deal directly with the specific perils that might be unique to a physician’s home area. Physician board certification in disaster medicine helps bring focus to a physician’s role when it comes to disaster preparation, with an emphasis on the potential consequences of disaster on a hyper-local level.

Certification allows a physician to demonstrate that he or she has achieved a thorough understanding of:

  • The National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System
  • The importance of safety in disaster preparation and response, including protective equipment, decontamination, and site security
  • The principles of triage in a disaster setting
  • The clinical competence to provide effective care with extremely limited resources
  • The importance of psychological first aid and care for disaster responders

Contact the ABPS today for information about eligibility requirements for disaster medicine board certification. The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

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

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
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
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