The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) recommends board certification in disaster medicine to any physician who would like to take a lead role when it comes to disaster preparation, response, and recovery in his or her community. It is, in many respects, a "second" specialty for many physicians, primarily because when disaster strikes, doctors are almost always on the front lines. Quite often, government leaders will look to physicians for guidance when it comes to triage in a disaster setting, providing effective care with potentially limited resources, and providing psychological first aid and medical treatment for civilian victims and emergency workers alike.
The ABPS is the only multi-specialty physician certification body to offer disaster medicine certification and recertification through the American Board of Disaster Medicine (ABODM). ABODM board certification in disaster medicine provides those who choose to specialize in this field tangible proof that they have mastered the core competencies required to lead when it comes to disaster preparation, response, and recovery. Disaster medicine specialist certification reinforces to federal, state, and local government officials that disaster-certified physicians are qualified to contribute to relief and recovery during the time of a disaster. In an ideal world, every hospital would have at least one physician who is certified in disaster medicine.
To learn more about board certification in disaster medicine and the ABODM, or for details about eligibility requirements for certification from the American Board of Disaster Medicine, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official board certification body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.