New subspecialty in disaster medicine is emerging

The goal is to designate physicians who are able to organize and coordinate disaster response.

By Myrle Croasdale, AMNews staff. March 13, 2006.

Disaster medicine doctors are preparing to carve out their own niche in the physician work force.

The American Board of Physician Specialties announced the newly formed American Board of Disaster Medicine in February. On May 1, the ABPS will begin accepting applications from physicians interested in disaster medicine.

Lewis Marshall, MD, an emergency medicine physician and vice chair of the new board, said surgeons skilled with treating blast injuries, neurologists knowledgeable in treating nerve gas injuries, and internists, pediatricians and psychiatrists can all be part of building a comprehensive disaster response.

Also to be considered are hazardous material instructors and doctors with field experience or 50 hours of continuing medical education in disaster medicine or a related field.

Educational requirements are expected to be finalized this month, though Dr. Marshall said he expects basic qualifications to include board certification in a specialty, national disaster life support courses or their equivalent and disaster medical certification training.

The first exam for this board certificate is expected this fall.

The new subspecialty aims to address the need for responders who can organize and coordinate planning with the government and private sector during a terrorist attack or natural disaster, according to the ABPS.