Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-13-2008
Abstract
Recent changes in governmental policy toward disaster medicine and hospital incident command foreshadow a significant change in the role that physicians will play in disaster preparedness and response. The distinct discipline of Disaster Medicine has received authoritative recognition and promotion in the recent Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21, and recently established guidelines for incident command within hospitals have included a new position designated as “Medical/Technical Specialist(s)” that will assist the Incident Commander in disaster-related decision-making. This is a multidisciplinary position, and its functions can be filled by one or more individuals. As physician training and competency in Disaster Medicine increases, it should be anticipated that the multiple functions of this position will increasingly be performed by physicians who are expert in Disaster Medicine. As physician training and certification in Disaster Medicine develops, it should be expected that physicians will increasingly become responsible for hospital disaster response.
Recommended Citation
“The Changing Role of Physicians in Disaster Management and Hospital Incident Command” Mihelic, FM, Stockton, MD, Cole, SA, Blake, GH. Journal of Homeland Security. Published electronically by the Homeland Security Institute. May 13, 2008 http://www.homelandsecurity.org/journal/Default.aspx?oid=173&ocat=1 (accessed October 16, 2008)
Included in
Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Other Medicine and Health Sciences Commons
Comments
This article was originally published in the Journal of Homeland Security.