1. A New Approach to Health Resilience
Join Now and Create a Community
A pressing and universal need has been summarized by two visionary former Surgeons General:
“Health care matters to all of us some of the time; public health matters to all of us all of the time.”
—· C. Everett Koop, MD, 13th Surgeon General of the United States
“I am often asked, ‘When will we be prepared for all the threats we face?’ My answer is—not in my lifetime.”
— Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States
One needs look no further than recent news to see the requirement for new knowledge, additional skills, and multi-
discipline collaboration in addressing increasingly diverse health threats. The shock of an Ebola diagnosis, the destruction
of an EF-5 tornado, or the myriad impacts of an earthquake on an underdeveloped society illustrate the need for enhanced
collaboration within the effected community, among responders, and in recovery. Global acts of terrorism
add urgency to this growing need.
The American Academy of Disaster Medicine (AADM) is actively creating a broad learning community to
expand and promote the knowledge base that links medical treatment, global and public health, and the
effective teamwork of multiple disciplines demanded in extraordinary or austere circumstances.
We also believe that creating a culture of resilience positions health services organizations to better address
the myriad changes in the healthcare. Stated otherwise: Preparedness is a Best Practice.
Creating a “Big Tent”
AADM is engaged with multiple organizations committed to improving response to disasters
and increasing global health security. This dedication has produced a definition that goes
beyond individual professions to encompass the full spectrum of interdisciplinary
functions in Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation:
Disaster and Global Health.
The strength of this initiative lies in its diversity and inclusiveness. Disasters
know no disciplinary boundaries. No one group dominates, therefore no narrow
professional focus should influence. AADM is committed to bringing together
diverse constituencies that – together – will build a more resilience and healthful world.
Individual Affiliation
AADM is actively seeking members from a broad range of professions. All clinical disciplines contribute to disaster
response, as do more diverse professions such as urban planning, cultural anthropologists, and clergy. Annual dues is
purposefully low to encourage engagement with core professional societies and with like entities. AADM also promotes
simultaneous membership in the Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, which grants access to the leading
academic journal in disaster medicine.
Organizational Alliance
AADM invites organizations with similar focus to establish a mutually supportive affiliation.
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MORE INFORMATION: Info@aadm.us

2. Why Disaster Medicine?
“We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can arm ourselves with knowledge; so many
lives wouldn't have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.”
– Petra Němcová
Petra Němcová is an international model, television host, and philanthropist. She was on vacation in Thailand with her
fiancé, Simon Atlee, in 2004 when the Indian Ocean earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck. Atlee drowned and
Němcová suffered a broken pelvis and serious internal injuries. She managed to hold on to a palm tree for eight hours
until she was rescued by Thai civilians and airlifted to an inland hospital.
When Least Expected
The term “disaster” brings to mind images of 9/11, a flooded New Orleans, and
earthquake ravaged Haiti. In many circumstances – the Boston Marathon
Bombing and 9/11 for example – the existing medical infrastructure was
sufficient to treat the number of casualties. In others, the institutional medical
system was itself a victim of the disaster. This was the case in New Orleans, in
Joplin, Missouri, in Haiti, and in lower Manhattan for Hurricane Sandy. This
would be the case following a New Madrid earthquake or during a major
pandemic. It is also the daily reality in underdeveloped nations, as has been
illustrated in the Ebola crisis in Western Africa.
Interdisciplinary, Interactive, Interesting
The American Academy of Disaster Medicine (AADM) was formed to develop and promote professional standards in an
emerging discipline that encompasses a broad spectrum of operational environments: direct disaster relief, homeland
security medical operations, humanitarian assistance, stability operations, the military, and other nontraditional settings.
Initially a physician-focused professional organization, AADM amended its by-laws in
2014 to include the full range of professions that contribute to and practice disaster and
operational medicine. At the same time, AADM began an aggressive outreach campaign
to link myriad organizations and professions into an integrated disaster medicine
community. At a time when the normal rules may not apply – the aftermath of a disaster –
common understanding and shared capabilities can be the difference between life and
death. AADM exists to promote that development and integration.
AADM and its affiliates offer an expanding portfolio of continuing education, hands-on training,
professional publications, policy advocacy, and mission-focused fellowship.
Programs and Products
Certification in Interdisciplinary Disaster and Global Health (CIDGH™
)
Professional Recognition for Advanced Expertise (Fellow)
Resource Exchange (Disaster Medicine Wiki™
)
Educational Conferences
Speakers Bureau
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal (SDMPH)
Hands-on Training
Physician Board Certification (American Board of Disaster Medicine)
www.aadm.us