WADEM Position Statement: Disaster Medicine Education in Health Care Profession Training

Disaster Medicine is a critical and often neglected component of health care. The World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) Board of Directors, as well as the WADEM Student and Young Professional Special Interest Group, recognize the importance of introducing Disaster Medicine concepts early in health care education and have put forth a position statement emphasizing this importance. As leaders in Disaster Medicine, we aim to highlight the need for the integration of Disaster Medicine education into health care profession training. By acknowledging this educational need and by providing recommendations to appropriate stakeholders, we anticipate that this investment in Disaster Medicine education will assist in developing well-prepared health care professionals who will improve prehospital and emergency medicine, public health, and day-to-day health care throughout local and global communities.