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From Didactics to Disasters: Unveiling CBRNe and Counter-Terrorism Medicine Training in US Medical Schools

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 April 2024

Joshua E. Lane Open the ORCID record for Joshua E. Lane [Opens in a new window] ,
Derrick Tin ,
Ameena Ali  and
Gregory Ciottone
Joshua E. Lane*
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia USA Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia USA Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia USA Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia USA Capital Technology University, Laurel, Maryland USA
Derrick Tin
Affiliation:
Senior Fellow, BIDMC Disaster Medicine Fellowship, Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts USA
Ameena Ali
Affiliation:
Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia USA
Gregory Ciottone
Affiliation:
Director, BIDMC Disaster Medicine Fellowship, Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts USA
*
Correspondence: Joshua E. Lane, MD, MBA, MPH 1210 Brookstone Centre Pkwy Columbus, Georgia 31904 USA E-mail: jlanemd@gmail.com
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Abstract

Introduction:

The threat of chemical, biological, radiologic, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) terrorist attacks has increased over time. The need for rapid and effective responses to such attacks is paramount. Effective medical counter-measures to CBRNe events are critical and training for such may effectively occur early in physician training. While some medical specialties are more involved than others, counter-terrorism medicine (CTM) spans all medical specialties.

Methods:

All United States allopathic medical schools were examined via online curriculums and queries for academic content related to CBRNe and terrorist medical counter-measures.

Results:

Analysis of 153 United States allopathic medical schools demonstrated that 15 (9.8%) medical schools offered educational content related to CBRNe and terrorist counter-measures. This is in contrast to legislation following the September 11, 2001 attacks that called for high priority for such education.

Conclusion:

Effective CBRNe medical counter-measures are currently in place; however, there is room for improvement in education that may begin during medical school. While certain medical specialties such as emergency medicine, primary care, and dermatology may have specific niches in such events, physicians of all medical specialties have something to offer, and even a basic education in medical school can help best prepare the nation for future attacks.

Keywords

CBRNCBRNecounter-terrorism medicinemedical educationterror medicine
Type
Original Research
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , First View , pp. 1 - 4
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine

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