Abstract

Beginning with the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, the tragedies of September 11, 2001, and subsequent hurricanes, tornadoes, and manmade tragedies, many American physicians have been faced with responding to disasters equipped with only a general knowledge of emergency casualty care. The tragic mass shootings at Columbine High School (1999), Fort Hood (2009), and the Aurora, Colorado movie theater (2012) demonstrate how unexpected mass casualties can challenge medical facilities and providers. In addition, the threats of anthrax bioterrorism (2001), severe acute respiratory syndrome, and avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks or pandemics seem to linger just over the horizon. In accordance with their educational missions, the Southern Medical Association and the Southern Medical Journal believe that it is vitally important for physicians across the United States to be aware of and prepared for a potential role in responding to natural disasters, bioterrorism attacks, and human-induced tragedies in their local area and beyond. This special issue of the Southern Medical Journalfeatures excellent articles by experts in the medical response to disasters and individuals who have participated in patient care after natural disasters. The lessons learned from experience, the educational and clinical challenges, and the importance of physician preparedness are highlighted in this special issue.