Journal article
Disaster Medicine physician workforce study: Results from a comprehensive survey
American journal of disaster medicine, v 21(2), pp 95-106
01 Sep 2025
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively describe the current disaster medicine (DM) physician workforce in the United States (US), analyzing demographics, training, employment, compensation, and career paths. Design: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a 48-question electronic instrument. Responses were collected anonymously via REDCap between April 2023 and January 2024. The survey employed descriptive statistical analysis without randomization or blinding. Setting: The study targeted US-based DM physicians affiliated with one professional emergency medicine (EM) organization (American College of Emergency Medicine), examining both academic and nonacademic settings. Patients and participants: Participants included members of the American College of Emergency Physician DM Section (n = 650), DM Committee (n = 40), and Council of Fellowship Directors (n = 18). A total of 68 responses were received, reflecting a 9.6 percent overall response rate. Main outcome measure(s): Primary outcomes included physician demographics, educational background, fellowship training, employment status, work distribution, compensation models, and time to first funded DM position. Results: Respondents were predominantly male (68 percent), with an average age of 52 years. Most of them were emergency physicians (74 percent) and held MD degrees (87 percent). Only 22 percent completed DM fellowships, and 64 percent reported working >40 hours weekly in DM-related roles. Compensation varied, with many relying on clinical shift reduction and about half feeling that they were fairly compensated for their disaster medicine work. Conclusions: The DM workforce is diverse but lacks standardization in training and compensation. Improved support and formalization would enhance this growing and critical field.
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Details
- Title
- Disaster Medicine physician workforce study: Results from a comprehensive survey
- Creators
- Bryan J. Wexler - Drexel UniversityLaurel C. O’Connor - University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolGarrett S. Thompson - Pennsylvania State UniversityAndrew Milsten - University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
- Publication Details
- American journal of disaster medicine, v 21(2), pp 95-106
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Emergency Medicine
- Other Identifier
- 991022123333104721