Health care policy changes are needed to minimize the risk to physicians responding to public health emergencies and aid in their longer-term responsibility of protecting and promoting the nation's health.

Physicians have an ethical responsibility to treat patients even at the risk of their own personal safety.

The AMA is leading physicians' disaster preparedness by training first responders through three National Disaster Life Support courses.

The Model State Emergency Health Powers Act proposes state legislation that should be enacted to ensure an adequate and coordinated response to public health emergencies.

The best defense against a public health emergency is a healthy population with easily accessible health care.

Physicians need to not only treat the physical injuries of terror victims but also respond to the psychological needs of patients.

Physicians should not write prescriptions for unnecessary prophylaxis in response to patients' anxiety about a perceived threat of bioterrorism.

The National Disaster Life Support Program offers courses that teach health professionals how to prioritize care and allocate medical resources in the event of a man -made or natural disaster.

The theme editor introduces a special issue focusing on the public health issues surrounding the threat of bioterrorism.

Two physicians argue that disaster preparedness for bioterrorist attacks diverts health care resources from other critical medical and public health needs.