Disaster Response and Global Health Section
Physician response to Ukraine and beyond
Displaced persons, international refugee crises, gun violence, and other disasters remain prevalent in current news. Recent events highlight the need for continued civilian physician leadership and response to disasters.
Before the Ukraine crisis, the United Nations Refugee Agency estimated displaced persons more than doubled to greater than 82 million persons over the last decade (unhcr.org). Since that analysis, there have been over 6.5 million externally displaced persons, 7.5 million internally displaced persons, and significant numbers of injured patients from the Ukraine crisis alone. The Ukraine Ministry of Health has shown preparedness in its ability to handle significant patient surges with minimal assistance.
Dr. Christopher Miller
However, organizations like the Ukraine Medical Association of North America, Razom for Ukraine, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), MedGlobal, Samaritan’s Purse, Global Response Management, and many more have deployed to assist in Ukraine. These NGOs continue to help with medical care, fulfill critical supply needs, and provide training in cutting-edge medicine (POCUS, trauma updates).
Challenges posed by unstable environments, from wars to active shooter situations, further underscore the need for continued education, advances in technology, and preparedness. Providers responding to these events often treat vulnerable populations suffering from physical and mental violence, requiring physicians to step out of their comfort zone.
Physicians should continue to be leaders in the care of vulnerable displaced persons.
Christopher Miller, DO, MPH
Fellow-in-Training Member
Thomas Marston, MD
Member-at-Large