The SDSMA, together with the South Dakota Department of Health and the Sanford School of Medicine at USD, established a Public Health Physician Leadership Corps.  These physicians serve as a framework for providing preparedness, training and leadership in order to effectively respond to a bioterrorism attack, infectious disease outbreak or other public health emergency or disaster.

Physicians of various disciplines from across the South Dakota volunteered and have been selected to serve in a leadership position to respond to public health emergencies.  These physicians ensure that the necessary practitioners are in place to rapidly respond to a public health event.  They are available for immediate call-up by the South Dakota Department of Health in a large-scale public health event.

These physicians provide clinical and referral services during public health emergencies through such activities such as mass vaccinations or mass prophylaxis operations.  Additionally, they provide technical assistance, guidance and education to the Department of Health as well as other physicians and healthcare professionals throughout the state.  Finally, these physicians work within their communities to ensure coordination and collaboration of local, regional and state disaster plans.

General Information

• Public Health Physician Leadership Message Map

Physician Leadership Information

• Educational Meeting Agenda - June, 2006

Links

• South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response
• South Dakota Office of Homeland Security
• Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response