As part of the Department of Defense, our raison d’être is to ensure National Security. Events over the past decade have made it clear that we cannot have security at home without global stability. DoD Directive 3000.05 placed a priority on Security, Stability, Transition and Reconstruction Operations equal to Combat Operations. CDHAM contributes to national security by using healthcare diplomacy, as “smart power,” to stabilize regions, and subsequently lead to global stability.
Healthcare is a bridge that permits non-threatening interactions between parties that otherwise would not communicate. In this capacity, health care is a diplomatic tool that builds relationships that will allow access and influence in a positive way.
The Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine provides support to the DoD through consultation, education & training, scholarly activities and direct service. Located in the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, CDHAM is uniquely postured to access subject matter experts in all relevant areas for DoD response to health care crises, from emergency disaster response to Partner Nation infrastructure development.
Stakeholders include Combatant Commands, the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, TATRC and the International Health Division/OASD(HA). Interagency partners include the DoS, USAID, DHHS and DHS.
CDHAM collaborates with other activities, including the Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute and the Defense Institute of Medical Operations to help determine and meet the education and training requirements for the DoD. Leadership of the Civil-Military Medicine Working Group’s Education and Training Committee facilitates this cooperation.
Charles W. Beadling, MD, FAAFP, IDHA, DMCC
Col (ret), USAF, MC, CFC
Director
Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine (CDHAM)
