Nuclear weapons, nuclear war and the health professions. Curriculum development in medical schools.

The role of health care professionals in educating the public and policymakers about nuclear weapons, nuclear war and issues involved in preventing thermonuclear warfare is increasing. It is based on the professional and ethical responsibility to promote public health and prevent epidemic disease and death wherever possible. In the case of nuclear war, which has been called "the final epidemic," increased public knowledge is a primary method of working for its prevention. Policymakers in the United States and internationally are turning to physicians and scientists with important questions about the effects of nuclear war, questions about human behavior under stress, questions about long term ecological effects and survivability, and questions about technical aspects of the weapons themselves. The profession itself is asking questions about its proper role in these issues and the ethical basis for political activity on behalf of public health. Thus, concerned physicians are seeking education in these areas. Many medical schools have developed courses, one of which is described here. Consensus on a core curriculum has been achieved and curriculum materials are now available.