title: Postgraduate Education in Disaster Health and Medicine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Education is key to effective disaster management. This study reviews several postgraduate educational programs in disaster medicine.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study was conducted in two stages between October 2011 and February 2012. An online search was completed, followed by a web-based survey to collect information on key aspects of the identified programs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-four programs were identified worldwide. Public health was the main focus in 84% of these. E-learning was the preferred mode of instruction in 25% of cases. Most programs were accredited either nationally or internationally. Tuitions fees were the main source of funding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a dearth of postgraduate training programs in disaster health and medicine. This applies especially to Asia, which is also the most vulnerable area. Educational provision must be strengthened in Asia and in low- and middle-income countries to enhance capacity building in the health management of disasters.
authors: CRIMEDIM - Research Centre in Emergency and Disaster Medicine and Computer Science Applied to Medical Practice, Università Degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy.
authors: Khalid Yousif Ahmed
authors: KY
authors: Algaali
authors: CRIMEDIM - Research Centre in Emergency and Disaster Medicine and Computer Science Applied to Medical Practice, Università Degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy ; Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.
authors: Ahmadreza
authors: A
authors: Djalali
authors: CRIMEDIM - Research Centre in Emergency and Disaster Medicine and Computer Science Applied to Medical Practice, Università Degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Della Corte
authors: Sudanese Resuscitation Council , Khartoum , Sudan.
authors: Mohamed Ahmed
authors: MA
authors: Ismail
authors: CRIMEDIM - Research Centre in Emergency and Disaster Medicine and Computer Science Applied to Medical Practice, Università Degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale , Novara , Italy.
authors: Pier Lugi
authors: PL
authors: Ingrassia
keywords: disaster; education; health; medicine; postgraduate