Call for Applications: Disaster Medicine Item Writers
Applications Accepted Through Monday, November 9, 2026
The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) seeks 11 physician members interested in serving as Disaster Medicine Item Writers. Item Writers play a critical role in the development of the Disaster Medicine certification assessment program by creating and revising examination content that reflects current practice and supports high-quality assessment of candidates.
Selected individuals will begin their term on January 1, 2027. To support onboarding, they will begin participating in Disaster Medicine item-writing activities in 2026.
Applicant Criteria
- Hold current board certification from the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), the American Board of Surgery (ABS), the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM), or another Qualifying Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.*
- Be actively participating in current ABMS Board continuing certification processes.
- Meet one of the following Disaster Medicine experience pathways:
- Have held a qualifying Disaster Medicine leadership position for at least 36 months within the five years immediately preceding the application deadline; or
- Have completed a non-ACGME-accredited Disaster Medicine fellowship of at least 12 months and held a qualifying Disaster Medicine leadership position for at least 24 months within the five years immediately preceding the application deadline.
- Have experience in one or more of the following areas (examples only):
- Health System/Hospital Leadership (e.g., Chief Medical Officer for Emergency Preparedness, Health System Disaster Preparedness Consultant, System Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness, COVID-19 Response Director)
- Government and Public Health (e.g., State Health Officer, Deputy Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Medical Advisor for Disaster Policy)
- Field and Operational Teams [e.g., Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) member, Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) member, Medical Director for Disaster Response]
- Specialty-Specific Leadership Roles (e.g., Director of Emergency Medical Services, Division Chief of Trauma Anesthesiology, Director/Chief of Critical Care)
*Qualifying Boards: American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Neurological Surgery, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Board of Ophthalmology, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Pathology, American Board of Pediatrics, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and American Board of Radiology
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Drafting examination items aligned with the approved blueprint.
- Participating in item-writing workshops and training programs.
- Revising items in response to Assessment Committee review and feedback.
- Working collaboratively with assessment development staff and subject matter experts.
- Maintaining confidentiality regarding all examination content and development activities.
- Serving as a potential pipeline for future appointment to the Disaster Medicine Assessment Committee.
Time Commitment
- Approximately three virtual meetings per year (3–4 hours per meeting).
- Additional individual time needed to complete item assignments (estimated 20-30 hours annually).
- Approximately 50–60 hours total annually.
- The term will run for four years, with the possibility of reappointment to a second and final four-year term.
Applications
If you would like to be considered, apply here.
If you know of a colleague who would be interested in this role, please share this opportunity with them.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, November 9, 2026.
Related Information
Applicants are expected to comply with the following policies:
- ABEM Code of Conduct
- ABEM Code of Ethics
- Policy on Conflicts of Interest
- Policy on Confidentiality
- Policy on Participation in Examination Preparation Activities
Questions? Contact Marijo Quintana, MBA.
