Prepared Service

The JGD Disaster Readiness for Medical Professionals Course is an exceptionally well-structured and impactful asynchronous program for busy healthcare professionals seeking preparedness training in disaster and humanitarian response. This course stands out for its clarity, concise delivery, and methodical organization. It is deeply informative for many learners, including PAs, physicians, nurses, paramedics, and other allied health personnel. I especially loved the phone app, making the course more accessible to move through when I was travelling or otherwise away from the computer! One of the most commendable aspects of this course is the clear and concise presentation of complex topics. Whether discussing natural disasters, medical insecurity, or trauma care, the course consistently uses straightforward language, clear examples, and precise definitions that make the content easily digestible without oversimplifying critical information. Additionally, each lesson has clearly defined objectives linked to medical competencies, ensuring that learners understand the relevance of the material to their practice. Succinct modules, such as “When Disaster Strikes” or “Improvising to Meet Your Needs,” allow learners to focus on essential concepts without being overwhelmed. The course avoids information overload by prioritizing what learners truly need to know in austere and high-pressure disaster environments. The lesson sequencing is another key strength. Before introducing new material, each lesson effectively summarizes previous content, reinforcing key takeaways and ensuring that foundational knowledge is retained. This layered approach provides a solid scaffold for cumulative learning that showcases Dr. Davenport's passion for education. The transitions between sections, such as preparedness to types of disasters, to field care, and finally to leadership and safe travel, are smooth and logical, reflecting the real-world progression of disaster response work. Each topic builds upon the previous, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the full disaster response cycle. The integration of the Thinkific learning platform further enhances the course’s structure. Features such as content locking, sequential access, minimum grade requirements, and real-time learner feedback all contribute to a disciplined and engaging educational experience. These mechanisms ensure that learners do not skip vital content and remain engaged through to course completion. In terms of content, the course does an incredible job of balancing theory with practical application. Learners are not only exposed to the conceptual framework of disaster management but are also equipped with actionable skills, including constructing medical kits, assessing hazard risks, providing psychological support, or navigating international humanitarian missions. Including real-world examples, professional experiences, and global health perspectives ensures learners are prepared for diverse scenarios, whether domestic natural disasters or international medical insecurity zones. The JGD Disaster Readiness for Medical Professionals course is a well-conceived and expertly executed program that delivers critical knowledge and skills in a clear, concise, and logically progressive format. Its emphasis on clarity, strong summarization of prior lessons, and practical readiness makes it an invaluable educational tool for healthcare professionals committed to service in disaster and emergency contexts. This course fulfills educational standards and exceeds my expectations by instilling confidence and competence in those preparing to face the complexities of crisis response.

This course provides a comprehensive review of disaster, humanitarian, and global medicine and should be considered a mandatory prerequisite before any global health mission or deployment. I used this course to prep for the Fellowship exam in International Disaster Medicine (FIBODM). Eric Holden, PA, DHSc