EPID 555 Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness

Week 1(June 7- 13): Introduction / Biological Toxins

5:00 - 6:30 PM
Introduction to Terrorism
Dr. Walter Green, PhD
Dr. Green directs the Emergency Services Management Program at the University of Richmond. He has a 30 year background in disaster preparedness, civil defense, and emergency management as a military officer, volunteer, and state government manager.

Biological Toxins
6:30 - 7:45 PM
James Cisek, MD
During this session, we will discuss the following agents:
1. Ricin
2. Botulinum toxin

Week 2(June 14-20): Viral Agents
During week 2, we will discuss the following agents:
1. Smallpox
2. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

The discussion will be lead by Thomas Franck,MD MPH. Dr. Franck is the Central Regional Medical Consultant at the Virginia Department of Health.

Week 3(June 21-27): Bacterial Agents

During week 3, we will discuss the following agents:
1. Bacillus anthracis
2. Francisella tularensis
3. Yersinia pestis

Week 4 (June 28-July 4): Implications of Emerging Infectious Diseases for Bioterrorism Response

Week 5 (July 5-11): Public Health Aspects of Terrorism Preparedness

Tom Franck will discuss public health aspects of terrorism with a discussion on preparedness in Virginia. He will address issues related to surveillance, control measures, and the Strategic National Stockpile.

Leonard Vance will lead the discussion this week looking at legal aspects of terrorism preparedness. Leonard has a PhD in chemistry and is a lawyer and industrial hygienist.

Week 6(July 12-18): Trauma Care

During week 4, we will discuss the following:
1. Blunt Trauma / Crush
2. Blast Injuries
3. Burns

The lecture and discussion will be lead by Dr. Michael Ibutanos.  Dr. Ibutanos is a VCU trauma surgeon with an MPH and strong commitment to public health.

Week 6 (July 19-25): Chemical Agents

The lecture and discussion will be give by Scott Whitlow, MD. Scott is an emergency physician and the new medical director of the Virginia Poison Center at VCU.

During week 6, we will discuss:

1. Nerve Agents:
a. Soman
b. Sarin
c. VX
d. Organophosphates / Carbamates

2. Blister Agents:

a. Lewisite

b. Mustards

3. Cyanide

Week 7(July 26-Aug 1): 1.Prehospital Management of Chemical Agents 2. Pediatric Aspects of Terrorism Preparedness

During week 7, we will discuss the following:

1. Hazardous Materials Teams:
a. Decontamination
b. Chemical Detection Devices
c. Personal Protective Equipment

This lecture and discussion will be given by Steve DeLisi. Steve has over 20 years of experience in hazardous materials management in both the state and federal arenas.

2. Pediatric Aspects of Terrorism Preparedness

This lecture will be given by Dr. Sam  Bartle who is a pediatric emergency physician at VCU.

Week 8 (Aug 2- 8): Radiation

Week 10 (August 9): Review / Final Examination