Two Options to Volunteer in Case Of Emergency

PHILADELPHIA — Two government-affiliated programs provide a way for physicians and other health care professionals to serve as volunteers in the event of a national, regional, or local emergency, Dr. Anand K. Parekh said at the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians.

The Medical Reserve Corps (www.medicalreservecorps.gov

The Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (www.hrsa.gov/esarvhp

The MRC is an option for those who want to become actively involved in volunteer services by receiving training in advance. The ESAR-VHP, on the other hand, functions more as a reserve unit.