An international survey of medical school programmes on nuclear war

Many medical organizations have acknowledged the responsibility of doctors to educate health professionals and the public about the medical, social and ecological consequences of nuclear war. Medical schools have begun the development of programmes on these topics. A total of 1130 medical schools in thirty-one countries were surveyed about their presentation of nuclear-war-related subject matter. Eighty-three (49%) of the 168 schools that responded indicated that they offered an activity on medical aspects of nuclear war. Thirty-two per cent of the programmes consisted of one or more hours in an existing required course. Twelve per cent offered an elective course solely concerned with nuclear war. Although only 15% of the schools responded many of the replies indicated interest in learning more about the programmes of other schools and inquired if curriculum or teaching materials were available. Through the survey it was learned that textbooks and other learning resources have been prepared. Survey information suggests that knowledge of nuclear weapons effects is associated with a reluctance to countenance nuclear war.