On October 18, 2007, the American Academy of Disaster Medicine was also the first medical organization in history to fulfill a Presidential mandate (Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21) that called for the formal organization of disaster healthcare.
The AADM awards the degree of Fellow (FAADM) to recognize members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues, as well as in their communities, by their service to disaster medicine.
A fellow must meet a minimum accepted amount of continuing education and community service.
Most AADM members are active in academic, leadership and clinical aspects of disaster healthcare.
The AADM's purpose is to educate physicians and healthcare professionals about disaster preparation in the medical community.