Physicians and firearms

Firearms ownership is a cultural phenomenon unique to the United States. In the US, there are 120 guns per 100 residents with over 40% of individuals, 34% of children, living in households with guns. Unfortunately, in the US, firearms are one of the leading causes of death in young adults and children; two thirds of these deaths are suicides and one third homicides. In this course, we will explore how physicians can play an important role in preventing these injuries and deaths. Topics covered will include: The history and culture of firearms ownership in the US, The epidemiology of firearms injuries, Types of firearms, and their uses, The injuries firearms produce and their economic costs, The psychological impact of firearms injury, Public health approaches to preventing firearms injuries, Laws governing physicians and firearms, Talking to patients to prevent gun injuries: safe storage, firearms removal and hospital interventions, As an elective part of the course, we will deliver a gun shop to learn about types of guns, gun locks and storage devices