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OEM physicians have long played a critical and dual role in emergency preparedness and response. Today’s OEM physician’s responsibilities have evolved from providing direct clinical care for victims of occupational disasters to a longstanding involvement in disaster planning and workforce protection from disease and injury. The role includes integration with community‐, state‐, and federal based emergency preparedness and response systems, not only for the sake of particular workplaces, but for the community at large, and for both the welfare of workers and the importance to the community of the workplace’s role in society’s functions.