Firearm Injury: Facts, Myths, and What Science Tells Us

CME/MOC: 1.0
TRACK: OEM Education and Scientific Research

Garen Wintemute, MD, MPH, University of California, Davis, CA

Gun violence is a public health issue of grave significance, yet many doctors are misinformed – e.g., “Gag Laws” prohibiting physician-patient discussion of gun issues are largely a myth. Founding director of the University of California, Davis Violence Prevention Research Program, Dr. Garen Wintemute, will discuss what peer-reviewed research shows on firearm injury, including basic epidemiology, preventive strategies, and what evidence exists for interventions such as comprehensive background checks, criteria for denial of access to firearms, etc. The session will distinguish what is based on strong evidence, what is reasonable/educated guessing, and what is unfounded, myth, or just plain wrong. It will explore promising areas for potential policy intervention and how doctors in practice might apply potential interventions in clinical settings. Come learn the facts.