CHICAGO — As state leaders call for additional health care personnel reinforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Medical Association (AMA) today announced a new resource guide for physicians interested in offering their time and services to support communities severely impacted by the virus. The guide, which is presented as a curated selection of helpful health care resources from across the nation, will assist health care professionals in navigating and preparing for volunteer opportunities during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

Specifically, the continually updated platform will connect physicians with states requesting volunteer medical personnel, providing information on licensure requirements and registration. The tool is the first national resource of its kind.

"Amid widespread concern over the potential for health care workforce shortages during the COVID-19 crisis, physicians are being asked to help mitigate the strain being put upon the U.S. health care system,” said AMA President Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A. “This new AMA guide will be a one-stop resource for physicians who want to help impacted communities across the country. With up-to-date information just a click away, frontline physicians and health care workers will have what they need to tackle the challenges of COVID-19.”  

In addition, the guide provides resources for state agencies and institutions, including information on emergency credentialing services and details on organizations that identify and match volunteer physicians. The AMA will continue to supply all physicians with comprehensive guidance needed for patient care as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, available on the AMA COVID-19 Resource Center.