The Importance of Medical Preparedness for Radiation Emergencies

The guest editors and other significant contributors of this special issue (DiCarlo, Satyamitra, Chao, Dallas, Tedesco, Hrdina, James, and Homer) have worked to publish this editorial in memory of Dr. C. Norman “ Norm ” Coleman, who passed away on March 1, 2024, are honored to have been able to work with many experts in the field of medical preparedness for a radiological or nuclear emergencies to create this supplement. This issue is the culmination of over a year ’ s work, and includes contributions from more than 100 authors, including United States Government officials, academic investigators, and representatives from industry and non-governmental organizations (both national and international), many of whom were personal and work friends of Norm. Norm was a friend and active mentor to everyone he met, and his groundbreaking work is reflected in each and every paper contained herein. At his memorial service, held April 8, 2024, at the National Academies in Washington, DC, colleagues and friends from across the spectrum, and representing all stages of his academic and government career, spoke eloquently of his many contributions, and the void that has been created by his passing. From his training at Yale, internship and residency at University of California, San Francisco, to his work at the National Cancer Institute, and on detail to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Norm ’ s legacy of excellence lives on in both the programs that he established and the people he inspired. Theintent of this work is to revisit an earlier 2011 special issue focused on radiation emergencies, in an effort to update previously discussed topics and address new ones