Gun Violence as a Healthcare Issue: What Is the Responsibility of Otolaryngologists?

The healthcare community plays an active role in reducing and preventing a broad range of deleterious health effects related to many different behaviors. Many in this community believe that the same sorts of preventive measures brought to bear on behaviors such as smoking should also be brought to bear on behaviors associated with gun use resulting in injuries and death. People working within the healthcare field can engage in several proactive activities, including advocacy, to substantially add their voices to help solidify gun violence as a public health issue and a healthcare issue, by which action it is hoped that more funding and focus on the issue will improve outcomes.

Mary Beth Nierengarten is a freelance medical writer based in Minnesota.