Joseph F. Waeckerle is an American physician specializing in emergency and sports medicine. He directed the search and rescue efforts at the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in Kansas City, Missouri on July 17, 1981. He is currently Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine and Editor Emeritus of Annals of Emergency Medicine. He previously served as Chief Medical Officer for the Office of Homeland Security, State of Missouri and Medical Officer for the Kansas City Division of the FBI.