Wilderness Medicine Interest Group
About
The wilderness medicine interest group (WMIG) is an organization for students interested in combining medicine and outdoor adventure. WMIG focuses on the delivery of proper health care when adequate facilities are not nearby or accessible as may be the case during many outdoor excursions (hiking, skiing, etc.). Other focuses include the education of proper safety technique and awareness during outdoor excursions in order to promote active lifestyles that are both enjoyable and safe. Students will have the option to take the wilderness medicine elective in the spring.
The wilderness medicine elective is designed to introduce students to the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical practice of wilderness medicine, and teach them the basics of caring for patients in remote environments lacking typical health care resources. The course is taught using traditional lectures, simulation activities, and multiple practical workshops, and is 10 weeks in length. A one-day wilderness excursion with integrated simulation scenarios will also be planned at the end of the course, and will provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and experience wilderness medicine for themselves.