Scholarly Concentration in Wilderness Medicine (SCWM)

Course Coordinator: David Fiore, M.D.

The Scholarly Concentration in Wilderness Medicine certifies that the recipient has completed at least 320 hours of study (self-directed, didactic, practical/hands on) and has demonstrated a working knowledge of the principles and approaches to wilderness medicine.  This course of study provides students an experience beyond the scope of their conventional curriculum and translates personal interests and activities into scholarship.  The field of Wilderness Medicine encompasses all areas of medicine in a remote or resource limited area. This includes the human effects of extreme environments, travel and expedition medicine, disaster relief, and prepares physicians to practice in these unique environments.

UNSOM Medical Students who earn a Scholarly Concentration in Wilderness Medicine will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the common injuries and illnesses encountered in the wilderness environment;
  • Discuss the unique considerations of the treatment and logistics for providing care in austere environments;
  • Develop and practice skills to diagnosis and treat injuries and illness encountered in the wilderness environment;
  • Be prepared to plan medical support for wilderness travel;
  • Produce a scholarly work which advances an area in wilderness medicine and present the results.
Scholarly Concentration in Wilderness Medicine topics: 
  • Travel Medicine
  • Heat Illness
  • Cold injuries
  • Hypothermia
  • Cold Water Immersion
  • High Altitude
  • Lightning
  • Wilderness Trauma
  • Bites, Stings & Zoonosis
  • Mammal Attacks
  • Expedition Planning
  • Marine /Aquatic Medicine
  • The Unexpected night out
  • Search & Rescue
  • Wildland fire science
  • Ethics in Wilderness Medicine
  • Ranch and Rodeo Medicine
  • Emergency Veterinary Medicine
  • Wilderness and Travel Diarrhea
  • Children in the Wilderness
  • Chronic Diseases in the Wilderness
  • Trauma in the Wilderness
  • Pain Management in the Wilderness
  • Natural Disaster Management

Structure of the Scholarly Concentration in Wilderness Medicine program:

  • Program will have a Course Coordinator/Director who will create application, policy, longitudinal activities plan, identify mentors; supervise and implement
  • Concentration will be open to MSI.
  • Students must enroll and begin work on Wilderness Medicine Concentration by Spring Recess of year one
  • Students will work with the course coordinator to develop a plan for earning the Scholarly Concentration. Students will be responsible for logging hours and maintaining a portfolio describing topics covered, activities, self-assessments, and examining areas for growth
  • Students will meet with course coordinator at least twice annually Required 8 weeks of time (320) hours over 2 ½ -3 ½ years
  • Required attendance of both Winter and Spring Wilderness Medicine Electives (if offered)
  • Encourage attendance at a Wilderness Medical Society Conference or event.
Activities are sorted in levels I through IV, with minimum requirements for each level: 

Level I

(Learn About)

Minimum 50 hrs

Read articles or books or attend lectures, webinars, conferences related to Wilderness Medicine and prepare brief highlight reports.

Level II

(Do)

Minimum 75 hrs

Participate in activities in topic areas related to Wilderness Medicine, review the literature and apply principles to skills development.  Log activities, plans and impressions. Participation in Wilderness Medicine Student Interest Group (WMIG) is mandatory. Participate in the winter Wilderness Medicine CME. Participate in the spring Wilderness Medicine student elective during fourth year.  

Level III

(Refine)

Minimum 75 hrs

Lead activities in topic areas related to Wilderness Medicine, review the literature and apply principles to clinical exam findings, basic physiology, and development of becoming a medical resource for wilderness/adventure/outdoor organizations.

Level IV

(Demonstrate Scholarship)

Minimum 50 hrs

A scholarly project is required for completion of the SCWM.  This can consist of research, case report, book chapter, etc. Although a traditional research project is not required, it is strongly encouraged as further study of the field of wilderness medicine is greatly needed. 

 

Scholarly concentration activities (not an exhaustive list):

MSI

Starts after Spring Break;

Attend at least 70% of single day activities (lectures, hikes, etc);

Guided Reading.

MSII

Attend at least 70% of single day activities (lectures, hikes, etc);

Coordinate at least one single day activity;

Guided Reading;

At least one overnight experience;

Start working on Scholarly Project.

MSIII

Attend at least 50% of single day activities;

Submit draft of scholarly project.

MSIV

Attend at least 50% of single day activities (lectures, hikes, etc);

Teach at least one single day activity;

Guided Reading;

Attend Winter and Spring Wilderness Medicine courses (if not already done)

Complete Scholarly Project.

  

For more information or to enroll in the Scholarly Concentration in Wilderness Medicine, please contact:

David Fiore, MD, FAWM

Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine

dfiore@med.unr.edu

Arthur Islas, M.D., MPH, FAWM, CAQ-Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Fellowship Director; Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine

aislas@med.unr.edu