Medical students

Getting involved

Make connections with University groups and field professionals.

• Come to Explore: the annual expedition and fieldwork planning seminar for advice and inspiration from field experts

• Attend the annual National Student Wilderness Medicine UK (SWMUK) Conference. Visit their facebook page to find out more

• Join your local university Wilderness Medical Society or Exploration Society, or consider setting up your own

Gaining skills

Gain specialist medical knowledge, but remember it is just as important to be a proficient expedition member.

• There are a range of expedition medicine courses which are tailored specifically for healthcare professionals

• Consider applying to be an intern, to get a subsidised course place

• Did you know that these courses can often count towards a Student Selected Module (SSM)

• Develop a deeper understanding of specialist topics with short courses for medical specialisms.

• Intercalate in a related field eg. a Bsc in Human Physiology in extreme environments, disaster response or global health. - Intercalate as part of your studies 

• Depending on the environment in which you wish to work consider gaining qualifications such as the Summer Mountain Leader Award or participate in a subsidised winter skills course.

• Visit the RGS-IBG Events Calendar for a list of upcoming lectures and courses. Why not add off-road driving to your current skill set?

Gaining experience

Make the most of your holidays and time allocated for Electives and SSM’s.

• From providing medical care in a high altitude medical post to working at NASA there is a range of established extreme elective opportunities to suit everyone! Don’t be afraid to make contacts of your own and create something new - Elective opportunities for medical students

• Search the RGS-IBG Expedition Database using search terms ‘medical’ or ‘health’ for ideas and organise your own research project

• There are plenty of opportunities to join other expeditions - don't just consider medical posts. Browse the RGS-IBG 'Joining an Expedition' pages for some ideas and information on funding available

• Remember that prehospital skills are often transferable. Consider a placement with the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service or Search and Rescue

• There are also always opportunities to assist with the provision of medical cover at events and endurance races - Opportunities to assist at events

Finally, if you are still unsure where to start contact go@rgs.org.