Wilderness Medical Society

Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of healthcare, research, and education related to wilderness medicine. Wilderness medicine encompasses the practice of medicine in remote and challenging environments, including mountainous, desert, arctic, aquatic, and tropical settings. The WMS plays a pivotal role in developing guidelines, conducting research, and providing education on the prevention and management of injuries and illnesses in wilderness areas.

History

The Wilderness Medical Society was founded in 1983 by a group of physicians and other healthcare professionals who recognized the need for a specialized field of medicine that addresses the unique challenges of providing care in wilderness settings. Since its inception, the WMS has grown significantly, attracting members from various medical and outdoor backgrounds, including emergency medicine, sports medicine, military medicine, and environmental medicine.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of the WMS is to improve the health and safety of individuals in the wilderness through education, research, and advocacy. The society aims to:

• Promote and provide education on wilderness medicine to healthcare professionals and the general public.
• Encourage and support research in wilderness medicine.
• Develop and disseminate guidelines and standards for the practice of wilderness medicine.
• Advocate for policies and practices that protect the health of individuals in wilderness and remote environments.

Activities and Programs

The Wilderness Medical Society organizes a variety of activities and programs to fulfill its mission, including:

• Wilderness Medicine Conferences: The WMS hosts annual conferences that feature workshops, lectures, and hands-on training sessions led by experts in wilderness medicine.
• Wilderness Medicine Elective: An educational program designed for medical students and residents to gain practical experience in wilderness medicine.
• Wilderness Medicine Fellowship: A program that offers advanced training and certification in wilderness medicine for physicians.
• Research Grants: The WMS provides funding for research projects related to wilderness medicine.
• Publications: The society publishes the Wilderness & Environmental Medicine journal, position papers, practice guidelines, and educational materials on various aspects of wilderness medicine.

Membership

Membership in the Wilderness Medical Society is open to healthcare professionals, students, and anyone with an interest in wilderness medicine. Members receive benefits such as access to educational resources, discounts on conferences and courses, and a subscription to the Wilderness & Environmental Medicine journal.

Impact

The Wilderness Medical Society has made significant contributions to the field of wilderness medicine through its educational programs, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts. The society's guidelines and standards have helped to improve the quality and safety of medical care in wilderness settings. Additionally, the WMS has played a key role in raising awareness about the importance of wilderness medicine among healthcare professionals and the public.

See Also

• Wilderness Medicine
• Outdoor Education
• Environmental Medicine
• Adventure Therapy