Remote Medicine posts and latest course news
![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The International Porter Protection Group urgently require a volunteer doctor, ideally experienced in altitude and remote environment medicine, to work at their rescue post at Machermo, at 4400 m in the Gokyo Valley of Nepal during the Spring season, March to April, 2012.
This has arisen following the late withdrawal of a volunteer. This post offers the rare opportunity to live and work for up to 2 months in a Sherpa community providing emergency care to locals, porters and trekkers as part of team of 2 other Western doctors and local staff. For further details, please contact Dr. Nick Mason at: npmason@doctors.org.uk
To celebrate 5000 friends we are offering a further 20% off the already discounted passes to our iconic Extreme Medicine Conference coming up in April.
The offer is limited to the first 10 applicants and ends in 48 hours.
The Extreme Medicine Conference open to anybody with an interest in ‘Medicine on the Edge’ and features some of the world’s leading speakers!
Visit Expedition & Wilderness Medicines Facebook page and ‘like’ to find out more details…
* applies to all 4 day passes.
Calling all extreme medical students!
As part of a new year treat, we are setting aside 50 tickets with a 20% discount for 1 day, 2 day, 3 day or 4 day packages for the World Extreme Medicine Conference at the Royal Society of Medicine, April 15-18. You have to be a medical student and member of your university wilderness medical society (or equivalent).
If you are interested in purchasing these tickets at the discounted rate, you need to email me at uni-liaison@expeditonmedicine.co.uk and I will give you the discount code.
Remember – only the first 50 tickets!
Best wishes,
Nick
University Liaison for Expedition & Wilderness Medicine
“Just when you’re at your lowest…another wave hits you”
Team Indian Ocean 3100
In April 2011, a 4 man team set out to row 3,100 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean. 75 days, 11 hours and 40minutes after departing from Geraldton, Western Australia in their 29 foot ocean rowing boat named ‘Indian Runner 4’ they completed their epic expedition and arrived in Mauritius.
On completion, Team Indian Ocean 3100 became the first 4 man crew to row completely unsupported across the Indian Ocean. In the event of equipment failure, extreme weather or medical emergency, they would have been entirely on their own with potentially fatal consequence. A simple scientific research programme was set up with the team. Before, during and after the row, they performed physiological and cognitive tests to highlight some of the challenges that the human body and mind encounters when pushed to extremes.
This is a story for anyone who enjoys an eclectic mix of adventure, science and medicine. It is not a detailed story charting scientific rigor but rather about sharing passion and a reminder that there are still a few last bastions of science and medicine when exploring the human body in the extremes.
Expedition Facts |
|
Aims of this Article
(1) Share an adventure in which the human body and mind is exposed to the extremes
(2) Illustrate how scientific application to training and nutrition can support performance
(3) Illustrate a unique situation to perform research
(4) Provide a case study of medical care far beyond traditional primary and secondary care
Team Indian Ocean 3100: Summary |
|
Training and Nutrition
This expedition was a race against diminished returns. Now, although deterioration of the body and mind is inevitable when rowing non-stop 3,100 nautical miles, the rate of deterioration will be a key factor as to how efficiently this is achieved. This was the mantra for the nutrition plan and training – delaying the inevitable.
The crew took part in a 10 month training plan leading up to the row. Although impossible to train to row 3,100 miles, you can prepare body and mind. Both the monthly macro-schedule and daily micro-schedule were designed to progressively develop the 3 core pillars of their training: (1) rowing-specific aerobic fitness (2) rowing-specific core abdominal and lower back strength (3) efficient rowing technique. Individual training sessions were combined with fortnightly crew training sessions. Mental preparation was essential and monthly meetings were held to voice concerns, disagreements and perceptions of progress. The aim of this was for crew members to clear any underlying problems now and not in a tiny 29 foot rowing boat!
To maintain optimal performance rowing, the crew’s bodies needed to maintain a positive energy balance. The crew consumed a mix of freeze dried and ‘wet’ foods, along with dry snacks, fresh water (from a desalinator pump) and protein recovery drinks – adding up to over 6,400 calories daily. This diet began one week prior to row to ensure their gastrointestinal system was amenable to the foods.
Key Diet and Training Facts |
|
Life On-board
The crew rowed as pairs in 2 hour shifts between 0700 and 2200, after which they rowed in 3 hour shifts until 0700 the next morning. During the daytime, when not rowing the crew had to clean and repair kit, cook food (for themselves and the pair rowing), check weather reports or even try a little fishing. At night, they would try and sleep when not rowing. This was not an easy task and the crew never got more than 2 hours continuous sleep once changing out of wet rowing gear, eating food and completing the never-ending ‘odd jobs’, were factored in. It was an endless, sleep-deprived row. Toileting was confined to a bucket that was used behind the rear rower and any waste tipped overboard. Sometimes a simple process, other times not so, especially if the bucket (and rower on it) gets knocked off by ever-present freak waves.
As days turned into weeks, the salt water and irritable ocean swell kept the crew permanently damp and with the relentless sores developing on hands and buttocks from endless rowing shifts, crew moral would wax and wane with the swell. The crew reported days of laughter, tears, arguments and silence. It truly was a journey that stretched them as much mentally as it did physically.
Crew Highlights |
|
Physiological Research
The aim was to monitor changes in simple measures of human physiology. The nature of the tests had to be simple and portable because of the cramped, challenging conditions of the Indian Runner 4 where the tests were performed. The table below provides a summary of the tests, equipment and outcome:
Test | Parameter measured | Time-points tested | Crew av. change |
Digital scales | Body weight | Pre and post row | ↓ 8% (7.1Kg) |
Skin calipers | Body fat | Pre, weekly during, post row | Abandoned |
Tape measure | Waist circumference | Pre, weekly during, post row | ↓5% (1.9”) |
Body Mass Index | BMI | Pre and post row | ↓ 8% |
Hand dynamometer | Forearm grip strength | Pre, weekly during, post row | ↓46% |
Heart rate monitor | Heart rate | Rowing vs. non-rowing | 20bpm difference |
Fluid intake/urine output | Fluid balance | Pre, weekly during, post row | Abandoned |
Urine dipstick | Urinalysis | Pre, weekly during, post row | Abandoned |
Camera | Physical change | Pre, weekly during, post row | Significant change |
Given the huge energy demands that rowing the Indian Ocean required, the results are unsurprising and there were significant declines in body weight, waist size and BMI. Grip strength was significantly affected. However it is unclear if this was related to muscular fatigue or chronic joint and muscle stiffness that developed in their hands (2 crew member received hand physiotherapy months after). A number of tests were also abandoned because of the challenges in measuring whilst in the Indian Ocean. In particular skin-calliper measures showed too much variation to be accurate. Although one crew member managed to perform urinalysis (showing blood++ and probably resulting from the extreme exercise) it was not adhered to by the crew. This was the same for measuring fluid intake and urine output.
With hindsight, if planning expedition-based research, we have to remember that a lab on land is very different from a moving, cramped, dark lab! The tests need to remove as much human error as possible. One way is to use digital equipment that automatically stores the results. Furthermore, a simple test on land is not necessarily a simple test in an extreme environment. Skin calipers, for example, could be replaced with bioelectrical-impedance monitoring to measure body fat.
With Team Indian Ocean 3100, research was self-funded by the team and myself as the Team Research Coordinator and Trainer. With larger financial backing, the opportunity for testing is huge. Future tests could include electrolytes (point of care finger-prick tests); body temperature (remote pill for core temperature, and thermodots for skin), heart rate and oxygen saturation (Saturation probe) and energy expenditure (radiolabelled isotopes).
Cognitive Research
The aim of the cognitive tests was to observe how the crew coped over this extraordinary expedition. To do this, Team Indian Ocean 3100 collaborated with the world leaders in laptop-based neuropsychological assessments, Cambridge Cognition. Using CANTAB technology, consisting of computerised touch-screen tasks, the crew completed CANTAB over a period of 13 weeks, including before and after the event. The aim was to model the time-course of brain performance; in preparation for the event, during the race as fatigue sets in, and also during recovery.
CANTAB technology measuring aspects of brain activity like memory, attention, problem solving and decision-making has been used in pharmaceutical trials worldwide. However, CANTAB has never been used to analyse how the brain copes with long-distance endurance events. With this in mind, Scientist, Julia Noble, from Cambridge Cognition describes how the data collected from Team Indian Ocean 3100 will be used: “We hope that the information we gain will be of use in other sports and endurance events, by enabling us to have unique insight into how the brain reacts under these circumstances. Therefore, hopefully in the future, strategies can be developed to combat any decline in brain function, and improve overall performance.”
The crew managed to complete all the testing and this data is currently being analysed by Cambridge Cognition. Early indications are that the data shows significant deteriorations in cognitive performance. On self-reflection, the crew are not surprised to hear this!
Medical Issues on Indian Runner 4
Before departure the crew attended an intensive ocean-specific advanced medical course. This covered medical skills from wound and burns management and suturing to administering intra-venous antibiotics and urinary catheterisation. An extensive medical kit was also on-board.
Given the melting-pot of irritants including continuous, repetitive rowing, damp conditions and salt water, the crew developed a number of dermatological conditions. These ranged from simple painful blisters to more excruciating boils that dominated hands, buttocks and the inner thighs. Typically these were managed with padding and anti-inflammatories – although none truly healed during the row since the crew never stopped rowing.
Musculoskeletal problems developed as the race progressed. Simple mechanical back pain troubled the crew. In the severest case, one member (whether rowing or not) had a hyper-flexed spine. This later required physiotherapy after the row.
Claw hand in which the fingers cannot be extended out of a flexed position (e.g. gripping a rowing oar) was a common problem on the boat. This was likely to be combination of joint stiffness and possible ulnar nerve compression. The crew found that before beginning a rowing shift, at least 10 minutes of hand warming and self-administered forced finger extension was required. Again, one crew member required 2 months physiotherapy after the row to regain full function.
With the skin’s physical barrier breaking down, infection was a present risk. One crew member did develop an aggressive peri-anal fungal infection. This was treated effectively with anti-fungal medication and pain-relief drugs. An unpleasant side-effect of pain relief taken that was higher up the WHO analgesic ladder included constipation and sedation. Although the crew persisted through this (although considering a ‘manual finger’ faecal evacuation at one critical stage), it is important to remember that causal effects of medications offered in an expedition environment and the effect on performance. Thankfully no catheterisation took place….
Examples of medical kit taken |
|
Relevance to Expeditions
In mainstream sport and endurance events we apply scientific rigor and medical attention in pursuit of true optimal performance. I question whether we apply a similar rigor to expeditions and remote pursuits which are to my mind merely an extension of mainstream sports? Expeditioners may not always look like natural athletes but nonetheless if they are looking to break a record or summit a mountain in the most efficient way then why not inject more science and medicine into their preparations and management. A ‘one-size fits all’ approach to performance in the extremes does not work. It must be tailored.
Medicine is as much about knowledge, skill and resources as it is about environment. In the developed world that environment is not necessarily the challenging factor. In the middle of an ocean, at 5000m up a mountain or in the heart of the jungle, is does become the challenging factor. It is clear from previous articles in the Student BMJ too (“The Back of Beyond” Sept 2010 Student BMJ) that this is becoming a sought after challenge.
Ultimately, if we want to continue to pursue new limits and daringly push boundaries when it seems that there is no more to give, let science and medicine step in and act as the catalyst to push us to find that new limit. Personally I find this a very exciting prospect.
Summary
This was the story of Team Indian Ocean 3100 and their experiences of salt, sores and science as they tackled Indian Ocean in a tiny rowing boat. There were 4 aims in writing this. The first was to share a glimpse of the adventure of Team Indian Ocean 3100 as they became the first 4 man crew to row unsupported across the Indian Ocean. The second was to show how even in an unpredictable extreme environment, science and nutrition can be applied to help maximise and maintain physical and mental performance. Thirdly, research doesn’t have to be dull! There are plenty of opportunities to explore human physiology and medical provision in challenging environments for example. If
you can’t find them then consider creating them as I tried, albeit on a small scale. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this article might have got you thinking outside the box when it comes to medical care and that a career in medicine can open up many exciting adventures beyond the traditional.
Perhaps as we to continue to examine how the human body and mind are pushed to the limits that ‘Expedition Science and Medicine’ may become a new frontier in performance.
For Further Information |
|
For more information feel free to contact me at uni-liaison@expeditionmedicine.co.k.
Cheers,
Nick
Of interest – Extreme Medicine Conference, London
“Just when you’re at your lowest…another wave hits you”
Team Indian Ocean 3100
In April 2011, a 4 man team set out to row 3,100 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean. 75 days, 11 hours and 40minutes after departing from Geraldton, Western Australia in their 29 foot ocean rowing boat named ‘Indian Runner 4’ they completed their epic expedition and arrived in Mauritius.
On completion, Team Indian Ocean 3100 became the first 4 man crew to row completely unsupported across the Indian Ocean. In the event of equipment failure, extreme weather or medical emergency, they would have been entirely on their own with potentially fatal consequence. A simple scientific research programme was set up with the team. Before, during and after the row, they performed physiological and cognitive tests to highlight some of the challenges that the human body and mind encounters when pushed to extremes.
This is a story for anyone who enjoys an eclectic mix of adventure, science and medicine. It is not a detailed story charting scientific rigor but rather about sharing passion and a reminder that there are still a few last bastions of science and medicine when exploring the human body in the extremes.
Expedition Facts |
|
Aims of this Article
(1) Share an adventure in which the human body and mind is exposed to the extremes
(2) Illustrate how scientific application to training and nutrition can support performance
(3) Illustrate a unique situation to perform research
(4) Provide a case study of medical care far beyond traditional primary and secondary care
Team Indian Ocean 3100: Summary |
|
Training and Nutrition
This expedition was a race against diminished returns. Now, although deterioration of the body and mind is inevitable when rowing non-stop 3,100 nautical miles, the rate of deterioration will be a key factor as to how efficiently this is achieved. This was the mantra for the nutrition plan and training – delaying the inevitable.
The crew took part in a 10 month training plan leading up to the row. Although impossible to train to row 3,100 miles, you can prepare body and mind. Both the monthly macro-schedule and daily micro-schedule were designed to progressively develop the 3 core pillars of their training: (1) rowing-specific aerobic fitness (2) rowing-specific core abdominal and lower back strength (3) efficient rowing technique. Individual training sessions were combined with fortnightly crew training sessions. Mental preparation was essential and monthly meetings were held to voice concerns, disagreements and perceptions of progress. The aim of this was for crew members to clear any underlying problems now and not in a tiny 29 foot rowing boat!
To maintain optimal performance rowing, the crew’s bodies needed to maintain a positive energy balance. The crew consumed a mix of freeze dried and ‘wet’ foods, along with dry snacks, fresh water (from a desalinator pump) and protein recovery drinks – adding up to over 6,400 calories daily. This diet began one week prior to row to ensure their gastrointestinal system was amenable to the foods.
Key Diet and Training Facts |
|
Life On-board
The crew rowed as pairs in 2 hour shifts between 0700 and 2200, after which they rowed in 3 hour shifts until 0700 the next morning. During the daytime, when not rowing the crew had to clean and repair kit, cook food (for themselves and the pair rowing), check weather reports or even try a little fishing. At night, they would try and sleep when not rowing. This was not an easy task and the crew never got more than 2 hours continuous sleep once changing out of wet rowing gear, eating food and completing the never-ending ‘odd jobs’, were factored in. It was an endless, sleep-deprived row. Toileting was confined to a bucket that was used behind the rear rower and any waste tipped overboard. Sometimes a simple process, other times not so, especially if the bucket (and rower on it) gets knocked off by ever-present freak waves.
As days turned into weeks, the salt water and irritable ocean swell kept the crew permanently damp and with the relentless sores developing on hands and buttocks from endless rowing shifts, crew moral would wax and wane with the swell. The crew reported days of laughter, tears, arguments and silence. It truly was a journey that stretched them as much mentally as it did physically.
Crew Highlights |
|
Physiological Research
The aim was to monitor changes in simple measures of human physiology. The nature of the tests had to be simple and portable because of the cramped, challenging conditions of the Indian Runner 4 where the tests were performed. The table below provides a summary of the tests, equipment and outcome:
Test | Parameter measured | Time-points tested | Crew av. change |
Digital scales | Body weight | Pre and post row | ↓ 8% (7.1Kg) |
Skin calipers | Body fat | Pre, weekly during, post row | Abandoned |
Tape measure | Waist circumference | Pre, weekly during, post row | ↓5% (1.9”) |
Body Mass Index | BMI | Pre and post row | ↓ 8% |
Hand dynamometer | Forearm grip strength | Pre, weekly during, post row | ↓46% |
Heart rate monitor | Heart rate | Rowing vs. non-rowing | 20bpm difference |
Fluid intake/urine output | Fluid balance | Pre, weekly during, post row | Abandoned |
Urine dipstick | Urinalysis | Pre, weekly during, post row | Abandoned |
Camera | Physical change | Pre, weekly during, post row | Significant change |
Given the huge energy demands that rowing the Indian Ocean required, the results are unsurprising and there were significant declines in body weight, waist size and BMI. Grip strength was significantly affected. However it is unclear if this was related to muscular fatigue or chronic joint and muscle stiffness that developed in their hands (2 crew member received hand physiotherapy months after). A number of tests were also abandoned because of the challenges in measuring whilst in the Indian Ocean. In particular skin-calliper measures showed too much variation to be accurate. Although one crew member managed to perform urinalysis (showing blood++ and probably resulting from the extreme exercise) it was not adhered to by the crew. This was the same for measuring fluid intake and urine output.
With hindsight, if planning expedition-based research, we have to remember that a lab on land is very different from a moving, cramped, dark lab! The tests need to remove as much human error as possible. One way is to use digital equipment that automatically stores the results. Furthermore, a simple test on land is not necessarily a simple test in an extreme environment. Skin calipers, for example, could be replaced with bioelectrical-impedance monitoring to measure body fat.
With Team Indian Ocean 3100, research was self-funded by the team and myself as the Team Research Coordinator and Trainer. With larger financial backing, the opportunity for testing is huge. Future tests could include electrolytes (point of care finger-prick tests); body temperature (remote pill for core temperature, and thermodots for skin), heart rate and oxygen saturation (Saturation probe) and energy expenditure (radiolabelled isotopes).
Cognitive Research
The aim of the cognitive tests was to observe how the crew coped over this extraordinary expedition. To do this, Team Indian Ocean 3100 collaborated with the world leaders in laptop-based neuropsychological assessments, Cambridge Cognition. Using CANTAB technology, consisting of computerised touch-screen tasks, the crew completed CANTAB over a period of 13 weeks, including before and after the event. The aim was to model the time-course of brain performance; in preparation for the event, during the race as fatigue sets in, and also during recovery.
CANTAB technology measuring aspects of brain activity like memory, attention, problem solving and decision-making has been used in pharmaceutical trials worldwide. However, CANTAB has never been used to analyse how the brain copes with long-distance endurance events. With this in mind, Scientist, Julia Noble, from Cambridge Cognition describes how the data collected from Team Indian Ocean 3100 will be used: “We hope that the information we gain will be of use in other sports and endurance events, by enabling us to have unique insight into how the brain reacts under these circumstances. Therefore, hopefully in the future, strategies can be developed to combat any decline in brain function, and improve overall performance.”
The crew managed to complete all the testing and this data is currently being analysed by Cambridge Cognition. Early indications are that the data shows significant deteriorations in cognitive performance. On self-reflection, the crew are not surprised to hear this!
Medical Issues on Indian Runner 4
Before departure the crew attended an intensive ocean-specific advanced medical course. This covered medical skills from wound and burns management and suturing to administering intra-venous antibiotics and urinary catheterisation. An extensive medical kit was also on-board.
Given the melting-pot of irritants including continuous, repetitive rowing, damp conditions and salt water, the crew developed a number of dermatological conditions. These ranged from simple painful blisters to more excruciating boils that dominated hands, buttocks and the inner thighs. Typically these were managed with padding and anti-inflammatories – although none truly healed during the row since the crew never stopped rowing.
Musculoskeletal problems developed as the race progressed. Simple mechanical back pain troubled the crew. In the severest case, one member (whether rowing or not) had a hyper-flexed spine. This later required physiotherapy after the row.
Claw hand in which the fingers cannot be extended out of a flexed position (e.g. gripping a rowing oar) was a common problem on the boat. This was likely to be combination of joint stiffness and possible ulnar nerve compression. The crew found that before beginning a rowing shift, at least 10 minutes of hand warming and self-administered forced finger extension was required. Again, one crew member required 2 months physiotherapy after the row to regain full function.
With the skin’s physical barrier breaking down, infection was a present risk. One crew member did develop an aggressive peri-anal fungal infection. This was treated effectively with anti-fungal medication and pain-relief drugs. An unpleasant side-effect of pain relief taken that was higher up the WHO analgesic ladder included constipation and sedation. Although the crew persisted through this (although considering a ‘manual finger’ faecal evacuation at one critical stage), it is important to remember that causal effects of medications offered in an expedition environment and the effect on performance. Thankfully no catheterisation took place….
Examples of medical kit taken |
|
Relevance to Expeditions
In mainstream sport and endurance events we apply scientific rigor and medical attention in pursuit of true optimal performance. I question whether we apply a similar rigor to expeditions and remote pursuits which are to my mind merely an extension of mainstream sports? Expeditioners may not always look like natural athletes but nonetheless if they are looking to break a record or summit a mountain in the most efficient way then why not inject more science and medicine into their preparations and management. A ‘one-size fits all’ approach to performance in the extremes does not work. It must be tailored.
Medicine is as much about knowledge, skill and resources as it is about environment. In the developed world that environment is not necessarily the challenging factor. In the middle of an ocean, at 5000m up a mountain or in the heart of the jungle, is does become the challenging factor. It is clear from previous articles in the Student BMJ too (“The Back of Beyond” Sept 2010 Student BMJ) that this is becoming a sought after challenge.
Ultimately, if we want to continue to pursue new limits and daringly push boundaries when it seems that there is no more to give, let science and medicine step in and act as the catalyst to push us to find that new limit. Personally I find this a very exciting prospect.
Summary
This was the story of Team Indian Ocean 3100 and their experiences of salt, sores and science as they tackled Indian Ocean in a tiny rowing boat. There were 4 aims in writing this. The first was to share a glimpse of the adventure of Team Indian Ocean 3100 as they became the first 4 man crew to row unsupported across the Indian Ocean. The second was to show how even in an unpredictable extreme environment, science and nutrition can be applied to help maximise and maintain physical and mental performance. Thirdly, research doesn’t have to be dull! There are plenty of opportunities to explore human physiology and medical provision in challenging environments for example. If
you can’t find them then consider creating them as I tried, albeit on a small scale. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this article might have got you thinking outside the box when it comes to medical care and that a career in medicine can open up many exciting adventures beyond the traditional.
Perhaps as we to continue to examine how the human body and mind are pushed to the limits that ‘Expedition Science and Medicine’ may become a new frontier in performance.
For Further Information |
|
For more information feel free to contact me at uni-liaison@expeditionmedicine.co.k.
Cheers,
Nick
Of interest – Extreme Medicine Conference, London
Climber and professional adventurer Jerry Gore, a past guest lecturer on the UK Expedition & Wilderness Medicine Course is set to take a new record breaking challenge
Within 12 months Jerry is looking to climb Lhotse an 8000m peak in the himalayas, climb mixed M8 in winter and F8a on rock, whilst coping with the demands of being diabetic
This is the opening 3 minute short to start the ball rolling….
Super Eight from lanterne rouge on Vimeo.
About; Jerry Gore crossed the Iceland Icecap in 1977 when he was 16, summitted Mont Blanc at 17 and climbed a 7000-meter giant Manaslu North in the Himalayas at 22. After leaving school he worked as the Mountain Co-ordinator for the Alberta Province, the aim of which was to climb the 75 classic peaks of the Alberta Rockies. Following this he undertook a Short Service Commission in the Royal Marines, during which he spent three winters developing major ice climbing areas in Arctic Norway, as well as succeeding on military expeditions to the Nepalese and Indian Himalaya. He was awarded the Commandant General’s personal commendation – the most outstanding Royal Marine – in 1984 for his rescue of Norwegian civilians.
He has climbed abroad on an expedition every year since 1977 including remote mountain ranges in the Alps, the Himalaya, South and North America, and Patagonia. But his enduring passion is for Big Walls, sheer rock walls over 1000m. in vertical height.
Of interest The Extreme Medicine Conference, London 2012
![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
“Taking Medical Students to Extremes”
Firstly thank you to all of you who applied to the March 2012 Expedition & Wilderness Medicine internship. We a huge amount of interest and all were strong candidates from a large number of UK and overseas universities with a fantastic mix of experiences and skills. It is hugely encouraging to see that so many medical students are developing their skills early and are well on their way to be the expedition medics of the future!
Now for the selected intern….
I am thrilled to announce that Marita Flotre has been selected by the EWM team to be the intern for Expedition & Wilderness Medicine’s UK Course in Keswick, Cumbria (5 March 2012 to 8 March 2012). Marita is a 3rd year medical student at the University of Bergen in Norway who caught the Expedition & Wilderness Medicine Team’s attention with a clear passion for the outdoors and medicine.
Marita will join the Expedition & Wilderness Medicine Team in Keswick as an ‘intern’ and be a member of the faculty over the 4 days having the opportunity to:
– attend the UK course as a faculty-assistant
– have the opportunity to attend all the lecture talks
– if not assisting faculty in a practical session, be able to observe other practical sessions
– be part of the faculty team in the final Search & Rescue exercise
– meet the lecturers and faculty behind the scenes and be one of the team
For those of you reading this and thinking you would like a go! We encourage you to submit your entries for the April 2012 Conference competition (the closing date for this is on Thursday February 2nd 2012) and May 2012 UK Course competition (closing date Monday 5th March 2012.
We look forward to sharing Marita’s thoughts on her intern experience with you after the course and I am sure you will all join us in congratulating her!
Nick Knight
University Liaison for Expedition & Wilderness Medicine
Of interest – Extreme Medicine Conference, London
“Taking Medical Students to Extremes”
Firstly thank you to all of you who applied to the March 2012 Expedition & Wilderness Medicine internship. We a huge amount of interest and all were strong candidates from a large number of UK and overseas universities with a fantastic mix of experiences and skills. It is hugely encouraging to see that so many medical students are developing their skills early and are well on their way to be the expedition medics of the future!
Now for the selected intern….
I am thrilled to announce that Marita Flotre has been selected by the EWM team to be the intern for Expedition & Wilderness Medicine’s UK Course in Keswick, Cumbria (5 March 2012 to 8 March 2012). Marita is a 3rd year medical student at the University of Bergen in Norway who caught the Expedition & Wilderness Medicine Team’s attention with a clear passion for the outdoors and medicine.
Marita will join the Expedition & Wilderness Medicine Team in Keswick as an ‘intern’ and be a member of the faculty over the 4 days having the opportunity to:
– attend the UK course as a faculty-assistant
– have the opportunity to attend all the lecture talks
– if not assisting faculty in a practical session, be able to observe other practical sessions
– be part of the faculty team in the final Search & Rescue exercise
– meet the lecturers and faculty behind the scenes and be one of the team
For those of you reading this and thinking you would like a go! We encourage you to submit your entries for the April 2012 Conference competition (the closing date for this is on Thursday February 2nd 2012) and May 2012 UK Course competition (closing date Monday 5th March 2012.
We look forward to sharing Marita’s thoughts on her intern experience with you after the course and I am sure you will all join us in congratulating her!
Nick Knight
University Liaison for Expedition & Wilderness Medicine
Of interest – Extreme Medicine Conference, London
Calling all medical students!
So far we have had abstract entries ranging from divers in the North Sea, a kayaker in distress, fracture management in the Alps to carbon monoxide poisoning at high altitude, and mass burns casualties on an ocean-liner!
The deadline for entries has been extended to the end of February so we invite you to submit your abstracts to Expedition Medicine’s University Liaison Nick Knight to have a chance to come and present your poster at the World Extreme Medicine Conference 2012 at the Royal Society of Medicine this April 15th-18th .
To recap:
The abstract should be no longer than 350 words long and outline a real or fictional medical emergency in a remote or pre-hospital environment. These may include:
To submit your entry for the “Taking Medicine to The Extremes” poster presentation please email Dr Nicholas Knight at: uni-liaison@expeditionmedicine.co.uk with the following:
For FULL details of how to submit please click on the link below:
http://www.extrememedicineexpo.com/index.php/information/student_poster_presentation.html
We look forward to hearing from you and wish you all a very happy new year!
would this make you the worlds most remote medic?
ISLAND DOCTOR(S) required for Tristan da Cunha starting May 2012
Requirements: Self-sufficient Doctor(s) with proven experience of Primary Care, General Surgery, Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, and working in a remote environment. Full registration with the UK General Medical Council (GMC) or similar recognised Medical Board required.
Salary: Attractive package available including free accommodation and travel. Salary negotiable dependant on experience and qualifications
Duration: 1 year post However consideration will also be given to appointing a small team of suitably qualified doctors to provide the service on a rotational basis for periods of 4-6 months each over a period of 3-5 years.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 16th December 2011 First round of interviews: January 2012
For full details or to apply: Email: fmilligan@nico.org.uk Work on the most remote inhabited island in the world… For more information about life on Tristan da Cunha visit: www.tristandc.com
We love the style of this video released by the British Heart Foundation and ex footballer Vinnie Jones frankly given guidelines…