Expedition Medicine

What is an Expedition ? An expedition is an organised journey with a purpose Becoming big business as the “Adventure Tourism” boom continues There is a need for medics who are happy to work in remote environments

What is Expedition Medicine ? It is a branch of medicine concerned with maintaining health, physical and psychological, under the special stresses and challenges of an expedition Not just treatment of disease – almost every facet of most expeditions have health implications

What will you be expected to do? Much of the work happens before the trip leaves: –Risk Assessment, Gathering medical info about those travelling, Assembling appropriate medical kit, First Aid Training etc During the trip you are responsible for assessing and managing those who become ill or injured and arranging their evacuation if necessary You may well need to play the role of Doctor, Nurse, Counsellor and Paramedic all rolled into one

Types of Expedition May have specific objectives – e.g. conservation, education or scientific research May be simply undertaken for adventure e.g. mountaineering, diving, polar travel May be organised by commercial companies, charities, schools, universities, the armed forces Conditions are usually basic, numbers of participants vary, as does the level of support

Why get involved? Personal interest in activity or objective Challenging way/place to practise medicine A way to further yourself personally – improve decision making, communication, teamwork etc. Might look good on cv

Training and Experience Expedition Doctors can come from virtually any discipline Experience in general practice, A&E and infectious diseases are probably most relevant Various courses/conferences in Expedition Medicine e.g. ExpeMed

Does it pay well? In short, No! May pay nothing at all, usually expenses at most, and could involve you bringing your own medical kit Most Trek companies offer discounts to doctors willing to take responsibility for medical care of participants Some, but only very few organisations actually pay doctors for their services

What if it all goes Tits Up? Agreeing to be medical officer on an expedition carries legal implications Duty of care to participants, and responsible for your actions If employed by commercial organisation then they take some liability for negilgence is their responsibility Generally not covered by “Good Samaritan Act” Talk to MDU, may well need extra cover

Overall Pro’s Cheap or free way to travel The only way to visit some remote areas Challenging and rewarding way to practise medicine Break from hospital treadmill Opportunity to enhance both medical and non-medical skills Often a light workload

Overall Con’s Often Unpaid Continuous duty Can be predominantly trivial injuries Could involve coping with serious injury in remote area, with little back-up Trips are often lengthy and may adversely affect career planning Risk of litigation

Where do I sign up? NGOs e.g. Raleigh International, Trekforce Royal Geographical Society’s “Bulletin of Expedition Vacancies” For “Sponsor my holiday” style trips see Courses e.g. ExpeMed have lists of vacancies for all successful participants