Winter Wilderness Medicine Elective and CME Course

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Dr. Fiore, a backcountry ski enthusiast, first led a very informal Winter Backcountry Ski Campout in 2000. On that trip Dr. Fiore, a University Endocrinologist and two residents snow camped in the Mt. Rose wilderness, enjoying a spectacular full moon. The next year Dr. Fiore and some residents hiked or skied to the recently built Sierra Club Bradley Hut and still reminisce about the young Dr. Williams' (second year resident and now Program Director) monologue (harangue of Dr. Fiore) on the way in. When students heard about this trip there was a sudden demand for a similar experience to open to them and thus began the Winter Wilderness Medicine Elective

In 2005 we moved to the Sierra Club's very rustic Peter Grubb Hut near Donner Summit and opened up the course to physicians looking for CME credit. A slide show of that trip is posted here.

A slide show of the 2006 trip is posted here.

In 2007 the trip was upgraded to the comforts of the Lost Trail Lodge. Participants are still required to hike or ski in on their own power for the mostly flat 3.9 miles from the trailhead. Once at Lost Trail however, the accommodations are luxurious and allow all the participants to focus on the topics to be discussed. And perhaps to enjoy the amazing terrain and delicious food as well! Pictures from the 2007 trip to Lost Trail Lodge can be found here.

A slide show of the 2008 trip is posted here.

Building on the enthusiastic response from practicing physicians, residents and students we've continued to improve and expand the course each year.

Topics that are covered in the Winter Wilderness Medicine Course include:
- Preparation for Foreign Travel
- Hypothermia
- Frostbite
- Wilderness Medicine Kits
- Pregnancy and Wilderness Activities
- Children in the Wilderness
- Expedition Medicine
- Avalanche Safety
- Survival Tips and Tricks for Winter Wilderness Travel
- Ski and Snowboard Injuries
- Ethical Considerations in Wilderness Medicine