WLS: MP is designed for medical professionals of all levels (MD, EMT, PA, NP, RN, DO, etc) who have an interest in expanding their knowledge of wilderness medicine pathology and enhancing their practical skills in a wilderness environment. WLS: MP courses are designed for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, from the casual day hike to the extended expedition.
Our hybrid format covers materials otherwise taught in lecture format, using an innovative learning platform designed to learn along with the user. Instead of reading PowerPoint slides, students will engage in online modules that give feedback, test understanding, and increase long-term retention. As a result, students will arrive to the in-person portion of the class better prepared, allowing for focus on the application of the material covered.
During this online and 5 day in-person course, students will learn the latest wilderness medicine skills for patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evacuation. Our expert instructors employ a wide scope of teaching methods, balancing online didactic lectures with practical, hands-on skills and scenarios. Emphasis is placed not just on the materials learned, but the critical decision-making skills surrounding effective backcountry medical management.
Upon course completion, students will earn the WLS:MP certification, valid four years, and be eligible for up to 24.25 hours of Category 1 CME and Wilderness Medical Society Fellowship (FAWM) credit.
For more information and a course guide, click here.
This course will be held at the scenic Downing Mountain Lodge, which is nestled away in the Bitterroot National Forest. The lodge is located on a ridge two thousand vertical feet above the Bitterroot Valley and still three thousand feet shy of the airy, snow-drenched summits. The lodge does have wifi and cell service.
The course price includes accommodations. Single rooms are not available and students will be sleeping on mattresses in large lofts and shared rooms. Participants should bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch supplies will be provided and students will pack their lunch for a day out of the lodge.
Per the Downing Mountain Lodge, in the winter, from the end of the plowed road at switchback 11, it is a mile and a half and 700’ vertical ski continuing along the roadway to the lodge. In the winter season, please arrive no earlier at parking than 12:30 p.m. to allow safe departure for outbound groups and to reduce cross-traffic hazards on mountain roadways. Please be clear of the roadway on departure by 12:30 p.m.
Due to the location and activity of this course, please be aware of the following requirements and guidelines:
The faculty for this course include:
Christian Dean DO, DiMM, FAWM, MS
Christian is a Missoula/Jackson based family medicine doctor who specializes in expedition and sports medicine outside of his day job as a hospitalist. Christian also runs a business, MyDocInTow, LLC, which focuses on delivering on-site or on-call medical direction and advisory on expeditions.
Jacob is a Netherlands-based emergency medicine doctor who has expansive experience with expedition, tactical-medicine, and dive/marine medicine trips and education.
Anna is a UK and Tanzania-based emergency medicine doctor that knows no austere environment that doesn’t put a smile on her face. She has practiced and taught courses on several continents.
Meg is an outstanding educator and physical therapist from Missoula. She is a para-athlete champion.
The materials below above are covered via online and in person didactic lecture, small group discussion, practical skills sessions, and live scenarios. Each topic will describe pathology, treatment, prevention, and provide evacuation guidelines necessary for high quality patient care. This curriculum is continually reviewed for best practice and the most up to date guidelines.
The WLS:MP curriculum consists of:
Along with the WLSL:MP certification, students are able to earn up to 24.25 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME, as well as Wilderness Medical Society Fellowship credit. To confirm that these credits apply to your specific medical designation, inquire with your governing body. Please note that the CME credit hours differ for traditional in-person courses and hybrid courses.
If you are interested in CME credit, please add the CME ticket to your cart in addition to the trip registration.
