Wilderness Medicine Physician
A Wilderness Medicine Physician is a medical doctor that specializes in health care and emergency treatment in remote and wilderness environments.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Wilderness Medicine Physician
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Junior Wilderness Medicine Physician, you will engage in the practice of medicine in remote and challenging environments. This role involves not only clinical skills but also encompasses outdoor survival skills and environmental education to effectively provide medical care in wilderness settings. You will collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals and outdoor specialists to deliver high-quality, situationally adapt care.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical skills with an emphasis on emergency medicine and trauma care.
- Proficiency in outdoor survival skills, including navigation, shelter building, and response to environmental hazards.
- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities under pressure.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, team members, and emergency personnel.
- Physical fitness and the ability to perform medical procedures in diverse and difficult terrain.
- Adaptability and resilience in the face of unpredicted challenges and stressors typical of wilderness environments.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Completion of a residency program in a relevant specialty such as emergency medicine, family medicine, or internal medicine.
- Licensed to practice medicine in the state of employment.
- Certification in Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) or similar wilderness medicine program.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
- Ability to work autonomously and make critical decisions in challenging environments.
Responsibilities
- Provide medical care to patients in remote and wilderness settings, including first aid, emergency care, and chronic condition management.
- Participate in the planning and execution of patient evacuations from remote locations when necessary.
- Conduct risk assessments for various outdoor activities and develop medical preparedness plans.
- Collaborate with park rangers, search and rescue teams, and other emergency personnel in response to medical emergencies.
- Engage in continuous education on the latest wilderness medicine protocols and outdoor survival techniques.
- Assist in developing public education materials regarding wilderness health and safety.
- Contribute to wilderness medicine research and develop best practices for remote healthcare delivery.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and adventurous Wilderness Medicine Physician to join our outdoor medical services team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for outdoor activities and a commitment to providing medical care in non-traditional settings, including remote wilderness locations and in response to outdoor emergencies.
Required Skills
- Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills.
- Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.
- Proficient in medical procedures relevant to wilderness settings.
- Adept at navigating and surviving in diverse outdoor environments.
- Effective communication skills for educating and coordinating with team members and patients.
- Physical fitness to meet the demands of the role.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Valid medical license to practice medicine.
- Completion of a fellowship or additional training in wilderness medicine.
- 2-5 years of clinical experience, preferably with experience in emergency medicine or family practice.
- Certification in Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) or related qualification.
- Ability to make critical decisions in high-stress and resource-limited environments.
Responsibilities
- Provide medical care in remote wilderness environments.
- Develop and implement evacuation plans for patients in remote locations.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
- Conduct risk assessments and provide medical advice for outdoor activities.
- Educate and train individuals and groups in wilderness first aid and survival techniques.
- Maintain medical supplies and equipment for field operations.
- Contribute to research on wilderness medicine practices and protocols.
- Assist in the planning and medical coverage of outdoor events and expeditions.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
Seeking an experienced Wilderness Medicine Physician responsible for providing medical care in remote and resource-limited environments. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in emergency medicine, with specialized training in wilderness medical practices.
Required Skills
- Expert knowledge of wilderness medicine and emergency medical techniques.
- Strong decision-making skills and ability to work independently in unpredictable environments.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Proficient in the use of medical equipment in resource-constrained settings.
- Outstanding communication skills for educating and guiding teams and patients.
- Physical fitness to perform medical duties in challenging outdoor terrains.
- Flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing situations in wilderness scenarios.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
- Board certified in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, or a related field.
- Certification in Wilderness Medicine (e.g., Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine, Wilderness Medical Society Professional Member).
- Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in emergency medicine, with significant experience in wilderness settings.
- Valid medical license and ability to practice in the area of operation.
- Advanced life support and trauma life support certifications.
- Experience in leading medical teams and training personnel.
Responsibilities
- Provide immediate medical care in remote locations and during wilderness expeditions.
- Develop emergency response plans for outdoor activities and expeditions.
- Train and lead teams in wilderness first aid and survival techniques.
- Collaborate with local authorities and rescue organizations during search and rescue operations.
- Conduct research on wilderness medicine practices and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.
- Educate the public and professionals on prevention of wilderness-related injuries and illnesses.
- Offer telemedicine services when on-site medical care is not possible.
- Ensure adherence to best practices in wilderness medicine and patient care standards.
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