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Expedition medical professionals

Medical Professionals interested in expedition and wilderness medicine are particularly welcome to apply for Fellowship of RGS-IBG, and participate in the activities of RGS-IBG Expedition Medical Cell. There are also numerous other resources of interest available.

Training

There are a number of courses designed specifically for medical professionals.

Remember that in order to perform effectively as an expedition medic, it is just as important to be competent at operating in the expedition environment.

You can gain experience by enrolling on a course to learn specialist skills in your chosen environment. We offer a range of training options to help you gain these essential skills.

You are also welcome to join us at the Society and network with other expedition organisers at our annual RGS-IBG Explore weekend.

Getting involved

There is a variety of ways you can apply your medical knowledge for use in the wilderness. Have you considered the following?

  • Joining an expedition
    The Society helps expeditions recruit medical professionals through its Register of Personnel available for expeditions, and publicises opportunities through its Bulletin of Expedition Vacancies.

  • Remote medical positions
    From Antarctica to Everest there are many opportunities to work in remote and challenging places. The RGS-IBG Bulletin of Expedition Vacancies advertises a wide range of available positions.

  • Research Expeditions
    Have you ever considered organising your own medical research project overseas?
    You can search the Expedition Report Database using search terms "medical" or "health" for some ideas of potential project ideas. Seek advice on planning an expedition or consider joining an established medical research expedition.

  • RGS-IBG Expedition Medical Cell
    If you have extensive expedition experience or knowledge of a particular aspect of remote area medicine, your involvement in the Medical Cell Expert Panel would be welcome. Contact go@rgs.org for more details.

Still looking for ideas?

Browse our expedition medicine links on delicious for more options. Tags include pre hospital medicine, humanitarian medicine, tropical medicine.

Expedition Medicine Manual

A comprehensive pocket guide to expedition medicine, with practical advice for use in remote environments, and links and references to further information.

Find out more
One book lays on top of another, and both are about expidition medicine.

Upcoming courses and workshops

InTheField

  • ExhibitionGroup photo in black and white taken at base camp of the Gunung Mulu expedition, 1977 and 1978.

    'Nyapun' by Robin Hanbury-Tenison

    An exhibition of black and white photographs to acknowledge the friendship given and knowledge shared by Nyapun, his family and the Penan community, living in and around the Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak in 1977 and 1978.

    Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
    Open to all
    1 Apr 2025 - 10 Jun 2025
    Free
    More Info
  • ExhibitionBlack and white image of Laos village, interior of Siam, Thailand.

    Siam through the lens of John Thomson

    An exhibition of large format photographic prints taken by John Thomson FRGS during his time in Thailand.

    Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
    Open to all
    28 Apr 2025 - 20 May 2025
    Free
    More Info
  • DiscussionRobin Hanbury-Tenison in temperate rainforest in Cornwall

    The Mulu (Sarawak) expedition 1977-1978

    Hear Robin and his colleagues share their first-hand stories, sounds, artefacts, maps and images associated with the original geographical survey of the Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak by the Society and the Foresty Department in 1977-1978, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
    Open to all
    Monday 28 April 2025
    Free
    More Info
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