Join us
Orange welcome sign that reads Royal Geographical Society with IBG.

Become a member and discover where geography can take you.

Join us
A medic holds a patients arm whilst a medical device is strapped around it

Getting involved

Make connections with University groups and field professionals.

  • Come to Explore: the annual expedition and fieldwork planning seminar for advice and inspiration from field experts

  • Attend the annual National Student Wilderness Medicine UK (SWMUK) Conference. Visit their facebook page to find out more

  • Join your local university Wilderness Medical Society or Exploration Society, or consider setting up your own

 

Gaining skills

Gain specialist medical knowledge, but remember it is just as important to be a proficient expedition member.

 

Gaining experience

Make the most of your holidays and time allocated for Electives and SSM’s.

  • From providing medical care in a high altitude medical post to working at NASA there is a range of established extreme elective opportunities to suit everyone! Don’t be afraid to make contacts of your own and create something new - Elective opportunities for medical students

  • Search the RGS-IBG Expedition Database using search terms ‘medical’ or ‘health’ for ideas and organise your own research project

  • There are plenty of opportunities to join other expeditions - don't just consider medical posts. Browse the RGS-IBG 'Joining an Expedition' pages for some ideas and information on funding available

  • Remember that prehospital skills are often transferable. Consider a placement with the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service or Search and Rescue

  • There are also always opportunities to assist with the provision of medical cover at events and endurance races - Opportunities to assist at events

Finally, if you are still unsure where to start contact go@rgs.org.

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

Upcoming courses and workshops

InTheField

  • ExhibitionHistoric black and white photograph of two explorers taking photographs in a snowy mountainous environment.

    Everest through the lens

    Another chance to see the Society's exhibition marking the centenary of the early Everest expeditions. Explore how Captain John Noel's films shaped the public's imagination of Everest, while obscuring the vital role of local intermediaries.

  • Collections eventSide view of Hormazd Narwiella's mural in the Map Room of the Royal Geographical Society, showing the full artwork.

    Expanding Universe by Hormazd Narielwalla tour and discussion

    Attend a tour led by artist, Hormazd Narielwalla, centered on his mural 'Expanding Universe' - a body of abstract work that will hang in the Map Room for the next five years.

  • LectureDouble hemisphere world map, excluding a southern continent, by mapmaker Joan Blaeu.

    The Earth transformed: the meeting of geography, history and science

    The Earth’s environment affects its civilizations in myriad ways, with prominent historical examples showing the connections between climate and social phenomena. Historian Peter Frankopan will discuss the intersections of geography, history, and science in conversation with the Society’s Cartographic Collections Manager, Katie Parker.