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

  • 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.

  • Non-Society eventPerson presenting next to a poster that says 'CityJS confernce' on a stage in a full theatre lecture hall.

    CityJS London 2025: London JavaScript conference

    The JavaScript London event of the year returns for the third year in a row. We’re thrilled to have some incredible speakers confirmed, including Kent C. Dodds, Rich Harris, Jason Lengstorf, and Sara Vieira.

  • 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.