Wilderness Medicine Program
Welcome to the UNC Wilderness Medicine Program!
The UNC Wilderness Medicine Program is a dynamic multidisciplinary initiative dedicated to providing experiential wilderness medicine training and top-tier support to the people of North Carolina. In collaboration with the UNC Tar Heel Trauma Program and our other partners, our goal is to extend UNC Health Care’s renowned expertise to enhance patient care in rural and austere environments based on accepted standards of care to decrease injury morbidity and mortality. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians, advanced practice providers, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and nurses all share a passion for wilderness medicine and are driven by a strong commitment in building resilience for all communities across North Carolina.
Whether you are an outdoor athlete, outdoor enthusiasts, or a clinician with an interest in adapting your urban medical knowledge to remote settings, our program is here to meet your specific needs. Our courses approach risk assessment and mitigation from a patient-focused, wilderness medicine perspective. You will learn to recognize potential medical complications, make informed decisions, and prioritize patient wellbeing. Through hands-on scenarios and practical exercises, students not only develop proficiency in wilderness medicine but also gain the ability to adeptly manage medical risks in various environments. This preparation equips you with the competence and confidence to navigate the unpredictable medical challenges posed by remote wilderness settings. Our program aims to support and empower local and state organizations and first responders with the skills needed to thrive in challenging wilderness settings.
Our Mission |
Our Vision |
Our Partners |
| The mission of the UNC Wilderness Medicine Program is to provide the highest quality wilderness medicine education to outdoor enthusiasts, outdoor athletes, first responders, and healthcare professionals. Our multidisciplinary team of medical professionals are dedicated to supporting local communities across North Carolina in remote and austere settings, as well as during natural disasters, in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of injury and illness ensuring that all individuals are equipped to respond to the unique challenges of an austere environment. | The vision of the UNC Wilderness Medicine Program is to create a multidisciplinary program that integrates the expertise of sports medicine, acute care & trauma, and emergency medicine from UNC Chapel Hill to become North Carolina’s premier home for wilderness medicine education, support, resources, and research. By uniting these disciplines, we aim to lead the state in preparing individuals and communities to manage health challenges in remote and austere environments, benefiting all people of North Carolina through comprehensive training, expert care, and innovative research. |
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Upcoming Events:
NOLS Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals (WUMP)
Date: March 24-28, 2025
To register for the course, please visit the registration page.
In partnership with:
For additional information contact: wildernessmedicine@med.unc.edu.