Antarctica: Mt. Vinson CME - TBD

16,050 feet (4892 M) 

CLIMB MT. Vinson

  • Join our team on our 12 day course Jan. 9th - Jan. 20th, 2019. Learn Mountain Medicine while exploring and climbing to the summit of Mount Vinson 16,050 ft (4892 m), the highest peak in Antarctica and one of the coveted Seven Summits. Majestic, snow-covered peaks stand guard over vast glaciers below and in the distance, snow meets sky along a noticeably curved horizon. This is a moment to savor. All of the challenges you faced to get here only highlight the vast beauty before you and the sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving the extraordinary. Join Wild Med Adventures and feel secure with an experienced team of guides from ALE - Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions. Earn 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

  • This accredited curriculum highlights include treatment and prioritization of care for a variety of medical problems encountered in the wilderness environments and settings remote from hospitals and definitive care. Physicians and allied health care providers who counsel patients traveling to remote areas will be interested in the topics covered during this unique CME event. Curriculum includes altitude risk reduction, recent recommendations on altitude-related illnesses & prophylaxis, frostbite, and other general mountain medicine topics. This will be achieved through didactic lectures, small-group discussion and hands-on training. Anyone interested in earning CME and traveling to Antarctica is welcome to attend: Nurses, Docs, PA's, EMT's, Paramedics, NP's and any outdoor enthusiasts are welcome. Non-medicals are also welcome to attend and will likely gain valuable insight into trip preparation, safety, and general wilderness medicine techniques. 

PREPARATION:                                                      

  • The Summit's inaccessibility is one of the amazing characteristics of Mt. Vinson. Although not technically difficult, Mount Vinson is a serious mountain due to its elevation, cold and remoteness. For our standard Mount Vinson Experience, we only accept participants whose mountaineering resumes indicate that they are capable of reaching the summit of Vinson under normal conditions. We look for experience on other high, cold mountains like Denali or Mount Logan. However, we also take into account winter alpine climbing, ice-climbing, ski-touring and expedition experience gained in other areas. There are no hard and fast rules and we look at each prospective participant on a case-by-case basis. All applicants will be reviewed by the highly skilled expedition company - ALE.

  • For those whose experience doesn’t quite meet our criteria, or who need to refresh their skills, we recommend training with an ALE guide in the months leading up to the Antarctic season. This training can be arranged in a variety of mountain areas from the European Alps to the Cascades and can last from a weekend to a week. The idea is to round off an existing skill-set by providing specific training in a few key areas.

  • For novice mountaineers, we offer Prep Vinson which begins with a training course at Union Glacier, before moving on to Mount Vinson. This approach gives the greatest chance of reaching Vinson’s summit. This option isn’t for everyone, as it takes a lot of fitness training, gear preparation and discussion with our mountain operations staff. Contact us for more information.

  • Please contact us with questions or concerns regarding your physical preparation. Everyone should have experience in the mountains, glacier travel, and cold weather mountaineering. In addition, you should check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy and ready for this challenge.

HISTORY: (Taken from Wiki)

  • Vinson Massif (/ˈvɪnsən mæˈsiːf/) is a large mountain massif in Antarctica that is 21 km (13 mi) long and 13 km (8.1 mi) wide and lies within the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. It overlooks the Ronne Ice Shelf near the base of the Antarctic Peninsula. The massif is located about 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) from the South Pole. Vinson Massif was discovered in January 1958 by U.S. Navy aircraft. In 1961, the Vinson Massif was named by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN), for Carl G. Vinson, United States congressman from the state of Georgia, for his support for Antarctic exploration. On Nov. 1, 2006, US-ACAN declared Mount Vinson and Vinson Massif to be separate entities.

    Mount Vinson is the highest peak in Antarctica, at 4,892 metres (16,050 ft). It lies in the north part of Vinson Massif’s summit plateau in the south portion of the main ridge of the Sentinel Range about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) north of Hollister Peak. It was first climbed in 1966 by an American team led by Nicholas Clinch. An expedition in 2001 was the first to climb via the Eastern route, and also took GPS measurements of the height of the peak.  As of February 2010, 1,400 climbers have attempted to reach the top of Mount Vinson.

TARGET AUDIENCE: 

  • Intended as continuing education for physicians, NP's, PA's, nurses, EMT's and medics who aspire to work or teach as a field instructor/provider in recreational mountain environments or who may work in remote clinics and deal with the injuries sustained by mountaineers or outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Graduates from other wilderness medicine programs (e.g. FAWM, MFAWM) who want to gain experience and skills in Mountain Medicine / Remote Medicine

  • Individuals pursuing a Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM™)

  • Anyone looking to have a great trip shared with medical professionals and gain a better understanding of proper preparation and illness in high-altitude environments.

TRIP DETAILS:

  • Skill level: This trip is open to all individuals in good physical condition and with experience in cold & high altitude climbing. It is a technically difficult ascent and previous mountaineering experience is required. Expedition style. Moderate hiking, technical skills necessary, and you should be in excellent physical condition. There will be long days of strenuous travel.

  • Location: Mt. Vinson, Antarctica

  • Length: 12 days (Not Including Travel Days)

  • Capacity: 6

  • Prerequisites: Good Physical Condition, glacier travel skills, experience using Ice Ax and cold weather travel/camping.

  • Cost: $46,350 USD includes 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits / FAWM (Non-Medicals: $45,350)

    • Medical Education Payment: $4000/person

    • Direct Payment to ALE: $42,350/person

  • Departure dates: Jan. 9th, 2019 (You must arrive 2 full days prior to departure in Punta Arenas, Chile (Jan. 6th or 7th) and we recommend booking return flight 1 week after expected return from Antarctica - (Jan. 30th)

Included

  • ALE Mountain Guides

  • Airport transfers in Punta Arenas, Chile

  • Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas

  • Round trip flight to Vinson Base Camp from Union Glacier

  • Meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica

  • Group camping and climbing equipment

  • Mountain Guide

  • Celebration dinner and Certificate of Achievement

  • Checked luggage up to 55 lb (25 kg)

  • Satellite phone service (Calls not included)

  • 24/7 assistance in the US before and during the program.

  • 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits / FAWM credits

Not included

  • Insurance coverage—personal, medical, evacuation, or otherwise

  • Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas

  • Airport transfers outside of Punta Arenas

  • Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas

  • Additional flights within Antarctica

  • Personal equipment and clothing

  • Expenses incurred due to delays

  • Luggage over 55 lb (25 kg)

  • Satellite phone charges

  • Personal Insurance (Medical and Travel)

  • Rescue Insurance is *Required* (We recommend Global Rescue)

  • Personal expenses: souvenirs, etc.

  • Sat Phone calls (Phone Provided)

  • Rescue costs and extra expenses caused by abandoning the expedition or need for early departure (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, transportation not scheduled)

  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Wild Med Adventures

ITINERARY: Jan. 9th - 20th

**Itinerary may have slight changes depending on weather, instructors, guide decisions, or other factors

 

FACULTY STATEMENT AND DISCLOSURE:

  • It is the policy of the Wild Med Adventures, LLC to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor. All faculty members are required to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.

  • Accordingly, the Wilderness Medical Society has determined there are no conflicts to report associated with this conference.

  • ACCME Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Wilderness Medical Society and Wild Med Adventures, LLC. The Wilderness Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

  • The Wilderness Medical Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • We are NOT guides. Wild Med Adventures sets up the trip with Local Resources and Guides but we are responsible for the Education/CME only. Our guides will be local. These activities are high risk and clients must assume responsibility of all illnesses and injuries that may be obtained in this foreign & remote travel adventure trip. While we try to ensure quality and safety for all of our trips, we can not prevent or guarantee safety and injury free trips.

TRIP INSURANCE AND PRE-TRIP MEDICAL:

  • Delegates should have personal insurance to cover any in-country medical examinations or injuries, rescue/evacuation insurance as well as some form of trip insurance to cover missed flights, weather delays and other potential trip delays. We recommend Global Rescue as well for evacuation and rescue insurance.

  • PLEASE set up an appointment with a travel clinic to ensure all appropriate vaccines and prophylaxis medications for Antarctica. The CDC is a useful resource. You should also discuss with your physician appropriate Altitude Sickness medications you should bring.

 

MAIN EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

  • The goal of the Wilderness Medical Society Mountain Medicine CME Conference is to provide participants with a unique environment to experience essential medical-related topics and learn skills while collaborating with expert faculty through educational activities including lectures, hands on work-shops, and Climbing Excursions.

  • Development of this CME curriculum is formed by the following key objectives:

    • Provide educational opportunities based on core curriculum of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.

    • Provide education of value to providers who care for the medical needs and also those involved with coordination of expeditions & educational activities, including medical providers who must educate and instruct mountaineering safety with their patients.

    • Provide education of interest to wilderness and austere-activity enthusiasts.

  • After attending this conference, the participants will be able to:

    • Establish a set of treatment priorities for care of the sick or injured in remote settings.

    • Prevent, diagnose, and manage illnesses and injuries in austere environments.

    • Demonstrate increased knowledge and skill in recognizing and treating the most common illnesses and injuries encountered in mountain-related environments, including altitude medicine, hypothermia, cold injuries, and common back-country injuries.

    • Understand objective risk-assessment in wilderness environments from the perspective of the medical professional acting as a trip leader.

    • Understand the pathophysiology and management of acute emergencies related to remote environments.

THE  TEAM / FACULTY:

  • The Mountain logistics and leadership will be provided by ALE - Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions, whose team members have a wealth of knowledge and experience.

  • The Wild Med Adventures Team are all well traveled and experienced and promise to make your CME experience both educational and informative, but please note that we are only responsible for the educational aspect of this trip. For more information regarding our instructor's background - please see BIO's for instructor information.

  • Lead Instructor: Ben Mattingly, MD, FAWM, Dr. Chris Imray

PRE-REQUISITES:

  • EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, PA, NP, RRT, PhD or Physician for the CME credit.

  • If no CME needed, please feel free to attend the climb and enjoy the lectures

  • A keen interest in wilderness first aid and mountain related injuries

  • A good level of physical fitness

  • Previous hiking and back-country experience with adequate preparation for various climate changes and temps

  • Anyone interested in going on a fun, relaxed and well experienced team for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

COST:  (Jan. 9TH - Jan. 20th, 2019)

Full Trip Cost: $46,350 includes 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits

  • Payment for CME Portion: $4000 (non-refundable)

  • Remaining Balance to be PAID directly to ALE: Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions: $42,350

*******  SOLD OUT - EMAIL TO BE PUT ON WAITING LIST *******

**Payment holds your spot for our CME portion of the trip. To complete your reservation for the guiding and climb - you will be directed to ALE (Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions). Their total cost is $42,350 and will require an additional deposit and payment plan. If for some reason, you do NOT meet their standards or they are unable to accommodate you then we will reimburse your CME payment. 

**Once you have paid for your deposit on our website, we will email you further details for reserving your spot with ALE and making direct payments for their services. (Please email with any questions)  

 

CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY:

  • Note: Wild Med Adventures highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions. Due to the nature and heavy costs of this trip, Wild Med Adventures must adhere to a stringent refund policy.

  • PAYMENT IS NON-REFUNDABLE

Note: Wild Med Adventures reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible. In addition, we are not responsible for your safety on the mountain or during your travel and stay in Antarctica. We help arrange trips and education modules. All guiding will be done by trusted and experienced guides. 

Maximum Number: 5

*** 3% Online Credit Card Fee if you pay online ***

Save 3% online Credit Card fee by sending Check or Money Order to:

Wild Med Adeventures, 7100 Christy Creek, Morehead, KY 40351

Upon Payment: We will send you Registration Forms & Waiver.

You will also be directed to ALE for payment for guiding portion of the trip. 

*Please consult your tax accountant for medical conference write-offs and advantages. We are not responsible for ensuring your tax deductions for medical education purposes. 

 

 

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Wild Med Adventures, LLC strives to add that personal touch to your learning experience. Many adventures are awaiting and we are interested in your ideas or customized trips for large groups.