Clarks Cay - Honduras Tropical Medicine

MAY 10TH - MAY 17TH, 2025

May 10th - May 17th, 2025

• Welcome to the ultimate blend of medical education and tropical paradise at Clark's Cay in Honduras! Immerse yourself in a unique learning experience surrounded by pristine beaches, where medical education meets the tranquility of a PRIVATE ISLAND. Dive into the depths of knowledge while exploring the vibrant underwater world through diving and snorkeling adventures. Cast away stress with fishing excursions and indulge in an all-inclusive retreat that harmonizes the best of medical training and beach relaxation.

  Cabañas on Clark’s Cay in the Bay Islands, Guanaja, Honduras, is a 4-acre island oasis that accommodates up to 20 guests.
  It offers incredible seascapes, an open air restaurant and bar, an infinity pool and spa along with a meandering lazy river.

  Concierge dive services enable guests to fully enjoy the splendor of Guanaja’s coral reef system featuring dives on pinnacles,
  walls, and the wreck of the Jado Trader. Dive / Snorkel / Sunbath / Fish non-stop for a week

• This course is ideal for those interested in combining a dive/snorkel/fish vacation with adventure related CME or those looking to learn more about possible injuries and accidents encountered while traveling abroad and tropical medicine related injuries. Our courses are also great for those travel enthusiasts, group leaders, divers, EMT’s, paramedics, nurses, NP's, PA's or doctors with a desire to learn medical treatment in austere environments. We will complete the core curriculum of this CME certification course while on our private island - Clarks Cay. Leave the planning to us and enjoy a nearly all-inclusive, hassle free stay. Enjoy a 7 Night Stay on our private island, all meals, Dive and/or Snorkeling included, fishing options, sun bathing, island exploration and of course CME. Meet like-minded individuals and friends to last a lifetime on this one-of-a-kind CME getaway. We promise you won't be disappointed.  

ATTENDING THIS COURSE YOU WILL:

• Learn the latest practical hands-on wilderness medical skills for patient assessment, stabilization and evacuation.

• Practice your skills while diving/snorkeling or enjoying the beautiful Caribbean waters

• Work with our expert faculty to develop your knowledge and awareness regarding austere & dive medicine

• Obtain up to 16 hours of CME and Fellowship credits from the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) towards your FAWM (only credits you have not already obtained and limited to the rules of the WMS regarding FAWM credits and outside conferences)

• Our program focuses on treatment of the most common injuries and illnesses encountered while traveling to remote locations

CERTIFICATION:

• Approved for up to 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits and WMS FAWM Credits

• “This course has been approved for Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) credits

  through the Wilderness Medical Society. Actual credits awarded depend on personal credit needs and history.”

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Ultimate Escape on our own PRIVATE ISLAND in Honduras (near ROATAN)

• Just imagine – your own island to relax, enjoy and dive on some of the Caribbean’s most virgin reefs

• All Meals Included as well as alcoholic drinks (Beer, Wine and a few specialty drinks)

• Enjoy excellent food, drinks and hospitality with a secluded and beautiful atmosphere

• Earn CME in small group style

• Build friendships to last a lifetime

A Few Of the Favorite Sites:

Michael’s Rock: This site is famous for its cracks & crevices. The maximum depth reaches to 70ft/21m. This is also a good practice dive before you do Black Rock Canyons.

The Pinnacle: This pinnacle is located in a channel, close to Guanaja Island. It stands on a sandy bottom at 135ft/41m, very close to the channel wall, & rises 80ft/24m to a point about 55ft/17m below the surface. Several varieties of black coral are attached to the pinnacle. The wall of the channel has some really beautiful coral, blue bell tunicates and crinoids along it at depths of only 10 to 30 feet (3 – 9 meters.)

The Jado Trader: The 240-foot Jado Trader was a refrigerator freighter sunk in 1987 to form one of the richest artificial reefs in Guanaja. The Trader rests on a sandy bottom, completely intact and in waters between 80 and 110 feet (24 – 33 meters), suitable for experienced divers. The wreck is now nicely encrusted and the marine life around it excellent.  It is one of the most photogenic wrecks in Honduras. Near to the wreck are several coral pinnacles that can be explored as well.

Black Rock Canyon: Created by volcanic action, this conglomeration of caves, tunnels and deep cracks & crevices is one of the most exciting dives around Guanaja. It’s common to turn a corner, or come out of a tunnel and come across a sleeping shark or a big moray eel lounging in a hole. Expect to see plenty of silverside sardines, glassy sweepers, groupers, and barracudas.

Vertigo: This is a site along the barrier reef wall that has some spectacular drop-offs. As is true along the entire barrier wall, the beauty here is truly unbelievable. The top of the wall is at about 35ft/11m then drops down to about 160ft/51m. From here, a sandy shelf juts out 60f/18m or so before the wall drops off to oblivion. Black crinoids are found here.

Jim’s Silverlode: Jim’s Silverlode presents a tunnel along the wall at a depth of 70ft/21m which will bring divers into a sandy-bottomed amphitheater-like area populated by huge groupers, yellowtails, moray eels, and swarms of silverside sardines. This is an intermediate-level dive.

ITINERARY: 

(Speakers and times may change slightly based on availability and weather) 

(Breakfast - B, Lunch-L, Dinner-D shown if included) 

• Day 1 (May 10th) - Depart Home City & Fly into ROATAN (D)

  • FROM ROATAN - we will help arrange Water Taxi or Private Chartered Flight (not included)

  • Arrive in Guanaja Airport and escort to Clarks Cay

• Day 2 (May 11th) - Dive / Snorkel / Fish / Explore (B)(L)(D)

  • Evening Lectures

• Day 3 (May 12th) - Dive / Snorkel / Fish / Explore (B)(L)(D)

  • Evening Lectures

• Day 4 May 13st) - Dive / Snorkel / Fish / Explore (B)(L)(D)

  • Evening Lectures

• Day 5 (May 14th) - Dive / Snorkel / Fish / Explore (B)(L)(D)

  • Evening Lectures

• Day 6 (May 15th) - Dive / Snorkel / Fish / Explore (B)(L)(D)

  • Evening Lectures

• Day 7 (May 16th) - Dive / Snorkel / Fish / Explore (B)(L)(D)

  • Evening Lectures / Captains Party

• Day 8 (May 17th) - Final Day (B)

  • Depart back to Guanaja Airport / Water Taxi to Roatan for flight home

THE  TEAM / FACULTY:

• The travel logistics and leadership will be provided by Wild Med Adventures.

• 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. We are not Guides and do not provide gear and/or other safety equipment for the adventure portion of this course. All risks of travel, diving, snorkeling, transportation to and from hotels, airports and resorts is at the risk of the client and may not hold Wild Med Adventures responsible in case of injury or emergency. (See Waiver) For more information regarding our instructor's background - please see BIO's for instructor information.

• Instructors: Ben Mattingly, MD, FAWM & Jennifer Mattingly, PA-C (Instructors may change unexpectedly depending on availability)

TRIP INSURANCE:

• 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, illness, cancellations or other potential trip delays. We recommend Global Rescue for our Remote Medical Trips. PLEASE BUY TRIP INSURANCE - WE HAVE HAD MANY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO HEALTH REASONS, BROKEN BONES, & UNEXPECTED SURGERIES. THIS WILL COVER YOUR DEPOSIT IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL.

• Please seek a Travel Clinic or discuss your travel plans with your physician for any necessary vaccinations or pre-trip precautions you may need.

COST SUMMARY: ( ONE FEMALE SPOT OPEN )

Deposit: $2000

Course + CME:  $4699 (shared accommodations)

Spouse/Partner Discount: **If you sign-up a non-medical spouse, partner or friend with your enrollment their cost is discounted. 

• Spouse / Partner / Friend (Non-CME): Shared Room $4199

• We will have NO MORE than 2 people per room unless

***3% Online Credit Card Fee included if you pay online (INCLUDED AT CHECKOUT)

Included Package:  7 Nights lodging (shared accommodations) on private, luxury Private Island,  All Meals & Drinks, Diving/Snorkeling/Beach Excursions, 16 credits towards your FAWM & TBD hours of Category 1 CME, transport from Guanaja Airport to Clarks Cay, and a free Wild Med Adventures T-Shirt, Tank-Top or Hat. 

Excluded: International & Domestic Flights not included, travel insurance, rescue insurance, personal gear including diving gear (available for rent). Snorkel gear, wet suit, some specialty drinks not included. Transportation cost to/from Guanaja airport from Roatan, All Tips.

Maximum of  20

or send Check or Money order to save 3%:

Wild Med Adventures, LLC, 7100 Christy Creek, Morehead, KY 40351

***Please note: Full payment due within 120 days of course or a $500 fee will be added to your final cost or we have right to cancel your reservation***

• Cancellation Policy: Your deposit for the travel portion of the course is nonrefundable. The entire balance of your trip fee will be due 120 days prior to departure. We recommend trip insurance for any unexpected illness and/or schedule changes or conflicts. If you have not paid in full prior to 120 days before the start of the course a late fee of $500 will be applied to your final cost or we have the right to cancel your trip. There will be no refund after 120 days prior to course. If you cancel before 120 days of beginning of trip you will be refunded 50% of trip cost.

• If trip is cancelled due to insufficient numbers, we will reimburse all payments including deposit

PRE-REQUISITES:

• Scuba Certification Recommended; however, you can complete the open water portion of your certification while onboard. You also do NOT have to be a diver. There will be plenty of other opportunities to fish, snorkel or relax.

• EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, PA, NP, RRT, PhD or Physician to obtain CME accreditation. (Please Check with your governing body to ensure credits are acceptable)

• If no CME needed, Non-Medicals are welcome so please feel free to attend and enjoy the lectures at no additional cost

• A keen interest in wilderness & tropical medicine

• A good level of physical fitness

• Prepare and bring proper clothing for different activities

TARGET AUDIENCE: 

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

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

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

MAIN EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

• The goal of the Honduras Tropical Medicine CME Conference is to provide participants with a unique environment to experience essential medically-related topics and learn skills while collaborating with expert faculty through educational activities including lectures and Dive / Water Adventure Excursions.

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

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

  • Provide education of value to providers who care for the medical needs and also those involved with coordination of tropical and dive related activities, including medical providers who must educate and instruct travel 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 skills in recognizing and treating the most common illnesses and injuries encountered in remote environments, including dive medicine.

  • 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 and dive-related injuries.

FACULTY DISCLOSURE / CME

• 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.

• All educational content presented in this activity has been reviewed and validated as appropriate in keeping with sound scientific principles. 

PLEASE INQUIRE WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

We hope to meet you in May and share the ultimate CME experience !