Appalachian Wilderness Medicine Resident Electives

Join us for an immersive elective in wilderness medicine set in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, where you'll gain hands-on education, scenario-based training, and FAWM credits as you make lifelong memories and friends! 

Tuition includes two weeks of high-quality, hands-on education in wilderness medicine, select meals for day trips, final day cookout dinner, swift water rescue course and certification, technical rope course, discover scuba, and the opportunity to earn FAWM credits.

When

September 13 - 26, 2026

Registration is now open - use the button above to register.

 Who

The WMS Elective is designed for residents who are enrolled in a program at an accredited or internationally recognized residency program in the US and abroad. Students must be proficient in English in order to qualify for consideration.

What

This elective provides two weeks of high-quality, hands-on education in wilderness medicine, select meals for day trips, final day cookout dinner, swift water rescue course and certification, technical rope course, discover scuba, and the opportunity to earn FAWM credits.

Where

The  course is offered in association with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and is based in the Blue Ridge Mountains area of Roanoke, VA. Registrants will spend time in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Roanoke, VA, with day trips outside the area.

Diversity and Discrimination

The WMS does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or political affiliation. A reasonable attempt will be made by the WMS selection committee to maintain gender diversity within the class.  All class slots will be filled with quality applicants.
Safety and Risk Management The Wilderness Medical Society faculty are committed to providing a safe and rewarding elective experience. However, all risk from injury cannot be eliminated. Course work will involve individual activities in rugged terrain, remote locations and bad weather. Leadership, planning, and conduct of these activities with respect to these risks is an important part of the elective educational experience. Good physical and mental conditioning is vital to successful completion of the course.
Students will be responsible for providing, maintaining, and transporting their own equipment. They might be expected to sleep outdoors on some nights (if home location allows) and care for themselves in extreme weather conditions.