The Compass

The Compass section of the Wilderness Medicine Magazine focuses on articles authored by and tailored toward medical trainees. From nursing students and pharmacy residents, to EMT students, physician fellows, and more, The Compass is a place for learners to find and share information and experiences and to learn about the unique educational opportunities available to those in training.

Column Editor: Justin O'Leary

 

The Rule of Threes

Foster Wynne, MD
June 3, 2026

A medical student reflects on the UNM Wilderness & Austere Medicine Elective, highlighting the “Rule of Threes,” improvisation, and leadership lessons gained through immersive backcountry and expedition-based training.


Bridging Medicine and Emergency Response

Prajwal Keranalli, MDZachary Mitchell, DO, EMT-B
September 12, 2025

Saint Louis University (SLU) Emergency Medicine residents and medical students recently took part in a search and rescue training in western St. Louis County as part of the SLU wilderness medicine elective.


Long Island Wilderness Medicine Education

Lifan Fan, MD
August 21, 2025

It was a balmy overcast day on Long Island, New York when a group of emergency medicine residents and students gathered in a local park for an educational romp through the woods.


No Prerequisites Required

Liam Canty, MS4, MS, EMTJamie Smith, MS4
August 11, 2025

Let’s continue growing the next generation of wilderness medicine leaders — starting with those who are curious, capable, and ready to learn.


Scuba Diving and Certification for Beginners

Brian Laverentz, DO
November 7, 2024

This article guides aspiring divers through getting certified from pool basics to open-water adventure. It breaks down costs, time commitments, gear choices, and how even busy clinicians can carve out the dive dream.


High Altitude Medicine

Sachet Subedi
October 14, 2024

A Medical Student's Experience at Gosaikunda Health Clinic


2024 Summer Conference Recap

Justin O’Leary, MS-IINate Barott, MS-II
September 16, 2024

The WMS was excited to head to Snowbird Resort, UT to host its 2024 Summer Conference


2024 WMS Virginia Student ‘Expedition Style’ Elective Recap

Wendy Collins, MS4Matthew Schottenfeld, MS4
June 13, 2024

The promise of an "expedition style" course hinted at an immersive, hands-on experience deep in nature's classroom


2024 WMS Winter Conference Recap

Kirra Paulus, MS-IVJames Whall, MD
April 4, 2024

The WMS was excited to head to Canada to host its 2024 Winter Conference in Whistler, British Columbia in March


In-Flight Labor and Delivery

Amine Sahmoud, MDKaitlin C. Payne, MD
March 17, 2024

Lessons from an obstetrics and gynecology intern’s experience delivering a stillborn 35,000 feet in the air


Planning a Student-Run WM Conference

Erin Kinney, MS4 - Oregon Health & Science UniversityEric Schnell, OMS3 - Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
November 14, 2023

The Northwest Wilderness Medicine Conference


Wilderness Medicine Research Primer

Geoffrey Comp, DO,FACEP, FAWMWalker Plash, MD, FAWM
September 15, 2023

Tips for the new researcher


Into the Wild She Goes: Part 2

Hannah Loewenberg, MD, EMT
September 8, 2023

A journey through alternative pathways in medical education


2023 Summer Conference Recap

Sierra Soghikian, MS-IIAyla Chase, JHU SON
August 29, 2023

The WMS was excited to head to Spokane, WA for this year’s Summer Conference


Into the Wild She Goes: Part 1

Hannah Loewenberg, MD, EMT
August 10, 2023

A Journey Through Alternative Pathways in Medical Education


2023 Virginia Student/Resident Elective Recaps

Molly Enenbach, DONeelou Tabatabai, DO
June 19, 2023

Learn all about the experiences of several students and residents


Appendicitis in Austere Environments

Lindsay Davis, DO, MPHMegan Bruinius, DO
November 30, 2022

Being prepared to identify and possibly treat appendicitis when on a wilderness expedition could be lifesaving


Applying to Wilderness Medicine Fellowship, Part 2

Alexandra Herndon, MD
June 9, 2022

Hearing from the hand that feeds - advice from fellowship directors and current and past fellows


Applying to Wilderness Medicine Fellowship Part 1

Alexandra Herndon, MD
April 19, 2022

Overview of the ins and outs of applying


Ask the Experts

Veronica Coppersmith, DO, FAWMTeal Harbin, Wilderness Paramedic
August 13, 2021

How to give a stellar Wilderness Medicine presentation


Virtual Journal Club

Justin Gardner, DO
May 27, 2021

Collaboration during COVID-19 through a Wilderness Medicine Journal Club