Wilderness Medicine Physician Education: How an Elective Can Spark a Fire

Background Wilderness medicine (WM) electives offer an opportunity for medical trainees to learn an additional skillset outside of the traditional medical education curricula. Prior literature has yet to detail how participation in WM electives during medical training informs future training (i.e., master’s degree, fellowship) or career involvement in the field. Methodology A 25-question survey was completed by former participants of 25 WM electives based in the United States. Survey questions focused on the demographics, motivations, current involvement, and additional WM training among those who participated in WM electives. The survey was completed by 102 eligible participants. Results Of the 102 participants, 53% had been engaged with WM since completing their elective; 18% of the participants had completed additional formal training in WM (i.e., master’s degree, fellowship). Further, 95% of participants felt that the elective enhanced their resilience and critical thinking. Of those currently most involved in WM (n = 26), half (46%) were unsure about integrating WM into their careers prior to their elective. Among the uncertain yet highly engaged cohort, 98% cited the elective as the reason they stayed involved in WM. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of WM electives in fostering interest among medical trainees in WM, and suggest that participation in WM electives may promote further involvement after medical school and residency.