Medicine in High Places: Mountain Sickness, High Altitude and Physiology

December 5th-7th sees the 10th Mountain Medicine and High Altitude Physiology Course, set in the dramatic scenery of Plas Y Brenin, the National Mountain Centre in Capel Curig, Gwynedd, North Wales.

Run by the University of Leicester in association with Medical Expeditions, the three-day course attracts an international panel of speakers, including leading altitude physiologists and physicians from around the world.

The course is aimed at doctors and others with an interest in altitude medicine, and covers mountain sickness, high altitude physiology, hypothermia, frostbite, management of trauma and medical emergencies in a remote environment.

For doctors and health care professionals who climb and who would like to obtain a qualification in the field, the University of Leicester, with Medical Expeditions, also runs a one-year diploma, accredited by the University and convertible into a Masters course.

The IKAR/UIAA approved MClinSci/PGDip/PGCert Mountain Medicine course covers all aspects of mountain medicine and is internationally recognised. Topics covered include Altitude and Environmental Medicine, Travel and Expedition Medicine, Mountain Rescue and Traumatology, Personal Mountaineering Skills and Mountain Medicine Research.

Dr Peter Barry, a Consultant in the University of Leicester Medical School, helped set up the Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Mountain Medicine as a qualification for doctors who want to use their medical skills in a mountain environment, as well as for the benefit of mountaineers.

He commented: "The UK has a long and distinguished record in promoting altitude research and the study of altitude-related illness. Many travellers from the UK take to the hills for recreation or business, so this is relevant to our local population."

Former student on the course, Laurie Tomlinson, added: "It was a great opportunity to climb with some top guides. So I have learned, or brushed up, on lots of climbing skills. The academic side was superb, with lectures from some of the most famous people in altitude physiology. And I have practised my pre-hospital care skills, which is great for a teaching hospital medic like me."

A new course begins in December this year. During one or two years participants will take four periods of tuition and assessment from international experts, with additional time for personal study.

Also in December this year, on Wednesday 3rd, the latest research in the areas of high altitude medicine and hypoxia will come under discussion at Worcester College, Oxford.

The informal one-day symposium, organised by Medical Expeditions, is aimed at clinicians and basic scientists interested in the rapidly changing research in these areas.

For information on all three Mountain Medicine events please contact Caroline Clay, Department of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Leicester, tel 0116 258 6844, email cc44@le.ac.uk, or see websites: http://www.le.ac.uk/msce/ProfessionalDevelopment/other/coursesmedprac.html
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