Mission Statement: 

The Wilderness Medical Society Student Interest Group (WMSSIG) at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, sponsored by the Wilderness Medical Society, is an organization of medical students and other members of the campus community who share a common interest in wilderness medicine. Our mission is to encourage and support programs that improve the knowledge of our membership in matters related to human activities in wilderness environments, and to promote appreciation and stewardship in those areas. In particular, we seek to promote the development of clinical skills necessary for wilderness medicine, to expose members to practical applications of wilderness medicine, and to provide a forum for the exploration of medical careers which involve the principles of wilderness medicine.

For the 2008-2009 year, the WMSSIG at UASOM is planning to host informational lunches, including workshops on topics like the reduction and splinting of lower extremity long bone fractures with ordinary camping gear, white water rescue, spelunking safety, and more. We are also planning two outdoor trips to practice our skills, camping in the fall (most likely November) and river sports such as rafting or kayaking in the spring.

Dr. Phillips, the group advisor, additionally offered a dive safety and rescue class as a special topic to the Class of 2011 during the 2007-2008 academic year, and will hopefully have more fun and educational activities available for the class of 2012.