Abstract
Background
We describe 4 years of a winter wilderness medicine race (WWMR) targeted at preclinical medical students at a large allopathic medical school. The race is designed to integrate preclinical basic sciences with clinical skills in a unique outdoor setting. Specifically, the race aimed to integrate the application of preclinical knowledge, clinical information, teamwork, improvisation, and triage while introducing students to wilderness medicine (WM).
Objective
We hypothesized that this intervention in medical education would enhance students’ WM knowledge, build teamwork and improvisational skills, and increase interest in emergency medicine (EM) and WM specialties.
Methods
This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional assessment of the medical students participating in a WWMR between 2011 and 2014. Qualitative data were obtained by focus group interviews, and quantitative data were collected by medical knowledge assessments before and after the race.
Results
Between 2011 and 2014, 122 preclinical medical students from a midwestern allopathic medical school participated in the study. Overall, the mean scores for pre- and post-race knowledge assessments were 48% and 85%, respectively, indicating a 37% increase in scores (P < .0001). Participants cited improvisational and communication skills as the most important educational feature of the race. Some students said that the race motivated them to pursue interests in EM, rural medicine, and international medicine. However, no students said that the race had inspired them to focus their careers on WM.
Conclusions
The WWMR enhanced preclinical medical students’ WM knowledge, teamwork skills, and improvisational abilities. Although the event stimulated interest in EM, students did not feel more inclined to choose or pursue WM as a career.