A DIMM graduate is trained to care for injuries and illness in alpine settings and to provide advice and direction to mitigate or preempt medical problems in mountain environments. A graduate of both the Winter and Summer CSMM modules receives a Diploma in Mountain Medicine from ICAR/UIAA and CME credits awarded by the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia.

The program starts with pre-course work assignments, we then have two days in class, followed by six training days in the mountains. Evaluation of candidates is continuous and periodic constructive/ success oriented feedback will be frequent.

Sep 13 – September 21, 2023

Diploma Requirements

We have between 8 and 12 students per module. We have a number of instructors for lectures and small group discussions. The mountaineering and climbing sessions are led by our lead mountain guide who is a fully certified international Mountain Guide; IFMGA/UIAGM, (the International Federation of Mountain Guiding Associations) as well as a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). We aim for a 5:1 student / guide ratio and similar for small group sessions with instructors, but sometimes we have 2 instructors per session.

There are 2 assignments that must be completed prior to each module. Each assignment requires approximately 30-40 hours of self-study/research time for completion. Each student is responsible for his/her own personal gear (harness, belay device, prusiks, climbing/mountaineering foot ware, crampons, axe, helmet, skis with touring bindings, skins, ski touring boots (or telemarking equipment if capable), avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, compass etc).

Students are expected to have some climbing, mountaineering, skiing skills prior to taking the course. Ropes are provided by us. Students are responsible for their travel to/from the course location.

The DiMM course modules are geared to physicians, but we also accept Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Care Paramedics, but the material is taught to the physician level.

Diploma Requirements

In order to receive the diploma you must attend and pass the winter and summer modules, and have obtained passing grades on all the written assignments.

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Fees & Module Information

$5995.00 per module.

Course Date: Sep 13 – September 21, 2023

THE FOLLOWING must be completed by April 30, 2023:

  • Applications and $100 non refundable application fee.
  • Course confirmation based on minimum student numbers will be decided by this date.

50% deposit payment DUE BY

FULL course payment DUE BY June 30, 2023

Fees include:

ALL Accommodation

At the course host hotel and/or remote mountain lodge or hut.

All transportation

To remote sites via helicopter, snow cat, snowmobile, etc. depending on the location.

Almost all Meals

Including breakfast, lunch and the dinners at the remote lodge or hut locations. Dinners while at the hotel are not included.

Curriculum

Introduction

Introduction to the course, hypothermia clinical presentation, hypothermia management, management of cold injuries, Wilderness ATLS and airway skills. (classroom day).

Travel And Expedition Medicine

Some short lectures mostly working in small groups covering pretrip planning for travel to foreign countries, vaccinations, what to take in the medical kit, what problems to anticipate, special considerations when going as the expedition medic, followed by an evening session on rope skills.

Ropes and Climbing Skills

Rope work and climbing skills with the guides, glacier travel, rope rescue techniques. Possible evening lectures/case discussions/scenario based teaching

Overall Wilderness Medicine

Varied wilderness medicine topics. Patient transport, drowning, medical legal issues in mountain medicine, heat illness, navigation session with the guides.

Mountain Days

Based out of the ACC Clubhouse and the Talus Backcountry Lodge, near Canmore Alberta, we will spend 6 days learning safe mountain travel skills from the guides as well as some basic rescue techniques. Evenings will be spent in small group/case based discussions. Medical rescue scenarios will be mixed in throughout the week of the course.

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

75% Refund if cancellation is received 90 DAYS prior to the course commencement. 50% Refund if cancellation is received 60 DAYS prior to the course commencement. NO Refund for cancellations received with less than 60 DAYS notification.

  • All attendees and applicants are advised to secure travel or other cancellation insurance available through various suppliers or perhaps your credit card will provide the coverage. You are responsible to check that you have coverage for cancellations.
  • General CSMM policy is that cancellations will incur a minimum charge of a $ 500.00 administration fee or the charges based on the refund policy noted above.
  • The cost to prepare for a course and pre-book accommodation and other resources requiring deposits (i.e. mountain guides or other subject matter experts) dictates the refund policy noted above, as CSMM operates as a non-profit organization and cannot absorb any losses.
  • Note: Under extenuating circumstances a COURSE FEE PAID may be carried over to a future course less a minimum administration fee of $ 500.00 plus any costs incurred for prepaid expenses i.e. hotel, back country lodge, mountain guide, etc.