UNC Health Appalachian to host third annual Wilderness Medicine Conference in the High Country
The High Country Wilderness Medicine Conference isn’t just about treating injuries from a hiking fall or a wild outdoor adventure – though it covers that too. This conference is for anyone looking to build skills in wilderness medicine, emergency preparedness, and emergency response. And this year, one thing is certain: it’s more important than ever.
Taking place one year after Hurricane Helene, the conference’s timing couldn’t be more fitting. Western North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September of 2024, and many of our mountain communities felt the effects of power outages, road washouts, and limited access to care. The aftermath of the storm was a harsh reminder of the value of having the right skills to respond in a crisis and austere environment.
“As physicians and local leaders, we have chosen to serve our community through improving access to medical care for everyone, not just in the office, but as far reaching as in the wild,” says Dr. David Brendle, Associate Program Director of the Boone Rural Family Medicine Residency Program. “We hope this conference can bring new ideas and innovation to the High Country, as well as opportunities to network and learn about practicing medicine in resource-sparse environments.”
Each year, the conference attracts a diverse group of healthcare professionals – doctors, nurses, PAs, residents, and students – who share a passion for improving care in our rural communities. “The skills I’ve developed in Wilderness Medicine has made me more confident when I’m spending time outdoors,” says Dr. Connor Brunson, previous attendee and Family Medicine Physician at AppFamily Medicine. “I’m glad to know I can help if something goes wrong.” Whether it’s treating an injury on a hiking trail or providing life-saving care when roads are demolished, the knowledge gained at this conference will equip attendees to handle any challenge that might arise.
This year’s conference will continue to focus on real, hands-on training for wilderness medicine. Attendees can expect expert-led workshops that will prepare them for the unexpected, whether it’s an outdoor accident or a community-wide crisis. For anyone in the healthcare field or anyone who simply wants to feel more prepared in an emergency or out in the wild, the High Country Wilderness Medicine Conference is an event you don’t want to miss. It’s not just about learning to respond to medical issues in remote settings – it’s about helping to ensure our communities are ready for whatever comes our way. The High Country has proven time and time again that we can face challenges head-on, and our hope it to continue to build a stronger, more resilient community.
The third annual High Country Wilderness Medicine Conference will be held September 19-21st, 2025 at the Valle Crucis Conference Center. For registration and more information, visit https://hcwmc.com/.
