The term ‘Extreme Medicine’ was first coined by World Extreme Medicine founder Mark Hannaford  and describes the practise of medicine in remote, inhospitable and challenging environments. This is the aim of the World Extreme Medicine Conference; bringing together those with experience in this type of situation to share their knowledge and expertise and improve the level of care given.

Medicine is constantly pushed to new limits, becoming increasingly effective and advanced. Within this development of modern medicine, there stands a niche group of medical professionals carrying out lifesaving procedures in some of the world’s most dangerous and harsh settings.

From Saturday 19th October to Monday 19th October 2020, World Extreme Medicine will be hosting its conference in Edinburgh for doctors and medical minds to come together and share their experiences of medicine in extreme environments. The conference promotes cross-disciplinary working and attracts over 900 professionals annually, with this year set to be the biggest yet. The organisers are looking for potential sponsors to support the conference and be a part of this significant global medical community.

The conference covers a variety of different disciplines within medicine; Pre-Hospital, Disaster and Humanitarian, Expedition, Endurance, Space and Extreme Medicine. Specialists in each area will speak over the three-day conference. The talks attract a wide variety of medical professionals from many different backgrounds, including the Armed Forces, expeditioners, humanitarian medics, athletes and emergency responders.

Hear from medics who’ve learned crucial psychological tools to survive the toughest environments and challenges on earth; oxygen-rationed atop Everest, trapped under fire in a war-torn state, stranded in an Arctic snowstorm. Speakers at this year’s conference include Jennifer Ngo-Anh, SciSpace Team Leader at the European Space Agency (ESA), men’s mental health specialist Andy Elwood, Dr Vik Mohan, a champion of biodiversity conservation and global social justice, sleep evangelist Sophie Bostock who is on a mission to help millions of people to lead healthier and more productive lives by unlocking the science of sleep and performance and Dr Stephen Fabes, who will be talking about his epic journey cycling the length of six continents; 53,568 miles across 75 countries.

We will also be welcoming back past WEM Conference guest speakers and WEM friends, NASA astronaut Mike Barratt will again be joining us on the mainstage at #WEM20, in addition to accomplished clinical and performance psychologist Kate Baecher. We also have Dr Cat Davison, GP and Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force, plus Laura Penhaul, previous lead physiotherapist for Team GB Paralympians and team leader of the Coxless Crew who rowed unsupported across the Pacific over nine months.

Mark Hannaford, founder of World Extreme Medicine said:

“The World Extreme Medicine Conference is a fantastic opportunity for medical experts to congregate and share their wisdom. This is our ninth conference and it will be better than ever, giving everyone involved an opportunity to improve the standard of care given in challenging and far-off environments through the sharing of knowledge.

The sponsorship packages on offer cater to different levels, meaning lots of people can get involved and become part of this brilliant event.”

Tickets to the conference are on sale and can be purchased through the website here.
Conference dates: Saturday 17th October – Monday 19th October 2019
Venue: Dynamic Earth, 112 – 116 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS