Wilderness Medicine Summer Program
140.31: Wilderness Medicine-Fresno
Michelle Storkan, MD
This course is a great introduction to wilderness medicine. The first week is spent in a didactic setting, covering the major topics in wilderness medicine. In the second week, we head to the wilderness of the Sierra Nevadas to implement the knowledge we have gained to many practical scenarios, including basic preparedness, search and rescue, and wilderness improvisation.
Topics Covered:
- High Altitude Illness
- Heat and Cold Illness
- Burns
- Wildland Fires
- Allergies and Anaphylaxis
- Wilderness Trauma
- Wilderness Preparedness
- Search and Rescue
- Bites and Stings
- Wilderness Improvisation
- Rock climbing
- Water Safety
"One of the best and most practical courses I have taken in medical school. I will recommend it to all of my friends."
- Jennifer Medical Student
Courses Offered:
9/1/2025 to 9/12/2025. Class is planned as in-person, but will notify students of any changes.
Maximum Students:
Summer Course – 14
Location:
Fresno/Yosemite
Costs & Fees:
Application Fee:
$150 per non-UCSF student.
(Do not send fees with initial application as fees are assessed upon acceptance to program)
Housing:
Cost for housing is $112.50 for one week and $225.00 for two weeks. Student housing for UCSF students is free.
Please do not send housing fee until application has been accepted by the EM program.
Application Process:
Application Period:
Applications are accepted anually between January 1 through March 1.
Jan. 1 - Application Window Opens
Mar. 1 - Application Deadline.
Application Fee:
$150 per non-UCSF student.
(Do not send fees with initial application as fees are assessed upon acceptance to program)
How to Apply:
To apply, all applicants must complete application process listed below in Steps 1-3.
Step 1:
Complete Online Application
CLICK HERE to complete the Elective Application.
Step 2:
Submit Essay
Once you have completed filling out the online Elective Application, you will submit your one page essay that should include your name, age, address, date of birth, name of medical school, an explanation of your plans after medical school and a discussion of your interest in Wilderness Medicine and how it is an integral part of your future in medicine.
Submit your one page essay to
[email protected]
Step 3:
Receive Email Confirmation
You will receive email confirmation that your application and essay were received.
Selected applicants will be notified approximately 2 weeks after deadline.
Comments: Students must be prepared to cover some expenses related to backcountry activities including their camping equipment. This elective is not part of the UCSF lottery.
