Discounts for Trek Physician

Whenever possible, Wilderness Travel seeks the services of a physician for all trips to remote areas where the potential need for medical care and/or risk of illness or injury is significant.
Physicians interested in participating in one of our adventures—functioning as the “trip physician”—are given a reduction in land costs for the trip. The sum will be deducted from your final invoice. Please note that acceptance as trip physician is subject to review of your medical C.V. (not all medical professionals may qualify).

The land discount for trip physicians is $600, and we require that you book directly with our office (i.e., not through a travel agent). Being a trip physician means having responsibility for the health of the group and treating trip members who become ill or injured. We provide you with a  medical kit for use during the trip. Your responsibilities do not include “routine” medical care, as trip members are advised to bring their own first aid kits and personal medications. All trip members are also required to fill out a medical questionnaire, and are sent a pre-departure packet with general advice regarding precautions to be taken.

We think you’ll be pleased at the low incidence of hypochondriasis among our clients. When the occasional “difficult” patient does appear, we anticipate that you will deal with him or her tactfully and directly, as you would with any
patient of your own at home. Close liaison with the Trip Leader is encouraged if problems should arise.

As trip physician, you should familiarize yourself with the care and treatment of potential problems such as high altitude pulmonary edema for trekking trips and malaria for jungle trips. You should also function as health educator for
the clients. A few straightforward remarks on the subject of the feces-food-mouth cycle early in the trip may save you a lot of work later on.

Wilderness Travel carries liability insurance, but it does not make any provision for medical malpractice. It would be wise for the trip physician to have his/her own insurance. While an MD could be sued by a client in the US for services provided out of the country, our attorney feels that the circumstances would most
certainly favor the doctor’s position. Nevertheless, a personal malpractice policy is
recommended, although we know of no current source for “trip” malpractice insurance.

We are sure you’ll find being trip physician a rewarding experience. Please feel free to write or call with any questions you may have.