Discussion Point: Assessing the Value of an Expedition Medical Practitioner
Compensation and Standards in Expedition Medicine: A Discussion at the World Extreme Medicine Conference 2024
A panel of esteemed professionals in the field of expedition medicine gathered at the World Extreme Medicine Conference 2024 to discuss the current standards and recommendations for compensating expedition medics, as well as the need for evolution within the industry.
The panel, which included Alex Taylor (ED Registrar, Mountain Leader, Adventure Medic Editor), Ben Alba (ED Doctor, Expedition Medic, Co-Founder of The Ubuntu Network), Will Duffin (GP, WEM Medical Director, Expedition & Film Medic), and Mark Hannaford (CEO & Founder of World Extreme Medicine), delved into the risks that medics face during expeditions and the importance of indemnity, contracts, and setting boundaries.
One of the topics discussed during the panel was the "Adventure Medic: Expedition Pay Article". The panelists spoke openly about advocating for fair pay in the expedition medicine industry, addressing the potential for exploitation and the need for a more standardized compensation framework aligned to clear competency levels and expedition risks.
The panelists highlighted several key factors that influence compensation for expedition medics, such as skill level and qualifications, experience and specialization, type and duration of expedition, geographic location and logistical complexity, role expectations, employment model, and risk and liability.
The discussion also emphasized the need for mental health support and insurance coverage for medics in isolated, high-stress conditions, as well as the potential impact of technology and telemedicine support on medic roles and compensation. The panelists called for better data collection on medic roles and pay to establish industry benchmarks and encourage fairer pay scales and benefits.
During the session, the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care guidance (RCSEd) was mentioned, and the British Standards for Expedition Safety (BS 8848) were discussed. The panel session is considered essential viewing for those starting in expedition medicine and those with fieldwork experience.
The panel's discussion underscores the importance of addressing the multifaceted nature of compensation for expedition medics and advocating for fair pay and professional standards within the industry. With ongoing discussions and forums like the World Extreme Medicine Conference 2024, the field of expedition medicine continues to evolve and strive for improved recognition and fairness for its dedicated professionals.
- The Adventure Medic: Expedition Pay Article was a topic discussed by Alex Taylor, Ben Alba, Will Duffin, and Mark Hannaford at the World Extreme Medicine Conference 2024, emphasizing the need for a fair pay structure in the expedition medicine industry.
- The panelists called for improved collection of data on medic roles and pay during the conference session, aiming to establish industry benchmarks and encourage fairer pay scales and benefits.
- Amidst the discussion on compensation standards, mental health support and insurance coverage for medics in high-stress conditions were highlighted as crucial aspects that should be addressed, alongside concerns about the potential impact of technology and telemedicine on medic roles and compensation.
