Expedition doctor – all you need to know

As part of a portfolio career spanning 20 years, Dr Ellen Welch worked part-time as an expedition doctor, accompanying travellers on adventure trips. She tells us what the job involved  

How do I get into the role (including necessary qualifications)? 

You require broad experience and training, but being a competent expedition member already is key, and there are a number of expedition and wilderness remote medicine training courses, conferences and formal qualifications now available aimed at equipping you to work in remote environments.  Experiencing pre-hospital medicine in settings such as mountain rescue teams, and volunteering at events and festivals can help provide experience working outside. 

How much does it pay? 

Generally, this work is unpaid. While flights and expenses are sometimes covered, you may be asked to cover these too, depending on the trip and the organising company. 

How much time do I need to devote to it? 

It’s very ad-hoc, and as such, widely flexible. Expeditions can last from weeks to several months, so you’ll be away from home for prolonged periods. 

What’s good about the job? 

This is a very diverse role that involves a significant personal challenge – for example, climbing Kilimanjaro. As well as being the medic on the expedition, travelling alongside patients, you get to undertake the expedition yourself. It’s a great opportunity for adventurous types. 

What’s bad about the job? 

Often the expedition trips are charity based, which means doctors may be asked to contribute to expenses, flights and travel. As such, it isn’t going to earn you money, but most doctors do it for the experience. 

For more info, see here. Dr Ellen Welch wrote about this and several other roles in Portfolio Careers for GPs  

Click here to see all the other portfolio careers in this series

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