Originally Released: May 15, 2001
Contact: Jennifer McGinley, mcginley@som.umaryland.edu, 410-706-1521
Larry Roberts, lroberts@som.umaryland.edu, 410-706-7590

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL STUDENTS ARE "SURVIVORS" IN MEDWAR WILDERNESS COMPETITION

Seven students from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore have successfully completed the Medical Wilderness Adventure Race (MedWAR) - a two-day test of medical skills, physical stamina and mental fortitude, conducted on a challenging outdoor obstacle course. The School of Medicine students finished second in this year's competition at Wildwood Park in Columbia County, Georgia.

Armed with only a compass and map, team members hiked, ran, and canoed through the wilderness course, while dealing with unexpected emergency situations along the way. The students were faced with a wide range of simulated medical problems, including broken bones, sprains, lacerations, burns, snakebites and dehydration. Participants carried very few supplies with them -- a waterproof change of clothing, whistles, matches, water, food and a small first aid kit, which contained ace bandages, splints, and alcohol wipes.

"MedWAR is a tremendous learning experience for aspiring doctors," says Dick C. Kuo, M.D., assistant professor of surgery and faculty advisor to the School of Medicine's chapter for Wilderness Medical Society.

"By tackling the situations they encountered on the course, our students demonstrated the teamwork and dedication they will need to succeed as physicians." Dr. Kuo is also clinical director of the University of Maryland Medical Center's Emergency Department.

"The medical know-how and confidence we gained were invaluable," says Katie Gamble, a first year medical student and founder of the Wilderness Medical Society chapter for the University of Maryland School of Medicine. An experienced mountain climber, Gamble found the MedWAR course extremely challenging. "Physically, we were exhausted, but it was gratifying to know that we can perform under pressure and apply what we have learned outside the classroom," she said. This year's MedWAR was held April 27-29 and was hosted by the Medical College of Georgia Wilderness Society. The first place winners were emergency room physicians from Michigan.

Please note: video and color photos are available of the MedWAR adventure.

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This page was last updated on: March 12, 2008.