About
From mountains to lakes, ski slopes to waterfalls, and everything in between, the High Country has always drawn us to explore, experience, and be immersed in the beauty of nature. Our rolling mountains welcome people from far and wide and provide endless opportunities for adventure. Unfortunately, more opportunities for adventure can translate to higher incidences of injuries, illnesses, and traumas.
“As physicians and local leaders, we have chosen to serve our community through improving access to medical care for everyone, not just in the office, but as far-reaching as in the wild,” says Dr. David Brendle, Associate Program Director of the Boone Rural Family Medicine Residency Program. “We hope this conference can bring new ideas and innovation to the High Country, as well as opportunities to network and learn about practicing medicine in resource-sparse environments.” The conference is open to all – including physicians, residents, PAs, NPs, nurses, students, and more.
David Brendle, DO at the Everest Base Camp in Nepal
Docs gone wild
At the heart of the Wilderness Medicine Conference is David Brendle, DO. Brendle is a family medicine physician at AppFamily Medicine and the Associate Program Director of the MAHEC Boone Rural Family Medicine Residency (FMR) Program. “Enjoying the outdoors through trail running, mountain biking, hiking, and skiing has always fed my soul,” says Brendle. “After becoming a physician, I felt a responsibility to gain knowledge specific to medical care in austere environments. Over the years I have actively sought out training specific to wilderness medicine through the Wilderness Medicine Society.”
Brendle, along with 15 resident family medicine physicians, created the High Country Wilderness Medicine conference to support and equip individuals in our region with resources, tools, and training for medical care in austere environments. “Given the Boone Rural FMR program’s location in our wonderful Town of Boone, we felt it was important to offer Wilderness Medicine-specific education to our resident physicians. In addition, community outreach is an important aspect of the residency program. The High Country Wilderness Medicine conference is the culmination of both of these efforts,” says Brendle.
“The skills I’ve developed in Wilderness Medicine have made me more confident when I’m spending time outdoors, and I’m glad to know I can help if something goes wrong.”
Connor G. Brunson, MD