Two University of Lynchburg graduate programs, the Doctor of Medical Science and Doctor of Executive Leadership have partnered with World Extreme Medicine.
According to its website, “World Extreme Medicine is a global movement of medical professionals, adventurers, and humanitarians, pushing the boundaries of healthcare in the world’s most remote and challenging environments.”
“We’re proud to announce this new partnership between WEM and the University of Lynchburg’s DMSc and DEL programs,” said Dr. Travis Kaufman ʼ20 DMSc, lead faculty for the EMGH concentrations of the DMSc and DEL.
Kaufman added that the collaboration with WEM opens “new academic pathways” for what he described as “extreme medicine professionals,” or people who treat patients in remote or austere environments.
Through this partnership, Lynchburg DMSc and DEL students will have expanded options for completing their practicum requirements. Currently, students can complete their practicum by either attending one of Lynchburg’s humanitarian medical mission trips or participating in a weeklong disaster medicine intensive at Claytor Nature Center, in Bedford, Virginia.
Now, students can meet their practicum requirements by completing WEM courses.
Additionally, Mark Hannaford, WEM’s founder, has joined the University as an honorary professor.
In a recorded video conference announcing the partnership, Hannaford, who was taking cover in a Ukrainian air-raid shelter, greeted faculty members of Lynchburg’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, including Kaufman, Dr. Rob Gray ʼ22 DMSc, and Dr. Jenna Rolfs ʼ20 DMSc, dean of the school.
“We’re excited to partner with you,” Hannaford said. “For us, this is a deeply meaningful partnership, and I’m excited to have some of your students come on our experiential learning activities.
“Whether that’s in a polar environment, a jungle setting, Everest base camp … or even joining us here in Ukraine.”
To learn more about the University of Lynchburg graduate programs, please visit the graduate academics webpage or contact the Office of Graduate Success at 434.544.8300 or [email protected].
