Rationale
People have always loved exploring the wildlands of earth outside of the relative safety of our structured society, however the professionalisation of austere environment healthcare was dominated by Northern Hemisphere programs. The two existing Wilderness Medicine fellowships, one UK-based with self-reported experiences and another US-centric, lacked relevance for the Southern Hemisphere.
To address this, the Academy of Extreme Environment Medicine established the first Southern Hemisphere Fellowship, integrating clinical and non-clinical skills essential for extreme environment healthcare.
Graduates of this program demonstrate the knowledge and proven experience to plan, lead, and work effectively in such settings.
To address this, the Academy of Extreme Environment Medicine established the first Southern Hemisphere Fellowship, integrating clinical and non-clinical skills essential for extreme environment healthcare.
Graduates of this program demonstrate the knowledge and proven experience to plan, lead, and work effectively in such settings.
Definition
For the purpose of governance and structure, it was important that we clearly define an extreme environment. For this task we conducted an adhoc Delphi study using as many references we could find to define an extreme environment. We finally settled on the below definition.
"An extreme environment is characterised by an environment devoid of infrastructure such as a lack of hospitals, roads, transportation and food sources with extended field care and long evacuation required, and / or conditions beyond the optimal range for the survival of humans. For example, long distances, extreme cold and extreme heat, high radiation, low partial pressure of oxygen, high pressure or saturating salt concentrations".
What are the Annual Dues?
The Academy maintains its programs and structure through membership fees and accreditation fees.
Fees and dues current for 2025 - 2026 are below.
Fees and dues current for 2025 - 2026 are below.
-
The annual membership fees are $199 AUD
-
A one time payment for Fellow Candidature is $165.00 AUD
-
Annual Fees for Fellow (all level) and Associate Fellow Candidates is $199.00
-
Master Fellow $179.00 AUD
A Quick History
The Academy of Extreme Environment Medicine was conceived in 2020 during global lockdowns and launched publicly in 2022. Initially focused on a core curriculum, it has since expanded to uphold rigorous benchmarks validating candidates’ qualifications and experience in extreme environment medicine. The Academy accredits conferences, courses, and training events aligned with its evolving curriculum of clinical and non-clinical topics. Candidates earn credits through eligible activities, with Fellowship signifying a unique professional qualification and confirmation of practical expertise. It is the only Fellowship in the Southern Hemisphere dedicated to this specialized field.
Contact us
Thank you!
Created with
