Wilderness Medicine and Survival CME

Skills Course

And Whitewater Rafting Adventure

June 7 - 12, 2026*
June 6-11, 2027*

6 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS from $2,395

8 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS from $3,645*

*Optional Mt. Shasta summit adds two days

Trip Highlights

  • The 30th Annual Wilderness Medicine Skills Course at a spectacular riverside location, with 16 CME credits

  • Enjoy four days of whitewater rafting on some of California's finest rivers. Learn to guide a raft, or just paddle and enjoy!

  • An emphasis on hands-on skills training and scenarios led by renowned instructor Howard Donner, MD

  • Practice wilderness survival skills, navigation, and river rescue.  Learn how to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and more!

  • Savor delicious farm-to-table meals prepared by Chef Lauren! Unwind with riverside wine tasting and happy hour

  • Learn snow travel & self rescue skills, then summit majestic 14,180 ft. Mount Shasta (optional)

Welcome to The Premier Skills Course in Wilderness Medicine 

This highly acclaimed course is designed for physicians, PAs, NPs, nurses, medics, and other clinicians seeking practical, field-ready skills for use in remote, austere, and outdoor environments.

Learn directly from experienced wilderness medicine faculty—including Howard Donner, MD—through live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and scenario-based training. Topics range from hypothermia and altitude illness to improvised splinting and real-world patient evacuation in the backcountry.

Earn 16 CME credits while whitewater rafting some of Northern California’s finest rivers, enjoying farm-to-table meals, and learning alongside a community of like-minded professionals. Optional experiences include whitewater kayaking and a guided Mt. Shasta summit attempt for those seeking a true expedition-level challenge.

Non-medical guests (ages 13 and up) are welcome to join and participate at their own pace!

Wilderness & Expedition Medicine Skills Include:

  • Hypothermia, frostbite, heat illness, and altitude illness
  • Field management of wounds, fractures, dislocations, and sprains, including reduction and improvised splinting
  • Snake envenomations, wilderness ENT problems
  • Backcountry evacuation, improvised carries, patient packaging, and litter systems
  • Waterborne illness and field water disinfection
  • Building a practical medical kit for travel, adventure, and expeditions

Wilderness Survival & Travel Skills Include:

  • Fire starting, shelter building, signaling, and water procurement
  • Ropes & knots for survival and rescue
  • Blister prevention and expedition foot care
  • Whitewater rafting, cold-water immersion, and swift-water crossing skills
  • Wilderness rescue, communications, and in-flight emergencies
  • Optional basic mountaineering skills, including ice axe use and snow travel (taught by SWS Mountain Guides)
Kayaking on Clear Creek

Course Location

The course is based at Paradise Point, a private 20-acre riverside retreat in Northern California, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Mt. Shasta, the Marble Mountains, and the Siskiyou Wilderness. This diverse terrain provides an ideal outdoor classroom and a perfect launch point for whitewater rafting on some of America’s premier rivers. All meals and beverages—including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options—are included and thoughtfully prepared onsite.

Despite its secluded setting, Paradise Point is easy to access. We recommend flying into Medford Airport (MFR), a well-connected regional hub just a short drive away. Rental cars are readily available, and optional round-trip shuttle service may be arranged.

Map of connections to MFR airport
Paradise Point Map updated 2023 (1)

Itinerary Snapshot

Wilderness Medicine & Survial Skills Course
& Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Nearby side trips you can do on your own before or after the Wilderness Medicine and Survival Skills Course!

cme course california17
Northern California Coastal Redwoods (world's tallest trees)
cme course california18
Crater Lake National Park
cme course california16
Spectacular Oregon Coastline

We raft 3 fantastic rivers on this trip!

Weather and river flow permitting

Klamath River

The Klamath River is renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife—earning its designation as a National Wild & Scenic River. Its fun, splashy Class II–III rapids make it ideal for all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced paddlers.

Clear Creek

Pristine and remote, Clear Creek offers an almost surreal beauty. Paddle through crystal-clear waters flowing through a deep bedrock gorge, surrounded by lush forest. Along the way, enjoy a series of frequent and fun Class II–III rapids.

Salmon River

The Cal Salmon is a true whitewater classic, winding through a steep, granite gorge of breathtaking beauty. You'll encounter crystal-clear emerald pools highlighted by thrilling Class III–IV rapids, making for an unforgettable and exhilarating ride.

Dates & Pricing

Our trips typically sell out, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Trips include: All meals & drinks, 4 days of whitewater rafting, tent, sleeping pad ($200 discount for participants who bring their own tent/pad)

June 7 - 12, 2026

WTM Intensive Skills Course Only

Medical professionals: $2,395

Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $1,895

Guests 13-18 years: $995

$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)

$100 Optional round trip van transfer from MFR airport to Paradise Point
(Participants can also rent a car or bring their own)

Available - Filling Quickly

June 7 - 14, 2026

WTM Intensive Skills Course & Mt. Shasta Climb

Medical professionals: $3,695

Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $3,195

Guests 13-18 years: $2,245

$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)

$100 Optional round trip van transfer from MFR airport to Paradise Point
(Participants can also rent a car or bring their own)

Available - Filling Quickly

June 6-11, 2027

WTM Intensive Skills Course Only

Medical professionals: $2,445

Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $1,995

Guests 13-18 years: $995

$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)

$100 Optional round-trip van transfer from MFR airport to Paradise Point
(Participants can also rent a car or bring their own)

Available - Filling Quickly

June 6-13, 2027

WTM Intensive Skills Course & Mt. Shasta Climb

Medical professionals: $3,845

Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $3,395

Guests 13-18 years: $2,345

$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)

$100 Optional round-trip van transfer from MFR airport to Paradise Point
(Participants can also rent a car or bring their own)

Available - Filling Quickly

Questions? Ready to reserve your spot?
Speak to an expert at Bio Bio Expeditions

1-800-246-7238

A few of the publications Bio Bio Expeditions has been featured in:

cme course bhutan award1
cme course bhutan award2
cme course bhutan award3
cme course bhutan award4
Klamath Wilderness Medicine Skills Course Pano CME Course

Testimonials From Your Colleagues

Mindy_Wilderness_Medicine

"Wow! Expectations met and exceeded! The site was perfect. Phenomenal instructors and good human beings. The content of the lectures was interesting and well delivered. The guide staff went out of their way to make sure everything was taken care of and had a smile the entire time they were doing it. Food was delicious and accommodated all diets. Happy hours and desserts were amazing! I couldn't be happier. Thank you :)"

MINDY CHAIREZ, RN (2021 SKILLS COURSE PARTICIPANT)

"Best CME ever! This will be a trip we will remember forever! Awesome itinerary! Wonderful faculty-tops in knowledge! I learned many new things from all of the faculty."

KEN MASON, MD - ANESTHESIOLOGY

"Faculty were all personable and very knowledgeable and fun! I love to listen to them! I loved the hands-on course content. Guide staff was great and very helpful. Excellent meals. Course was very well set up and organized."

Heather Smith, RN

"I couldn't think of anyone better than Howard Donner to teach a course like this. He is a true expert in the field. His lecture style sets the right tone for the week. Howard is truly awesome! Fabulous CME!"

LESLIE CHO, MD - EMERGENCY MEDICINE

"I don't have enough good things to say about this trip. I have already been spreading the word amongst my colleagues."

KURT BITTER, MD

Faculty for the Wilderness Medicine and Survival Skills Course

cme course faculty howard

Howard J. Donner, MD

Co-author of The Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine. Featured in two successful NOVA documentaries including; Deadly Ascent, and the critically acclaimed film: Everest: The Death Zone. Medical operations consultant for NASA for 5 years. Medical advisor for Telluride's Search and Rescue team. Staff physician for the Himalayan Rescue Association for 2 seasons. Began his career as a professional river and mountain guide, now a Certified Flight Instructor and professional skipper. Has advised mountaineers, rescuers, Olympic athletes, pilots and aerospace personnel throughout his career.

Kyle Allred Headshot

Kyle Allred, PA

Professional expedition and whitewater guide on five continents for over 20 years. Wilderness survival instructor, field course instructor, and co-founder of MedWild.com Instructional Videos. Co-founder of MedCram.com Medical Education Videos.

COURSE CONTENT INCLUDES

  • Altitude Illness
  • Hypothermia
  • Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries
  • Environmental Heat Illness
  • Traveler's Diarrhea, Giardia & Other Waterborne Wilderness Infections
  • Surviving the Unexpected Night Out
  • Lightning Injuries
  • Improvised Medical and Trauma Care
  • Management of Fractures and Dislocations
  • Preparing for Foreign Travel
  • Backcountry Medical Kits
  • Wilderness Wound Management
  • Patient Assessment in Wilderness Settings
  • Wilderness Dermatology
  • Marine Hazards & Envenomations
  • Snake Envenomation

CME ACCREDITATION INFORMATION

"This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Center for Emergency Medical Education and Wilderness and Travel Medicine. The Center for Emergency Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians."

The Center for Emergency Medical Education designates this live activity for a maximum of
16 AMA PRA Category 1 CME CreditsTM.

Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This trip is planned, outfitted and conducted by Bio Bio Expeditions, or subcontractors arranged by Bio Bio Expeditions. Please note that Wilderness and Travel Medicine, LLC is responsible for the CME Educational content only. In addition, Wilderness and Travel Medicine reserves the right to change or substitute the faculty for any CME course without advance or prior notice to participants.

For more information or to register for this trip please call

Bio Bio Expeditions at 1-800-246-7238

UPCOMING CME DESTINATIONS BY DATE

UPCOMING CME DESTINATIONS BY DATE