The Post-Graduate Course in Mountain Medicine provides the knowledge and theoretical-practical competencies concerning all the aspects and medical issues related to a person’s exposure to a mountain environment and high altitudes.
The purpose of the Course is to train professional healthcare figures prepared to tackle the specific issues of physiopathology in mountain environments. In particular, it provides theoretical information on the physical and climate characteristics of the mountain environment, basic knowledge on rescue techniques on the mountains, by analysing avalanche accidents and their prevention, mountain injuries, trauma management and bandaging techniques, and injured person transportation methods. It also covers issues concerning altitude sickness and its most severe manifestations (pulmonary and cerebral oedema), it explores the relationship between pre-existing pathologies and mountain stays, and mountain adaptation in children and seniors.
The Advanced Course in Mountain Medicine includes content divided into two main areas:
- Theoretical teaching: fundamentals of geography and geology of major mountain regions; physiological adaptation to hypoxia and altitude; altitude-related illnesses; thermoregulation and cold-related conditions; access to mountain environments by individuals with chronic diseases and pediatric populations; specific issues related to medical and surgical emergencies in mountain settings; mountain-related traumatology; management of hypothermic patients and avalanche victims; hygiene and nutrition issues in mountain environments; principles of pharmacology and therapy during ascent and high-altitude stays; genetic adaptations of high-altitude populations; technological and cartographic support for mountain activities.
- Practical training: challenges and methodologies of mountain rescue; resuscitation and first aid; high-altitude research: theoretical and methodological aspects; specialized equipment and field training in mountaineering and rescue techniques on rock and ice under the guidance of highly qualified personnel (mountain physicians, alpine guides, and mountain rescue teams); avalanche victim search.
The Advanced Course in Mountain Medicine trains professionals such as physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers interested in working in alpine rescue, mountain emergency services, and/or participating in or providing healthcare support during high-altitude expeditions and trekking. The course is also suitable for physicians of various specialties working in mountain areas, as well as for those intending to manage a dedicated mountain medicine clinic.
Additionally, the course can serve as an introduction for individuals with different backgrounds to the scientific and research topics related to mountain environments, also fostering networking opportunities for future research projects in this field.
Successful completion of the course provides healthcare professionals – who already hold or are completing (by May of the course year) certification from an accredited rock/mountaineering course -with the qualification and certification of the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA).
The course is accredited for Continuing Medical Education (ECM).
The Post-Graduate Course in in Mountain Medicine provides training on:
Module 1 – MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT
Physical variables, genesis and evolution of the Alpine mountains Meteorology and topography of the mountain environment. Climbing techniques, rescue techniques and helicopter rescue techniques.
Module 2 – AVALANCHES: MEDICAL ASPECTS
Avalanches and hypothermia: localization and survival systems, rescue techniques and medical treatment. Snow science and alpine-skiing techniques.
Module 3 – HIGH ALTITUDE PHYSIOLOGY
Acute and chronic musculoskeletal, metabolism and cardiopulmonary system adaptations at high altitude. Workout physiology and genetic hypoxia adaptation.
Module 4 – HIGH ALTITUDE AND PRE-EXISTING PATHOLOGIES
High altitude and pulmonary pathologies and cardiovascular diseases. Medical aspects in children and seniors in the mountains.
Module 5 – HIGH ALTITUDE PHYSIOPATHOLOGY
Altitude sickness, high altitude pulmonary and cerebral oedema general aspects, treatment and prevention. The role of a doctor during an alpine expedition.
Module 6 – GENERAL MOUNTAIN MEDICINE ASPECTS
Different pathologies related to mountain medicine. Mountain nutrition. Mountain Medicine clinic. Legal aspects. History of Mountain Medicine.
Module 7 – TRAUMATOLOGY IN THE MOUNTAINS
Acute and chronic orthopaedic pathology in climbing. Resuscitation and pre-hospital first aid techniques. Functional bandaging and first aid kits.
Module 8 – UPDATES:
Update and verification of the competencies acquired: remote learning and interactive sessions.
The topics covered during the Post-Graduate Course – some of which are also practical (climbing and rescue techniques on rock and ice), require specific professional skills, therefore the Post-Graduate Course has established partnerships with Bodies and Companies (EURAC / Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano / Comando Truppe Alpine di Bolzano). Moreover, the Course benefits from the collaboration of the network of experts from the “Società Italiana di Medicina di Montagna” (SIMeM) and relies on the unconditional support of Satelicom s.r.l. and the “Associazione turistica di Sesto”.
The course is divided into three sessions of approximately one week each:
- A winter session in February in Bressanone (BZ), at the University Youth Center of the University of Padua, Via Rio Bianco, 12 – 39042 Bressanone (BZ);
- A summer session in June in Padua, at the U.O.C. Sports and Exercise Medicine of the Padua University Hospital, Via Monsignor Fortin, 34, and in Arabba (BL) at Caserma Gioppi, Arabba – Frazione Arabba – 32020 Livinallongo del Col di Lana (BL);
- A final session, usually in September, in Sesto (BZ), at Caravan Park Sexten – Via San Giuseppe, 54.
Lessons are held in person; however, should unforeseen circumstances prevent this format, they will exceptionally be delivered online.
All lessons, whether in person or online, will be recorded and made available on the Moodle platform of the University of Padua.
The general ranking of merit for the academic year 2026/27 will be published on the Italian page of this Master according to the timing provided in the Call.
Information
FAQ
Attendance of at least 70% of theoretical lessons (in-person or remote through Zoom platform), seminars, and practical lessons held during the three weeks is mandatory.
The requirements for admission to the Post-Graduate Course are the possession of one of the following titles:
- Degree in Medicine and Surgery; Degree in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics
- College Nursing Diploma; College Diploma in Nursing Sciences
- Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare, Nursing or Obstetrics
- Specialization/Master’s Degree in Nursing or Obstetrics
- Regional Nursing Diploma, alongside a high school diploma/level two secondary school state exam
- University students may also apply, provided that they acquire the relevant title before the start of the post-graduate course.
- No specific physical abilities are required; however, in case of functional limitations that prevent the undertaking of the practical activities, you can enrol as listener, with attendance only of the theoretical part.
If the minimum number of 15 students enrolled is exceeded, based on the ranking, up to 10 attendees can benefit from a discounted registration fee. Applicable only to newly-graduate doctors (within one AA from the graduation date) and doctors attending a graduate school (including those enrolled in the last year, provided that the graduation date does not precede the course start date).
Based on the ranking, there are 2 places reserved for attendees from Alpine Troupes (or other Military Institutions) and 2 places for attendees working in the Bolzano Province, with priority for one of the two places for attendees working at Eurac Research. These applicants will be exempted from paying the enrolment tax (registration fee €40.50).
Also, a scholarship will be granted (gross amount €380.00).
At the end of the course, those who will have attended 70% of the lessons can take a multiple choice exam on the topics covered.
At the end of the winter and summer weeks, there will be a CME test concerning the topics covered. Following the test, you will be awarded the related CME credits.
Courses accredited by the Advanced Course include those in: rock climbing, mountaineering, ski mountaineering, and similar disciplines.
These courses must be provided by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) with a duration of at least 4–5 days, or by certified Alpine Guides registered in the official professional register.
In the latter case, the certificate issued by the Alpine Guide, in addition to being signed, must detail the practical activities carried out, the number of hours for each activity, and the total duration of the course.
Courses should have been completed within approximately the previous five years; if completed earlier, evidence of continued mountaineering activity must be provided.