Panama Wellness & Surf Retreat

Oct. 2027 TBD?

Oct/Nov, 2027 TBD

Wild Med Adventures is bringing our signature blend of high-quality medical education and unforgettable travel to the warm Pacific waters of Panama. Set at the stunning Beach Break Surf Camp, this tropical surf and wellness retreat is designed for medical professionals who want to recharge, reconnect, and earn CME in a setting that inspires both growth and adventure.

Imagine starting your morning with coffee overlooking the ocean, spending your day catching waves with experienced local surf instructors, and closing the evening with engaging, relevant medical education surrounded by like-minded colleagues. This retreat blends surf progression, wellness practices, Yoga, and wilderness-focused medical learning into a balanced, immersive experience.

What to Expect

• 🌊 Daily Surf Instruction – All levels welcome, from first-timers to seasoned surfers

• 🧘 Wellness & Recovery – Yoga, movement sessions, stretching, mindfulness, and intentional downtime

• 📚 Accredited CME Education – Practical, engaging content delivered in a relaxed, inspiring environment

• 🌴 Boutique Beachfront Accommodations – Comfortable lodging steps from the sand

• 🤝 Community & Connection – Small group setting designed to foster meaningful relationships

Our retreats are intentionally crafted for busy medical professionals who want more than just a conference room lecture. This is hands-on learning paired with hands-in-the-sand adventure. It’s space to step away from the hospital, rediscover your why, and return home energized.

We believe the best education happens when you’re fully present — and there’s no better place to be present than in the rhythm of the ocean.

Live. Learn. Explore.

We hope you get the opportunity to join us.

CERTIFICATION:

• Approved for up to 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits and WMS FAWM Credits

• “This course has been approved for Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) credits

  through the Wilderness Medical Society. Actual credits awarded depend on personal credit needs and history.”

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Ultimate Escape to the privacy of your very own beach front lodging

• Just imagine – your own private oasis to relax, enjoy and explore some of the beauties of Play Venao

• All Meals & Drinks Included

• Enjoy excellent food, drinks and hospitality with a secluded and beautiful atmosphere

• Earn CME in small group style

• Build friendships to last a lifetime

• Multiple Activities including: Surfing with daily lessons, board rentals, photo & video package, & theory lessons; Half-Day Paddle/Kayak tour of the local mangroves to Isla Canas, daily Yoga, meditation, muay thai, mobility and jiu jitsu lessons.

ITINERARY: 

(Speakers and times may change slightly based on availability and weather) 

(Breakfast - B, Lunch-L, Dinner-D shown if included) 

• Day 1: Oct. Arrive Panama City. Overnight Hotel in Panama City

  • Team Introductions & Greetings.

• Day 2 Oct. Depart for Beach Break Surf Camp (B)(L)(D)

  • Group Transportation from Panama City to Lodge (est. 4 hrs)

  • Evening lectures

• Day 3 - Day 8: Oct. - Beach Break Surf Camp (B)(L)(D)

  • Daily Activities: Surfing, Yoga, Meditation, Beach Walk

  • Evening Lectures

• Day 9: Oct. (B)

  • Wrap-Up Conference

  • Group Departure to Panama City Airport

THE  TEAM / FACULTY:

• The travel logistics and leadership will be provided by Wild Med Adventures.

• The Wild Med Adventures Team are all well traveled and experienced and promise to make your CME experience both educational and informative, but please note that we are only responsible for the educational aspect of this trip. We are not Guides and do not provide gear and/or other safety equipment for the adventure portion of this course. All risks of travel, diving, snorkeling, transportation to and from hotels, airports and resorts is at the risk of the client and may not hold Wild Med Adventures responsible in case of injury or emergency. (See Waiver) For more information regarding our instructor's background - please see BIO's for instructor information.

• Instructors: Tami Thome, MD (Instructors may change unexpectedly depending on availability)

TRIP INSURANCE:

• Delegates should have personal insurance to cover any in-country medical examinations or injuries, rescue/evacuation insurance as well as some form of trip insurance to cover missed flights, weather delays, illness, cancellations or other potential trip delays. We recommend Global Rescue for our Remote Medical Trips. PLEASE BUY TRIP INSURANCE - WE HAVE HAD MANY CANCELLATIONS DUE TO HEALTH REASONS, BROKEN BONES, & UNEXPECTED SURGERIES. THIS WILL COVER YOUR DEPOSIT IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL.

• Please seek a Travel Clinic or discuss your travel plans with your physician for any necessary vaccinations or pre-trip precautions you may need.

COST SUMMARY

Deposit: $2000

Course + CME:  $3999 (shared accommodations)

Spouse/Partner Discount: **If you sign-up a non-medical spouse, partner or friend with your enrollment their cost is discounted. 

• Spouse / Partner / Friend (Non-CME): Shared Room $3499

• Children 12+: $2500 (limited family rooms: please email to discuss)

• We will have NO MORE than 2 people per room unless you request or family would like to attend

Included Package:  8 Nights lodging (shared accommodations) (1 Night Panama City / 7 Nights in private rustic beach lodge), all meals including alcohol, all included activities while at the resort including surfing, yoga, kayak excursion & more, 16 credits towards your FAWM & TBD hours of Category 1 CME, and a free Wild Med Adventures T-Shirt, Tank-Top or Hat. All surf rentals including photo & video package.

Excluded: International & Domestic Flights not included, travel insurance, rescue insurance, & personal gear. Tips for housestaff and surf instructors. Any additional activities not included with our package.

***Please note: Full payment due within 120 days of course or a $500 fee will be added to your final cost or we have right to cancel your reservation***

• Cancellation Policy: Your deposit for the travel portion of the course is nonrefundable. The entire balance of your trip fee will be due 120 days prior to departure. We recommend trip insurance for any unexpected illness and/or schedule changes or conflicts. If you have not paid in full prior to 120 days before the start of the course a late fee of $500 will be applied to your final cost or we have the right to cancel your trip. There will be no refund after 120 days prior to course. If you cancel before 120 days of beginning of trip you will be refunded 50% of trip cost.

• If trip is cancelled due to insufficient numbers, we will reimburse all payments including deposit

ATTENDING THIS COURSE YOU WILL:

• Learn the latest practical hands-on wilderness medical skills for patient assessment, stabilization and evacuation.

• Practice your skills while living amongst the Amazonian Wildlife

• Work with our expert faculty to develop your knowledge and awareness regarding austere & jungle medicine

• Obtain up to 16 hours of CME and Fellowship credits from the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) towards your FAWM (only credits you have not already obtained and limited to the rules of the WMS regarding FAWM credits and outside conferences)

• Our program focuses on treatment of the most common injuries and illnesses encountered while traveling to remote locations

PRE-REQUISITES:

• Anyone is welcome to attend. However - you must be an EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, PA, NP, RRT, PhD or Physician to obtain CME accreditation. (Please Check with your governing body to ensure credits are acceptable) AMA PRA category 1

• If no CME needed, Non-Medicals are welcome so please feel free to attend and enjoy the lectures at no additional cost

• A keen interest in wilderness & tropical medicine

• A good level of physical fitness

• Prepare and bring proper clothing for different activities

TARGET AUDIENCE: 

• Intended as continuing education for physicians, PA's, NP's, nurses, and medics who aspire to work or teach as a field instructor/provider in remote environments or who may work in remote clinics and deal with the injuries sustained in tropical environments.

• Graduates from other wilderness medicine programs (e.g. FAWM, MFAWM) who want to gain experience and skills in Remote Medicine.

• Individuals pursuing a Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM™)

MAIN EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

• The goal of the Panama: Tropical & Surf CME Conference is to provide participants with a unique environment to experience essential medically-related topics and learn skills while collaborating with expert faculty through educational activities including lectures and Jungle Excursions.

• Development of this CME curriculum is formed by the following key objectives:

  • Provide educational opportunities based on core curriculum of the Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.

  • Provide education of value to providers who care for the medical needs and also those involved with coordination of water related activities, including medical providers who must educate and instruct travel safety with their patients.

  • Provide education of interest to wilderness and austere-activity enthusiasts.

• After attending this conference, the participants will be able to:

  • Establish a set of treatment priorities for care of the sick or injured in remote settings.

  • Prevent, diagnose, and manage illnesses and injuries in austere environments.

  • Demonstrate increased knowledge and skills in recognizing and treating the most common illnesses and injuries encountered in remote environments, including jungle medicine.

  • Understand objective risk-assessment in wilderness environments from the perspective of the medical professional acting as a trip leader.

  • Understand the pathophysiology and management of acute emergencies related to remote environments and wilderness injuries.

FACULTY DISCLOSURE / CME

• It is the policy of the Wild Med Adventures, LLC to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor. All faculty members are required to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.

• Accordingly, the Wilderness Medical Society has determined there are no conflicts to report associated with this conference.

• ACCME Statement: 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 Wilderness Medical Society and Wild Med Adventures, LLC. The Wilderness Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

• The Wilderness Medical Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

• All educational content presented in this activity has been reviewed and validated as appropriate in keeping with sound scientific principles. 

PLEASE INQUIRE WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

We hope to meet you and share the ultimate CME experience !