Alpine and High-Altitude Medical Courses
Professional Alpine and Medical Education in the Mountains – Our International Training Programs and Courses for Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine
ÖGAHM offers various formats of international training programs and courses for alpine and high-altitude medicine, designed to prepare medical professionals for the specific challenges in mountainous and high-altitude environments.
They impart precisely the knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely advise and treat people in alpine situations or to accompany them on expeditions.
International Diploma in Mountain Medicine (DIMM)
In 1997, a standardized learning objective catalog for training in alpine and high-altitude medicine was agreed upon in Interlaken, leading to the introduction of the International Diploma in Mountain Medicine (DIMM).
This detailed training regulation has been certified by the three globally active alpine medical umbrella organizations ISMM, UIAA MEDCOM, and ICAR MEDCOM, and has been continuously developed since then. The latest version of the DIMM Regulations dates from 2023.
ÖGAHM’s International Training Programs in Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine adhere strictly to these guidelines, have been certified by ISMM, UIAA MEDCOM, and ICAR MEDCOM since 1997, and are regularly recertified. These courses are conducted in cooperation with BExMed and organized by Alpinärzteschmiede (Mag. Reinhard Pühringer).
Requirements for obtaining the
International Diploma in Mountain Medicine (DIMM) are:
- Successful participation in the International Training Programs in Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine: Winter, Spring, and Summer courses (at least 120 hours of theory and practice)
- National license as a physician (or Health Care Professional)
- Successful diploma examination
Our courses are organized in cooperation with Alpinärzteschmiede.
Lehnrain 30a
A-6414 Mieming
Managing Director and Alpinist Lead
Reinhard Pühringer
T +43 664 30 61 971
Backoffice
Katrin Pühringer
T +43 664 43 68 247
ÖÄK Diploma in Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine
Upon the initiative and in cooperation with ÖGAHM, an ÖÄK Diploma in Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine was introduced for members of the Austrian Medical Association. This is a full, approved continuing education diploma from the Austrian Medical Association.
Requirements for obtaining the
ÖÄK Diploma in Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine are:
- Licensed physician and member of the Austrian Medical Association
- Within 4 years
Theory (82 teaching units):- Basic courses A and B (UMIT Tirol) with focus on high-altitude physiology – internal medicine – pediatrics (13 teaching units each)
- Basic courses C and D (UMIT Tirol) with focus on orthopedics – traumatology – emergency medicine – avalanche medicine (13 teaching units each)
- General theory of alpine and high-altitude medicine (30 teaching units)
- Practice (50 teaching units):
- Alpine and high-altitude medical practical seminars (10 teaching units)
- Alpine sports under professional guidance of mountain guides and alpine physicians (40 teaching units)
- Successful diploma examination
In addition to the mandatory theory courses at UMIT Tirol, continuing education hours from all ÖGAHM alpine physician course formats (International Training Programs in Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine, Alpine Sports and Medicine, etc.) can be credited for this diploma. The category and number of creditable teaching units are listed in the respective course programs.
Furthermore, continuing education hours from courses by other providers may also be credited, subject to approval and review by the Medical Academy.
Specialty Diploma in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine
After obtaining the DIMM, a specialized course in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine can be attended. This course format is currently offered by BExMed.
Requirements for obtaining the
Specialty Diploma in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine are:
- International Diploma in Mountain Medicine (DIMM)
- Successful participation in the specialized course Expedition and Wilderness Medicine (at least 42 hours of theory and practice)
- Successful diploma examination
Specialty Diploma in Mountain Emergency Medicine
After obtaining the DIMM, specialized courses in Mountain Rescue can be attended, divided into two modules: Terrestrial Rescue and Helicopter Rescue
This course format was offered by ÖGAHM in cooperation with the Air Rescue College of Christophorus Flugrettung in 2010. However, the program was suspended due to insufficient demand.
Requirements for obtaining the
Specialty Diploma in Mountain Emergency Medicine are:
- International Diploma in Mountain Medicine (DIMM)
- Successful participation in both modules:
- Terrestrial Rescue (at least 60 hours of theory and practice) and
- Helicopter Rescue (at least 53 hours of theory and practice)
- Successful diploma examination