Wilderness Medicine

Beqa Lagoon is considered one of the world's premier scuba and snorkle locations.


Fiji Scuba Diving and Multi-Sports Adventure
Wilderness and Marine Medicine CME Conference
January 15-22, 2011
16 Hours Category I CME Credit

BEQA LAGOON RESORT
Voted Top Diving Resort in the World!

(Rodales Scuba Diving Magazine - 2002)

Trip cost: $3099*
INCLUDES ALL LODGING, MEALS, AND ROUND TRIP AIRFARE FROM LA! 

This exciting Wilderness and Marine Medicine CME course takes place in the secluded Fiji Island Paradise of Beqa (pronounced "Benga"). Surrounded by one of the world's largest and most spectacular barrier reefs, Beqa is rich and untouched.

Beqa lagoon is actually an extinct volcano crater, and the 40-mile ring reef has formed on the lip of the old crater. It is home to one of the greatest displays of soft corals and sea fans in the world. Fiji is often called the "Soft Coral Capital of the World".

Diving these calm protected waters is like exploring another world. The water is clear and warm, visibility is often over 100 feet, currents are generally mild, and the water temperature stays near a fairly constant 80 degrees.

The excellent dive staff at Beqa Lagoon Resort will help you discover the incredible marine life that abounds in these waters - fantastic coral and invertebrates, Blue Ribbon Eels, Clown Triggers, Lion Fish, Leaf Scorpions, Reef Sharks and millions of colorful Anthias and Fusiliers.

"The absolute diving Mecca.
The richest coral growth I've ever seen"
-Michael Cufer

Behind the Beqa Lagoon resort the land slopes gently upward into a tropical forest. Nearby are beautiful fresh water streams and waterfalls. Tropical flowers bloom everywhere, and the tables at the resort are always filled with fresh cuttings.

World-class surfing nearby! "Voted one of the best two waves in Fiji." Powerful and fast (with prevailing offshore winds), Frigate Passage (also known as the Fiji "Pipeline") is located on the southwestern barrier reef of the island of Beqa, just a short distance from Beqa Lagoon Resort. Frigate Passage offers the ideal conditions that naturally generate world-class waves.


Local culture:

Fijians are well-known for their warmth and friendliness. Beqa Island is rich in culture and history. Many of the villagers work in the resort and no stay is complete without a visit to one of their villages. Locals also provide cultural and musical entertainment in the evenings!

Our Wilderness and Marine Medicine CME lectures will take place each late afternoon and evening.


RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES in addition to world-class scuba!
Fiji Scuba Diving and Multi-Sports Adventure
Wilderness and Marine Medicine CME Conference

Scuba Dive pristine reefs to discover rich marine life and beautiful coral gardens. Enjoy fun-filled days snorkeling, swimming or kayaking the warm waters of the blue lagoon. Hike to beautiful waterfalls, or spend an exciting afternoon deep sea fishing. Surf the world - class "Fijian Pipeline" at Frigate Pass. Water skiing is available. Beqa is also a bird watching haven with the largest varieties of birds in Fiji. You can end the day relaxing in a hammock overlooking the sea or by lounging in the infinity pool.

Snorkeling - One of Beqa's unique features is that coral reef heads thrive just a few feet from the resort beach. Even if you do not scuba dive, snorkeling can offer a wonderful array of marine life, such as clown fish, lion fish, lobsters, live corals and amazing marine life.

World-class Surfing at nearby , world-famous Frigate Passage!
Voted one of the best two waves in Fiji!

Kayaking - Single or double kayaks are available to explore the neighboring islands and beautiful beaches of Beqa Island.

Excellent deep sea fishing charters are also available.

Hiking - hike to waterfalls, beaches, tidepools, or visit local villages

Play volleyball, horseshoes or croquet

Whitewater Rafting is truly spectacular on the nearby Navua and Luva Rivers. Rivers Fiji, Inc. offers a wide selection of fantastic day trips

Bird watching - Beqa has one of the biggest varieties of species in Fiji

Other Activities include island hopping to nearby islands, hiking and cultural visits to the local villages.



Surfing at famous Frigate Passage.

Fiji Scuba Diving and Multi-Sports Adventure
Wilderness and Marine Medicine CME Conference

Trip cost: $3099* INCLUDES ALL LODGING, MEALS, AND ROUND TRIP AIRFARE FROM LA!

- Includes Round trip land and water transfers TO BEQA ISLAND from Nadi airport

* does not include airline fuel surcharges. These may vary at the time of purchase. They have typically been running $300-$400

Additional CME Cost: $695 (16 hrs Category I CME)

Seven (7) nights accommodations - Beqa Lagoon Resort

Resort inclusions:
All meals and snacks (bottled beverages and alcohol additional)
Unlimited shore diving, use of kayaks.

Available from Beqa Lagoon PADI Dive Outfitter:
Package of Five (5) Days of 2 tank boat diving (10 tanks total per person) including tanks, weights, belt, dive guide, and refreshments for $200.

Dive certification courses available.


For detailed itinerary or to register for Fiji please call
Bio Bio Expeditions at 1-800-246-7238


Faculty for Fiji Wilderness and Marine Medicine Course:


Gene Allred, MD Ashland, Oregon; Emergency Physician; whitewater guide for over 20 years; swiftwater rescue instructor; avid backpacker, canyoneering, backcountry skier, scuba diver, sea kayaker. Has taught wilderness medicine on six continents. Director of National Conference on Wilderness Medicine.

"Dr. Allred's Wilderness Medicine course is excellent, well planned and flawlessly executed... a wonderful course. It is both interesting and practical for people who spend time outdoors."
Janet Fenwick, CRNA Los Angeles

"Dr. Allred is just outstanding... such a good speaker... warm, gracious and inclusive of others. I might have graduated AOA from med school if all the lecturers had been as good."
Cynthia Payne, M.D., Radiology Raleigh, NC

COURSE CONTENT INCLUDES:

  • Altitude Illness
  • Hypothermia
  • Frostbite
  • Heat Illness
  • Snakebites
  • Travelers Illnesses
  • Marine Evenomations
  • Trauma Management
  • Wilderness Orthopedics
  • Water Disinfection
  • Swiftwater Safety and Rescue
  • Basic Wilderness Survival
  • Wilderness Medical Kits
  • Wound Management
  • Wild Animal Attacks
  • Patient Assessment
  • Wilderness Dermatology
  • Wilderness Pediatrics

ACCREDITATION
Accreditation 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 sponsorship of the Wilderness Medical Society and Wilderness and Travel Medicine 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 CreditsTM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.