Fellow of the Academy of Austere Medicine

Post-nominal: FAAMed — Fellow of the Academy of Austere Medicine

Purpose

The Fellowship of the Academy of Austere Medicine (FAAMed) recognises experienced clinicians, educators, and operational leaders who have demonstrated:

• Advanced clinical practice in austere or remote environments
• Sustained field experience and leadership
• A commitment to education, ethics, and professional development
• A contribution to the development of austere medicine as a discipline

This is an earned fellowship, awarded through structured portfolio assessment based on training, experience, and professional impact.

Eligibility Criteria

The FAAMed Fellowship is open to professionals who meet both the following requirements:

1. Clinical Qualification

• A licensed healthcare professional (paramedic, nurse, physician, PA, etc.), or
• A certified Austere Medic (AM) or equivalent provider who meets IAES standards of care and practice

Note: First Responders (AFR level) may be considered only if they also hold an IAES-recognised advanced scope credential (e.g. Austere Medic + bridging) and meet the experiential and leadership thresholds.

2. Experience Threshold

• A minimum of 3 years post-certification field experience in austere or remote settings
• Documented practice in at least 3 austere environment types, as defined by the Oxford classification (e.g. wilderness, conflict, disaster, displaced populations)

Fellowship Requirements (Points-Based Portfolio)

Fellows must accrue a minimum of 100 points, distributed across four domains, with minimums in each category.

Points Framework (Examples)

1. Education & Credentials (20 pts minimum)

• Diploma in Austere Medicine (DipAustMed IAES): 20 pts
• Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master’s in remote health, wilderness medicine, tactical care, etc.: 20–30 pts
• Austere Medic Certification + Bridging: 15 pts
• Other related postgraduate awards: 10–20 pts

2. Field Practice & Deployment (30 pts minimum)

• 0.5 points per day for expeditions, deployments, or missions (max 12 points per year)
• 1 point per day for complex deployments in high-risk environments e.g. disaster, conflict, epidemic (max 6 points per year)
• Documented multi-biome experience in a 36 month period (3+ environments): 5 pts
• Clinical leadership in field operations (e.g. medical lead, health officer): 5 pts/deployment (max 10 pts per year)

3. Contribution, Instruction & Leadership (20 pts minimum)

• Instruction of AFA, AAFA, AFR, or AM courses: 1 pt per course day
• Protocol/curriculum development, policy or operational guideline authorship: 5–10 pts
• Case study or clinical article publication: 5 pts each
• Mentoring/supervision roles: 1–3 pts per year
• Medical direction or advisory roles: 5 pts/year

4. Continuing Professional Development (10 pts minimum)

• Attendance at IAES-endorsed CPD: 1 pt per 5 hours
• Conference presentations or participation: 2–5 pts
• Clinical simulation or instructor workshops: 1–3 pts each
• Reflective case logs or documented simulation practice: up to 5 pts

Application & Review Process

1. Fellowship Portfolio Submission
   • Includes resume/CV, point summary, supporting evidence, case logs, and reflective statement
2. Peer Review Panel
   • Applications are assessed by a panel of IAES-appointed Fellows and advisors
3. Conferral
   • Successful applicants are awarded FAAMed, recognised formally and listed on the IAES Fellowship Registry
   • Fellows may be invited to participate in mentorship, panel review, or advisory roles

Maintenance of Fellowship

• Maintain current IAES membership (Full or Life Member)
• Minimum 20 CPD points every 2 years (IAES or aligned programmes)
• Adherence to IAES Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice
• Fellows may be subject to review in cases of misconduct or ethical breach

Pathways Beyond FAAMed

Fellows who go on to earn additional IAES-accredited fellowships (e.g. in Expedition Leadership, Remote Rescue, or Humanitarian & Crisis Health) may be invited to apply for:

FIAES — Fellow of the Institute for Austere & Emergency Sciences, awarded only to those who hold multiple fellowships across IAES academies.