The first edition of the “Basics of Mountain Medicine in the Polish Mountains” course, organized by the Jagiellonian University Medical College’s Mountain Medicine Workshop in cooperation with the AYOLA Foundation for the Development of Mountain Medicine, took place at the PTTK Mountaineering and Sightseeing (PTTK) Mountain Shelter on Polana Chochołowska from January 16th to 18th, 2026. The training was both practical and theoretical, combining lectures, workshops, and field trips.

The scope of the course and its idea

The aim of the training was to prepare physicians for mountain operations—including treatment following an injury or sudden illness—and to refine their cooperation with mountain rescuers. The program included specialized lectures, workshops, and fieldwork, with an emphasis on practical experience in the Tatra Mountains. The course combines academic knowledge with practical mountain exercises, strengthening participants’ clinical and decision-making skills.

Instructor staff

The teaching staff consisted primarily of lecturers from the Mountain Medicine Laboratory of the Jagiellonian University Medical College, TOPR rescuers and mountain medicine specialists, as well as employees of the Department of Disaster Medicine and Emergency Care of the Jagiellonian University Medical College.

On behalf of ZMiKiPD, the following people participated as instructors: Karol Łyziński, Ph.D., and Katarzyna Kącka, M.D., who was also one of the main organizers of the event.

Organizers and partners

The course was implemented thanks to the cooperation of:

• Mountain Medicine Laboratory of the Jagiellonian University Medical College (organizer)
• AYOLA Mountain Medicine Development Foundation (organizational and financial support)

Outlook and Acknowledgements: We look forward to future editions of the training, viewing this initiative as the first step towards the broader development of mountain medicine in Poland. We extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their enormous commitment, openness to learning, and active participation in the classes—both in the classroom and in the challenging field conditions.

The Jagiellonian University Medical College (ZMiKiPD UJ CM) looks forward to continued close collaboration with the Jagiellonian University Medical College Mountain Medicine Laboratory and the AYOLA Foundation to improve mountain safety and develop medical competencies in high-altitude environments.