Dr. Will Smith

Medical Director

Contact: medical@rusticpathways.com
Primary Function: Provides medical oversight, risk management protocols, and emergency response planning for all Rustic Pathways programs worldwide
Professional Summary
Dr. Will Smith serves as Medical Director for Rustic Pathways, ensuring the highest standards of health and safety across all programs. An emergency physician at St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming, and Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps, he brings unparalleled expertise in wilderness, tactical, and disaster medicine. He has practiced medicine on six continents and authored the medical protocols that guide Rustic Pathways’ emergency response systems.

Core Medical Oversight Responsibilities

Program Safety Protocols

  • Develops and updates all medical emergency response procedures
  • Reviews and approves medical protocols for each destination
  • Establishes evacuation plans for remote locations
  • Oversees medical kit contents and medication protocols

Staff Training & Certification

  • Designs wilderness first aid curriculum for program leaders
  • Conducts annual medical training for leadership team
  • Maintains certification standards for all field staff
  • Provides 24/7 medical consultation during programs

Risk Management

  • Conducts medical risk assessments for new destinations
  • Reviews incident reports and implements improvements
  • Coordinates with international medical facilities and evacuation services
  • Advises on participant medical clearance requirements

Professional Credentials

  • MD, University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Board Certified Emergency Medicine (ABEM)
  • Board Certified EMS Medicine (ABEM-EMS)
  • National Registry Paramedic
  • Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Washington

Relevant Leadership Positions

  • Co-Medical Director, Grand Teton National Park
  • Medical Director, Teton County Search & Rescue
  • Medical Director, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS
  • President, Wilderness & Emergency Medicine Consulting

Notable Achievements

  • Led largest rescue operation in Grand Teton history (17 climbers, lightning strike)
  • American Heart Association First Aid Guidelines Committee
  • Author of 10+ wilderness medicine textbook chapters
  • Wyoming Governor’s EMS Physician of the Year (2014)
  • Wilderness Medical Society Ice Axe Award (2017)

Direct Contact For:

  • Medical emergency protocols
  • Staff medical training requirements
  • Participant health clearance questions
  • Program risk assessment consultation
  • Emergency response planning

Professional Links: