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Austere Surgical Course 2026
Learn how to safely and effectively perform medical missions in off-the-grid in remote and dangerous regions.
Prepare to apply your skills in real-world situations as you train to effectively and safely support medical missions in austere and conflict environments. This course, taught by world-class surgeons and special operations forces, is designed to prepare you for the challenges you may face. Whether you’re a medical professional or passionate about international missions, this course will give you an unparalleled look into providing aid in conflict zones.
Course payment plans are now available for all 2026 students, sign up today to reserve your spot in the course.
The Calling To Highly Austere Locations
War-torn regions and destabilized states such as Haiti, Ukraine, Sudan, Kurdistan, and Burma suffer the greatest spiritual and material needs. These regions are dangerous to operate in and have limited access to communication and medical care. Christian missionary organizations operating in these regions, from the Free Burma Rangers to All Things Possible, need highly trained and resilient missionaries. Serve a crucial calling by honing your skills to operate in irregular war zones and join a team ready to operate.
Why Take This Course?
World Class Professionals
The course is taught by surgeons, medics, and former special operations forces with extensive experience operating in irregular warfare environments; our instructors recognize the critical need for quality training before operating in dangerous and remote regions, especially those in active conflict. Instructor identities are private due to the sensitive nature of the work; read about the breadth of experience in the instructor section below and reach out with questions.
Real World Simulated Crises
This course simulates real-world conditions; it will be physically rigorous and sometimes uncomfortable. Our trainers provide uniquely qualified and experienced instruction, generally only available in elite military and government organizations, to prepare you for confidence in crisis.Graduates will become confident in austere surgery and handling unpredictable environments such as border crossings, combat zones, and interrogation preparation.
Prepare To Meet The Need
Missionaries and humanitarian workers often serve because they believe in the mission, but when unprepared, they can compromise the success of their mission and goals. This intensive course prepares humanitarian workers with a skillset and mindset to perform successful surgeries in the harshest environments.
Connect With Active Humanitarians
The instructors are active in serving in war torn regions. As the world changes, conflicts evolve, and new technology presents different approaches, your instructors adapted and stayed on the front lines. The insight you gain is not only experienced but relevant to address today's issues.
Your Instructors
(Identities hidden to protect their cover while oversees)
Our team is comprised of former Special Operations members and active humanitarian workers. We have provided support to orphanages in Haiti and offered surgical assistance behind enemy lines in regions such as Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Our team is experienced and driven to share their knowledge with others who are passionate about helping those in need.
Course Objective
Build and prepare effective surgical teams for an irregular war environment by simulating real-world conditions and teaching foundational skills and mindsets.
Key concepts
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Humanitarian ideology and challenges
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Small team dynamics
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Understanding violence in a humanitarian environment
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Operating in adversity - managing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual deficits
Class of 2025
Student Requirements
1
Enthusiastic: Desire and willingness to serve humanitarian missions
2
Capable: Physically capable of carrying 35 lbs and hiking 5 miles
3
4
Collaborative: Able to work in a team, leading and following to accomplish a shared mission and goal under stress and discomfort
Proficient: Students will hone one of three roles - surgery, anesthetist, or facilitator. Therefore, they should meet one of the following requirements:
A. Be a licensed Medical Provider (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant)
B. Capable of administering anesthesia
C. Capable of guiding and leading small teams and coordinating with locals to enable the team to gain access and placement, overcoming cultural and language barriers
Primary Student Roles
Surgeon
- Conducts surgery
- Teaches surgical concepts
- Supports anesthesia provider and facilitator
- Provides non-surgical medical care
Facilitator
- Manages environment while the team is operating
- Understands and prepares local infrastructure and logistics
- Manages communication and gear
- Manages team’s finances
- Supports surgeon and anesthetist
- Integrates with local security, logistics, and engineering elements
- Ensures the team maintains its schedule, is prepared for events, and considers contingencies to overcome potential hurdles.
Anesthetist
- Conducts anesthesia
- Teaches anesthesia concepts
- Supports surgeon and facilitator
All Team Members:
1. Capable of preparing reports and presentations to standard
2. Integrate with local medical staff in Area of Operations (AO)
3. Encourages discipleship where opportunity allows.
4. Conducts themselves within our core values, statement of faith, and code.
Team Leader:
Chosen by the board after vetting and observation. The role of team leader is not dependent on experience, education, or role.
1. The team leader keeps the team focused on the mission.
2. Takes responsibility for team decisions and directions.
3. Makes the team schedule
Cost and Logistics
Course Cost:
$2,490 (instruction, room, and board)
Scholarships and payment plans are available; please get in touch with us to learn more.
Time:
August 15 - 22, 2026
(Saturday to Saturday)
Location:
Into the Breach Training Center (Boulder Creek Retreat):
372 Denali Ln, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805
Questions?
Contact Info:
Seth Kinkade
(831) 917-9525
seth@bouldercreekretreat.com
If you have a desire to serve but not sure where you fit in, reach out!