What can medical students really achieve while still in medical school? We often think of medical school as a time for learning the basics: anatomy, physiology, clinical skills. But what if, alongside our studies, we could push the boundaries of medical research? What if we could organise an international expedition, conduct high-impact research, and contribute directly to advances in global health—all while still in training?
This is exactly what the Altitude Physiology Expeditions (APEX), a Scottish charity founded by University of Edinburgh medical students, has been doing for more than two decades. Established in 2001, APEX has already completed six high-altitude medical research expeditions, with the seventh—APEX 7—set to take place in the summer of 2025. These expeditions are not just scientific endeavours but student-led initiatives that exemplify the incredible potential of what can be achieved at medical school.
The APEX Vision: Merging Education and Innovation
From its inception, APEX has sought to explore how the human body responds to extreme environments, particularly the effects of hypoxia—reduced oxygen levels found at high altitudes. This research has practical applications not only for adventurers or athletes but also for understanding medical conditions that reduce oxygen supply, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure.
What makes APEX truly remarkable is its focus on student leadership. The organisation is run entirely by medical students, giving them a rare opportunity to engage in research design, project management, and scientific publication while still completing their studies. For the students involved, this means real-world experience in research, teamwork, and leadership long before they graduate.
APEX 7: The Most Ambitious Expedition Yet
APEX 7, set to take place in June and July 2025, promises to be the largest and most ambitious APEX expedition yet. The research team, comprising 80 to 100 volunteers from the University of Edinburgh, will spend 16 days at high altitudes in Bolivia. The group will fly into El Alto International Airport, which at 4,100 meters is one of the highest airports in the world. After a period of acclimatisation in La Paz (3,800 meters), the team will ascend to Huayna Potosi Base Camp at 4,700 meters, where the majority of the research will be conducted.
The scale of APEX 7 alone is groundbreaking—it aims to be the largest controlled ascent ever undertaken in medical research. But what’s even more remarkable is that the entire expedition has been organised by eight senior medical students who previously volunteered on APEX 6. These students, juggling the demands of their studies, have spent months coordinating everything from research design to logistics, funding, and safety protocols.
These students are not only organising the largest APEX expedition in history but are also leading cutting-edge medical research that could have far-reaching implications for how we understand hypoxia and treat related conditions.
Research at High Altitude: The Heart of APEX
The core mission of APEX 7 is to investigate how the human body responds to hypoxic conditions at high altitude. The team’s research will focus on a range of physiological phenomena, including hormone regulation, genetic adaptations, and the effects of hypoxia on conditions like eczema. The data collected at the 4,700-meter base camp will help researchers better understand how humans adapt to low-oxygen environments, information that could be applied to both hospital settings and wilderness medicine.
What APEX Teaches Us: Achievements Beyond the Classroom
The true value of APEX isn’t just in the data it generates—it’s in what the experience teaches the students who participate. Organising and conducting an expedition like APEX 7 requires a broad skill set that goes far beyond traditional medical training. From leadership and project management to problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration, the APEX experience is a powerful reminder of what students can achieve outside the lecture hall and hospital ward.
APEX 7 also shows that medical school doesn’t have to be confined to textbooks and exams. Through initiatives like APEX, students can take charge of their education, explore new interests, and make tangible contributions to the field of medicine. The experience of leading an expedition or designing a research study equips students with skills that will serve them throughout their careers—whether they choose to pursue clinical medicine, research, or another path.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of APEX encourages students to work in interdisciplinary teams, engage with global health issues, and connect with researchers and clinicians from around the world. This sense of community and shared purpose is one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. It proves that even as students, we can make meaningful contributions to science and medicine.
Sustainability and Inclusivity in APEX 7
Another important aspect of APEX 7 is its commitment to sustainability. Recognising the environmental impact of international travel and high-altitude expeditions, the APEX team has set ambitious goals for reducing the expedition’s carbon footprint. The team will offset emissions from travel and logistics wherever possible and work with local researchers in Bolivia to foster environmentally sustainable research practices.
Inclusivity is also a core value of APEX 7. The expedition is open to students from a variety of academic backgrounds, not just those studying medicine. This commitment to inclusivity allows for a more diverse team, bringing together individuals with different perspectives and skill sets, which in turn enriches the research and overall experience.
How You Can Get Involved
For students at the University of Edinburgh, the opportunity to get involved in APEX 7 is an unparalleled chance to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medical school. Recruitment for volunteers will begin in October, with information sessions held throughout the autumn. If you’re a student with an interest in medical research, expedition medicine, or global health, APEX offers a unique platform to pursue those interests.
For those outside Edinburgh, APEX is always looking for collaborators, sponsors, and supporters. As a student-led initiative, APEX relies on grants and sponsorships to fund its expeditions. Past sponsors include brands like Rab and Toshiba, and the expedition has been endorsed by organisations like the British Heart Foundation. Whether you’re a company looking to support cutting-edge research or an individual keen to contribute to the next generation of medical students, there are many ways to get involved.
Final Thoughts: The Potential of Medical Students
APEX 7 is more than just a research expedition. It’s a testament to what medical students can achieve when they push the boundaries of their education. Through APEX, students are not only learning about high-altitude physiology—they’re leading cutting-edge research, organising complex projects, and developing the skills they’ll need to become the doctors and scientists of tomorrow.
For anyone wondering what can be achieved while still in medical school, APEX 7 provides a clear and inspiring answer: a lot more than you might think.