Extreme Medicine news!
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Take a look at our latest newsletter to find out more about the amazingly adventurous Dr Andrew Peacock
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Antarctic Medical Conference 2015: Fight offer
Free flights from Miami to Buenos Aires!
Secure complimentary flights from Miami to board expedition ship, National Geographic Explorer in Buenos Aires on 7th December for the iconic Antarctic Medical Conference, when you book with Lindblad Expeditions & mention Expedition & Wilderness Medicine’s medical conference.
Expect breathtaking scenery and huge photo opportunities on this voyage; whales, penguins & a multitude of seabirds: 7th – 20th December. With CME content accredited for 10 hours by the Wilderness Medicine Society and delivered by Dr Alex Kumar.
To read more about this life changing experience visit our Antarctic web-page HERE
This offer is time limited and due to expire 3oth June 2015, so don’t hang around.
Links
Remote Medicine Conferences with EWM and Lindblad Expeditions …
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Wilderness Medicine in Antarctica with EWM and National Geographic, Pre-Hospital Care with London HEM’s the European Masters in Disastor Medicine and jobs
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Wilderness Medicine in Antarctica with EWM and National Geographic, Pre-Hospital Care with London HEM’s the European Masters in Disastor Medicine and jobs
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Wilderness Medicine in Antarctica with EWM and National Geographic, Pre-Hospital Care with London HEM's the European Masters in Disastor Medicine and jobs
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Wilderness Medicine in Antarctica with EWM and National Geographic, Pre-Hospital Care with London HEM’s the European Masters in Disastor Medicine and jobs
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Conservation Research Organisation Requires Medics
Operation Wallacea undertakes biodiversity monitoring and conservation research expeditions in countries across the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. We need medics urgently for 2-8week contracts on a variety of expeditions including: Madagascar, Honduras and Mexico.
Many of our projects are in developing countries where medical facilities are poor, and we are generally based in remote areas, so we rely on the help of volunteer medics to join our teams and provide medical support for the staff and students on site. Accommodation, meals and a travel bursary (which varies in size depending on how long you are available for) will be provided.
Being a medic on expedition generally involves giving health and safety briefings to incoming participants, providing a daily clinic session and being available for emergencies at other times.
You are free to join the research projects for most of the time, as long as you remain within a reasonable distance of the camp at which you are based so it is a great opportunity to get out and involved in research and conservation in some truly amazing locations.
If this sounds like it may be of interest and you are free from two to eight weeks between June and August then please send a copy of your resume to Caroline Acton at caroline.acton@opwall.com
Medical links of interest
Pre-Hospital Care Workshop with London Air Ambulance
Medical conferences presented by Expedition Medicine in cooperation with National Geographic
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Medics view of ships stuck in ice and life as a polar medic
Dr Andrew Peacock, Medical Director of Expedition & Wilderness Medicine (Australia) writes about his interesting polar season as a ships doctor on the Australasian Antarctic Expedition
I write at a latitude of ~59º South onboard the Australian Icebreaker “Aurora Australis” as it steams at 12 knots northward toward our destination of Hobart, Tasmania. It’s been my home for 15 days. The Southern Ocean continues to be kind to us as we enter the ‘furious 50’s’ having passed through the ‘screaming 60’s’ in only a small swell. My fingers are crossed that it stays this way! The ship rolls and bucks still though and many passengers have retreated to the comfort of their bunk to watch movies on various computer devices while snoozing intermittently with a little help from 25mg of Promethazine, my preferred sea sickness remedy.
This ship left the Australian Antarctic Division’s Casey Station in Wilkes Land, East Antarctica 48 hours ago after a complex and protracted resupply and refuel operation that was interrupted by a 2 week mission to evacuate myself and 51 others (the logistics team, scientists and paying passengers) from the Akademik Shokalskiy, a chartered Russian vessel that was beset in ice on December 23rd toward the end of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE). To read about its background and aims go to www.spiritofmawson.com.
The media focus on the event was intense but that perhaps spoke more to the typically slow ‘news’ period at Christmas and New Year than to a genuine interest in covering what was happening in a rational and informed way. There was enough initial concern about large icebergs moving within the pack ice near the ship to require a request for help to be sent by the Russian Captain to maritime authorities. Once that immediate danger had thankfully passed, for those onboard, it was a case of sit tight and celebrate Christmas Day and New Year in the usual fashion while enjoying a unique environment. Each day was a case of wondering what would transpire next as authorities canvased options and made and changed plans.
On January 2nd a helicopter from the Chinese Icebreaker, “Xue Long”, that was unable to forge a path to extricate the Shokalskiy, was used to shuttle us across a vast expanse of glittering pack ice to the Aurora which had been dispatched from Casey. It was a thoroughly professional operation conducted in good weather and all of those evacuated are very thankful for the help that was offered, especially in light of the considerable inconvenience to the Chinese and Australian ship timetables and missions in Antarctica.
I was employed and paid to be the AAE Doctor by a climbing friend, Greg Mortimer, one of Australia’s most lauded mountaineers. We climbed Manaslu (8163m) together in 2002. I have been fortunate to work around the world in diverse remote environments and never work in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine for free. I take a dim view of operators who lean on doctors to undertake a lot of responsibility without adequate recompense for that, other than the offer of “a free trip”. As an experienced polar tourism operator and Expedition Leader Greg was tasked with running the logistical operations for the science leaders who proposed and arranged funding for the trip.
In such a remote location prevention is far better than cure with regard to medical misadventure. A rolling ship, slippery with ice on the outside areas is an environment to be taken seriously when older, less stable individuals are part of the passenger list. Add a well stocked bar to the situation and you have a recipe for disaster. Sea sickness aside, there were no other medical issues of significance on our journey south from Bluff in New Zealand to the white continent. On a sunny evening at the fast ice edge however, while most expeditioners were off the ship watching the delightful Adelie Penguins cavorting about, a 70 year old woman took a tumble on a flight of outside stairs. She was aware that one too many glasses of fine New Zealand Pinot Noir accompanied her lunch and wisely decided that wandering around on the ice was not a smart move so she stayed on board to watch from afar. Unfortunately that prescience didn’t extend to limiting her movement on the deck! Luckily a fractured clavicle was her only injury when clearly the result could have been much worse. There are no options for effectively and quickly treating and/or evacuating a traumatic brain injury that far south.
In addition to Expedition Medical, A&E and GP locum work I have a passion for Adventure Travel photography and as usual…and deliberately…in these situations I ‘morph’ into the Expedition Photographer, giving instruction and talks on photography to the clients. I find that being an Expedition Doctor can be a thankless task because I’m only useful when things go wrong and nobody wants that to happen so it helps to have another useful skill to add to the mix that can benefit others. Combining the two pursuits – medicine and photography – has always stood me well as a way of getting some great images in remote environments. To see some of my photos and commentary about the AAE have a look at these two National Geographic website posts:
Access to an excellent Inmarsat communications system and the presence of social media savvy science leaders onboard played no small part in enabling the media attention that the AAE garnered – both good and bad! For my part it became a way to share images from all aspects of the expedition – not just the ‘rescue event’ – with a worldwide audience. Because we needed to point the Satellite modem skyward a tent was lashed to the top deck of the Shokalskiy and from this cozy little media hub I uploaded images while being battered by gale force winds.
I subsequently received an email from a press agency and negotiated with them an contract to provide exclusive photos of the helicopter rescue. It was a fun but challenging process to be ‘in the field’ shooting a dynamic and quickly unfolding event knowing I had to be ready to leave on the 4th helicopter load and I hadn’t expected the transfers to occur so quickly. I photographed the first evacuation, rushed back to my cabin, downloaded the images, selected an edit, quickly processed the RAW files (my preference) and then rushed again to the bow of the ship where I had set up the satellite link and uploaded the photos into a shared Dropbox folder. It all worked really well.
In five days we will reach Hobart and I’m looking forward to our arrival, it’s a wonderful city with some nice watering holes. Have I mentioned this is a ‘dry’ ship?!! It’s been a fascinating expedition, one with many twists and turns and I look forward to other interesting journeys as an Expedition Doctor in the years ahead. Coming up in March though I am excited to be running the inaugural EWM course to be held in Austra
lia [insert link here]. It promises to be a fun, educational and active four days in the beautiful world heritage listed area of the Blue Mountains just outside of Sydney. Then in July I will be part of the faculty for the EWM Polar Course at another special location, this time Queenstown in New Zealand.
Please come and join us at one or both of those courses, I’ll look forward to meeting you there.
Dr Andrew Peacock a.peacock@expeditionmedicine.com.au Medical Director Expedition & Wilderness Medicine (Australia) www.footloosefotography.com Of Interest Expedition & Wilderness Medicine , Blue Mountains, NSW Expedition & Wilderness Medicine, UK Antarctic Wilderness Medicine Conference with Lindblad Expeditions & National GeographicPolar Medics to receive Montane® Jackets…
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Antarctica Wilderness Medicine Conference with Dr Paul Auerbach
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Very happy to add Dr Alex Kumar to the EWM facualty
Alexander Kumar isn’t your average medical doctor. British-Indian in origin and having grown up in Whaley Bridge (Peak District, UK) and with family in Delhi, he developed an appreciation from an early age for the natural world and life abroad.
(c) reproduced from http://www.alexanderkumar.com/
See Alex’s Tedx talk…
Realizing knowledge and a sense humour weigh nothing, Alex travels light, armed only with a stethoscope and curiosity for life.
Aged 30 years, he has lived, worked and travelled through over 70 countries and has led and worked as an expedition medic to many expeditions in remote areas of the world, providing onsite advice and support. He based in UK where he works as an acute care doctor.
Family
Alex is the youngest of four children. His parents, both retired Professors of Cancer Research, combined the best of both English and Indian family heritage, instilling their passion and love for art and science. His eldest brother is also a doctor, whilst his sister is an accomplished artist (www.natashakumar.co.uk) and his closest brother is a film-maker.
Education
After wriggling free from the restriction of his school years, he spent the next year living in Nepal teaching English, at the time of the tragic massacre of the Nepalese Royal Family. He later graduated with a Medical Degree from Guy’s, King’s & St. Thomas’ in London, following numerous medical placements including in India, Israel, Shetland and the Amazon. He also holds a first class honours degree in International (Public) Health.
Passion for Science and Research
Since a young age, he has been fascinated by life in the Polar regions.
He followed his heart to the Canadian Arctic, where he completed his dissertation conducting the first piece of research on HIV among Inuit.
Alongside holding extensive experience in Polar Medicine, he holds a special research interest in snake bite- having witnessed its devastating effects to communities in Asia, Africa and South America.
Drawing Attention to Global inequality
He uses film and photography to help raise awareness about issues he feels strongly about – global health inequality -including indigenous peoples’ health status, the impact of humans on the planet and complex human-wildlife conflict.
Planet Concordia ©
100 years on from Scott and Shackleton, Alex travelled to Antarctica and spent around one year (2012) living at Concordia, a joint French-Italian inland Antarctic research station, employed by the French Polar Institute as the Human Spaceflight Research MD to conduct research for the European Space Agency. This research will be used to help understand how far human physiology and psychology can be pushed towards a future manned mission to Mars.
Living and over-wintering as the only British national among a team of 13 Europeans in the most extreme and remote environment on the planet, enduring over 3 months of complete 24-hour darkness, alongside the world’s coldest temperatures dropping down below minus 80 degrees Celsius, the crew survived in complete isolation with no means of escape for 9 months- simulating life on the surface of another planet.
Alex coined the term Planet Concordia – the name of his blog covering this period – describing his adventures, experiences and dreams.
Breathless
Living at Concordia Station is breath-taking – located high up at 3800m equivalent altitude the crew suffers the effects of chronic hypobaric hypoxia. Located on Dome Charlie (Dome C) in the East Antarctic Plateau- the world’s largest desert- Concordia is one of the closest analogue environments to long space missions that is available anywhere on Earth.
‘Keep Calm and Carry On’
Faced by the loneliest and coldest job in the world, sometimes you can only Keep Calm and Carry On … Just 3 weeks before the period of isolation began, the Italian medical doctor due to provide cover for the winter-over period at Concordia, returned home. Alex was then faced with a difficult decision- to take on the additional role as the station doctor. Alex took on this role and has not looked back. Before winter-over, he left Concordia and travelled to an US Antarctic Programme base where he gained useful, last minute Dental training. He is the first and last doctor to have graduated from ‘Antarctica’s School of Dentistry’.
He is the first Research MD at Concordia station to take on the additional position as the Antarctic Station’s doctor, holding full responsibility for the health and well-being of his multinational crew. This is the first time since the station’s creation and first winter in 2005, that there was only one doctor overwintering at Concordia.
This is Antarctica. The Real Antarctica
This website and blog offers rare insight into his unique experience and the reality of the challenges, in surviving life at the extreme and the worse winter our planet has to offer and in many other extreme, interesting and peculiar environments around the world.
Building Support & Partnerships
Alex became the first doctor in the world to be supported by Crocs footwear. He tests expedition equipment for other supporters also.
He supports and acts as a patron for several environmental and educational not-for-profit organisations including:
1. Ibex Earth – http://www.ibexearth.com
2. Oceans Project Georgia – http://www.oceansproject.com/
White Mars for Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ Coldest Journey
The Coldest Journey, involving the first attempt at a land crossing of Antarctica during its winter, has created a unique opportunity for science. Alex was invited to help set up and organise a substantial Human Sciences research project for The Coldest Journey.
Working with Dr Mike Stroud, building upon Alex’s previous research and a report by NASA suggesting polar traverses as an excellent analogues for space research – the White Mars Project was born. Although fixed polar bases have been used for spaceflight studies, similar work had never been performed on a small travelling group who are truly isolated, permitting The Coldest Journey White Mars research study to provide the first opportunity to study the physical and psychological effects ‘at the extreme’ on this expedition crew, particularly: a prolonged period of complete isolation, altered day-night cycle, chronic hypobaric hypoxia and exposure to extreme environments.
For further details see:
http://www.thecoldestjourney.org/science/the-white-mars-project/
Shackleton Epic Expedition 2013
In early 2013 Alex joined the Shackleton Epic team, under-taking one of several re-creations of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s famous escape from Antarctica. The expedition having been filmed for the Discovery Channel will appear as a 3 part television series, ‘Shackleton: Death or Glory’ in October 2013. Alex appears as the onscreen expedition medical doctor and scientist and provided still images, recreating some of Frank Hurley’s images for the documentary.
The expedition crew of six, led by Tim Jarvis, sailed across the Southern Ocean, departing Elephant Island sailing to South Georgia, in a life boat called the Alexandra Shackleton – a near replica of the James Caird with one key difference.. The Alexandra Shackleton contained a waterproof cabin with a seal-able hatch, unlike Shackleton’s original James Caird, which was an open lifeboat with just a canvas cover, hurriedly fashioned on the ice.
Alex studied the expedition crew members, attempting to understand the difference in the psycho-physiological reserve and state Shackleton’s men endured 100 years ago, during his epic escape, compared to that today.
Guide Dogs
Alex is a huge fan and supporter, hoping to raise a significant amount of money for one of his favourite charities, Guide Dogs for the Blind (www.guidedogs.org.uk) – here is a video made in support of Guide Dogs – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4PNCWhITDA
(c) reproduced from http://www.alexanderkumar.com/
Of interest
Antarctica Expedition & Wilderness Antarctic Medical Conference, 10 CME. 2014
Download Exped Med Antarctica itinerary 2014 (PDF)
14 DAYS/11 NIGHTS – November 28 – December 10, 2014 (depart from U.S. & voyage end date) ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
*** Book by December 31, 2013 to receive complimentary airfare on this departure. Airfare based on round-trip economy group flights Miami/Buenos Aires. Subject to availability. New bookings only. Not combinable with other offers. ***
The medical element will be led by Dr Paul Auerbach, Paul Auerbach MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM is the Redlich Family Professor of Surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He is the world’s leading authority on wilderness medicine and is one of the world’s leading authorities on emergency medicine.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
Spend a week exploring Antarctica aboard our fully‐equipped, ice‐strengthened ship.
40+ years of Antarctic expeditions assures you of the best possible experience.
Few things compare to a hike, Zodiac cruise or kayak foray amid the icescapes of Antarctica.
Glide around enormous tabular icebergs by Zodiac, walk along beaches covered with thousands of penguins, and kayak amid abundant wildlife. Learn about the Lindblad legacy, dating from 1966, as you travel with Ice Masters, Expedition Leaders and Naturalists who have hundreds of journeys under their parkas. On every expedition, a National Geographic Photographer will give talks and one‐on‐one photo tips in the field, where it counts. An Undersea Specialist captures rarely seen footage of life beneath the icy surface for viewing in the comfort of the ship’s lounge. Join us on our classic Antarctica itinerary.
DAYS 1‐2: U.S./FLY OVERNIGHT TO BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Arrive in the sophisticated city of Buenos Aires, reminiscent of the European capitals, with a vibrant flavor all of its own. Check into the excellent Caesar Park Hotel and join an excursion to view the Beaux Arts palaces on grand boulevards of the old aristocracy; the public art, parks and renowned monuments. We’ll experience the Peron story—in 
buildings, squares and the Evita Museum—so linked to any understanding of contemporary Argentina.
DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/EMBARK
The morning’s LAN charter flight offers rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, where we embark our ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: AT SEA
Awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a distinct place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable. (B,L,D)
DAYS 5‐10: ANTARCTICA
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. The schedule is flexible to give you the best experience possible. Our veteran expedition team and their expert knowledge of Antarctica’s waters enable us to take advantage of the unexpected. We are out daily — experiencing Antarctica with all our senses as we walk, cruise in Zodiacs, and venture out in kayaks. See seals wallowing on the beach; hear the cries of penguins, and the huge, nurturing silence of this pristine place.
FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: Lindblad Expeditions Liz Estes Phone: 888‐773‐9007 Fax: 646‐390‐2050 groups@expeditions.com
More about Paul Auerbach MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM is the Redlich Family Professor of Surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He is the world’s leading authority on wilderness medicine and is one of the world’s leading authorities on emergency medicine. A graduate of Duke University and Duke University School of Medicine, as well as the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Dr. Auerbach is editor of the definitive medical textbook Wilderness Medicine, and author of the booksMedicine for the Outdoors (named one of the 10 outstanding healthcare titles for 2009 by the Wall Street Journal), Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine, Diving the Rainbow Reefs, and Management Lessons from the E.R.
He is a founder and past President of the Wilderness Medical Society, and editor emeritus of the peer-reviewed medical journal Wilderness and Environmental Medicine. Dr. Auerbach serves as Chief Medical Officer for Healthline Networks, national medical consultant on hazardous marine animals to the Divers Alert Network (DAN), member of the National Medical Committee for the National Ski Patrol System, and elected member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Search Amazon here for Paul’s books…
Among the many awards that he has received are the Outstanding Contribution in Education Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), DAN America Award, NOGI Award from the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences, and DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year. He has been named a “Hero of Emergency Medicine” by ACEP and was recognized by the 98th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) for his activities with the Stanford emergency medical team during the Haiti earthquake disaster response.
His international medical activities have included volunteer physician at the Hospitalito Atitlan in Santiago, Guatemala, and instructor and examiner for the newly-created Nepal Ambulance Service. He is an Attending Physician in the Emergency Department at Stanford University Hospital, where he is Director of Special Projects, teaches emergency medicine, and is involved in a number of research projects, including frostbite, avalanche survival, jellyfish stings, diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, and clinical decision support.
He is working to assist in the design and construction of a rural health clinic in Nepal, and is enormously grateful for opportunities to be with his family, friends, and colleagues, who understand the importance of “giving back” and trying to make the world a better place.
Download Exped Med Antarctica itinerary 2014 (PDF)
Of interest
Antarctica Expedition & Wilderness Antarctic Medical Conference, 10 CME. 2014
Download Exped Med Antarctica itinerary 2014 (PDF)
14 DAYS/11 NIGHTS – November 28 – December 10, 2014 (depart from U.S. & voyage end date) ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
*** Book by December 31, 2013 to receive complimentary airfare on this departure. Airfare based on round-trip economy group flights Miami/Buenos Aires. Subject to availability. New bookings only. Not combinable with other offers. ***
The medical element will be led by Dr Paul Auerbach, Paul Auerbach MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM is the Redlich Family Professor of Surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He is the world’s leading authority on wilderness medicine and is one of the world’s leading authorities on emergency medicine.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
Spend a week exploring Antarctica aboard our fully‐equipped, ice‐strengthened ship.
40+ years of Antarctic expeditions assures you of the best possible experience.
Few things compare to a hike, Zodiac cruise or kayak foray amid the icescapes of Antarctica.
Glide around enormous tabular icebergs by Zodiac, walk along beaches covered with thousands of penguins, and kayak amid abundant wildlife. Learn about the Lindblad legacy, dating from 1966, as you travel with Ice Masters, Expedition Leaders and Naturalists who have hundreds of journeys under their parkas. On every expedition, a National Geographic Photographer will give talks and one‐on‐one photo tips in the field, where it counts. An Undersea Specialist captures rarely seen footage of life beneath the icy surface for viewing in the comfort of the ship’s lounge. Join us on our classic Antarctica itinerary.
DAYS 1‐2: U.S./FLY OVERNIGHT TO BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Arrive in the sophisticated city of Buenos Aires, reminiscent of the European capitals, with a vibrant flavor all of its own. Check into the excellent Caesar Park Hotel and join an excursion to view the Beaux Arts palaces on grand boulevards of the old aristocracy; the public art, parks and renowned monuments. We’ll experience the Peron story—in 
buildings, squares and the Evita Museum—so linked to any understanding of contemporary Argentina.
DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/EMBARK
The morning’s LAN charter flight offers rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, where we embark our ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: AT SEA
Awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a distinct place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable. (B,L,D)
DAYS 5‐10: ANTARCTICA
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. The schedule is flexible to give you the best experience possible. Our veteran expedition team and their expert knowledge of Antarctica’s waters enable us to take advantage of the unexpected. We are out daily — experiencing Antarctica with all our senses as we walk, cruise in Zodiacs, and venture out in kayaks. See seals wallowing on the beach; hear the cries of penguins, and the huge, nurturing silence of this pristine place.
FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: Lindblad Expeditions Liz Estes Phone: 888‐773‐9007 Fax: 646‐390‐2050 groups@expeditions.com
More about Paul Auerbach MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM is the Redlich Family Professor of Surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He is the world’s leading authority on wilderness medicine and is one of the world’s leading authorities on emergency medicine. A graduate of Duke University and Duke University School of Medicine, as well as the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Dr. Auerbach is editor of the definitive medical textbook Wilderness Medicine, and author of the booksMedicine for the Outdoors (named one of the 10 outstanding healthcare titles for 2009 by the Wall Street Journal), Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine, Diving the Rainbow Reefs, and Management Lessons from the E.R.
He is a founder and past President of the Wilderness Medical Society, and editor emeritus of the peer-reviewed medical journal Wilderness and Environmental Medicine. Dr. Auerbach serves as Chief Medical Officer for Healthline Networks, national medical consultant on hazardous marine animals to the Divers Alert Network (DAN), member of the National Medical Committee for the National Ski Patrol System, and elected member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Search Amazon here for Paul’s books…
Among the many awards that he has received are the Outstanding Contribution in Education Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), DAN America Award, NOGI Award from the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences, and DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year. He has been named a “Hero of Emergency Medicine” by ACEP and was recognized by the 98th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) for his activities with the Stanford emergency medical team during the Haiti earthquake disaster response.
His international medical activities have included volunteer physician at the Hospitalito Atitlan in Santiago, Guatemala, and instructor and examiner for the newly-created Nepal Ambulance Service. He is an Attending Physician in the Emergency Department at Stanford University Hospital, where he is Director of Special Projects, teaches emergency medicine, and is involved in a number of research projects, including frostbite, avalanche survival, jellyfish stings, diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, and clinical decision support.
He is working to assist in the design and construction of a rural health clinic in Nepal, and is enormously grateful for opportunities to be with his family, friends, and colleagues, who understand the importance of “giving back” and trying to make the world a better place.
Download Exped Med Antarctica itinerary 2014 (PDF)
Of interest
Polar plunge in Antarctica
These doctors, fresh out of their hypothermia and frostbite lectures, thought they’d test their mettle by jumping into ice-filled 30F seas. Brave? Loco? You choose …
More News;
Dec 18 Course completed! This morning we completed our 2nd crossing of the Drake passage – and feel sooooo lucky to have had smooth crossings both way. Last night we watched a documentary historic account of previous ships trying to round C…ape Horn and were more than a little nervous about the calamity that could ensue. So, we collectively heaved a big sigh of relief when Cape Horn came into view and we knew that the seas would remain smooth to return us to Ushuaia. We held our last expedition medicine class this morning and celebrated the end of the course with some champagne and a last group photo on the deck. Several of us are excited about reuniting at a future course in the Galapagos +/or an Iceland trek … so we prefer to think of tomorrow mornings departure for land as a “see you later” rather than good bye.
An iconic Antarctic Medical Conference exploring one of the worlds most amazing regions.
Join us aboard the National Geographic Explorer, a state of the art expedition ship. The medical element will be led by Dr Paul Auerbach, Paul Auerbach MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM is the Redlich Family Professor of Surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He is the world’s leading authority on wilderness medicine and is one of the world’s leading authorities on emergency medicine.
The ship will also have its own Expedition Leader, a National Geographic staffer, who are amazing experts in their own right and consequently offer a superb environment from which to explore this incredible region.
Join us on next years Antarctic Medical Conference led by wilderness medicine expert Dr Paul Auebach
Medic needed for Ranulph Fiennes Antarctica Expedition
Veteran polar explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, will take on one of the last remaining polar challenges by attempting to cross Antarctica in winter – the coldest journey on Earth – with five colleagues and with the support of the Commonwealth and a number of sponsors.
— POSITION FILLED —
On 6 December 2012, on board the expedition’s South African ice-strengthened research ship, ‘SA Agulhas’, the expedition team – led by Sir Ranulph – will leave London , bound for Antarctica. Their aim is to complete ‘The Coldest Journey’ – the first-ever trans-Antarctic winter expedition. The Coldest Journey will also attempt to raise USD10 million for Seeing is Believing, a global charitable initiative to fight avoidable blindness. During their sea voyage, the team will undertake a number of scientific tasks to provide unique data on marine life, oceanography and meteorology. Using the very latest technological innovations, this epoch-making journey will pave the way for a new dawn in Antarctic, year-round exploration.
On 21 March 2013, the equinox, the six expedition members will begin a six month journey to reach the Ross Sea. Their route from the Russian base of Novolazareskaya (‘Novo’) to Captain Scott’s base at McMurdo Sound – via the South Pole – will test the limits of human endurance. During this six month period the expedition team will travel nearly 4,000 kilometres, mostly in complete darkness in temperatures as low as -90°C. The expedition team will have to be entirely self-sufficient and there will be no search and rescue facility available, as aircraft cannot penetrate inland during winter, due to darkness and risk of fuel freezing.
The post is unpaid, essentially without support from the outside work but is one of the last great expeditions and certainly one of the most significant of this decade
If you are seriously interested, have the necessary experience and a free 12 months please contact Mark Hannaford at Expedition & Wilderness Medicine mark@expedition-medicine.com and we will forward your application.
Applications should include a full CV – please only apply if you consider yourself a strong contender for this post
Of interest
Mountain Medicin Course – Nepal
Antarctic Medical Conference with National Geographic
National Geographic requests Expedition Medicine images
And we have been happy to supply – keep you eye for the series in Frostbite featuring images by Mark Hannaford director of Expedition Medicine.
Expedition Medicine Director Mark Hannaford in Antarctica
South Georgia Expedition – last minute space
We don’t normally promote commercial trips but this being organised by Expedition Medicine speaker and world famous mountaineer Stephen Venables is extremely special and its one person short – if you have the time … and the money why not drop him a line.
Find out more about Stephens trip here.
Hannah McKeand has kindly agreed to be the guest speaker on the September Keswick Expedition Medicine Course
Guest speaker – Hannah McKeand, renown Polar Explorer http://www.hannahmckeand.com/
In 2004 Hannah joined a British expedition to explore the isolated Wakan Corridor in the northeast of Afghanistan in search of the source of the River Oxus. The strip is walled by the Hindu Kush in Pakistan to the south, the Pamirs in Tajikistan to the north and the Karakorams in China to the east. The upper regions of this mountain valley can only be reached on foot by crossing several 15,000ft passes and has rarely been visited by westerners. Part of the research was to take DNA samples of the nomadic tribe people there to establish their genetic links to Alexander the Great and his army.
Polar Medicine's Charity Partners | SAFER
Each of our training courses has a specific charity partner and in the case of our Polar Medicine trainiing course which is held in northern Norway its partner is located at the end of the world in the southern polar region and our money supports the work of Dr Peter Cary and his SubAntarctic Foundation for Ecosystems Research (SAFER).
SAFER
Recently Expedition Medicine in partnership with Across the Divide Expeditions sponsored the design, printing and shipping of new SAFER T-shirts for enabling better branding of the foundation, a greater sense of identity amongst its field staff and as a fund-raising tool by their sale.
Peter was pretty pleased when they arrived by this really made us giggle;