Wemcast

What do helicopters, humanitarian crises, and high-pressure hospital wards have in common? In this episode, we sit down with Jan Becker, CEO, helicopter pilot, midwife, and international educator, to explore the vital role of non-technical skills in high-stakes environments.From aviation to midwifery to emergency medicine, Jan unpacks Crew Resource Management (CRM), situational awareness, closed-loop communication, and how to lead without overpowering. We dive into decision-making under pressure, how to manage amygdala hijack, and why simulation training (and humility) might just save lives.Highlights include:The link between cockpit discipline and clinical calmWhy humanitarian medicine demands quiet confidenceHow to build collective efficacy and empower teamsTeaching others to lead without egoLearn more from Jan by joining us at our annual conference.⚠️ Please note: This episode contains occasional strong language.

In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, WEM's Sarah Spelsberg is joined by emergency physician and seasoned kayaker Robert Knopp to explore what happens when outdoor adventure meets unexpected injury.Together, they dive into shoulder dislocations in the wilderness; from real-life field reductions to improvised rescue gear, and what every paddler or outdoor leader should know before they head out.Whether you're a medical professional, adventure athlete, or just someone who likes to play in wild places, this episode brings practical insight and powerful storytelling that could one day make all the difference.Topics include:Self-reduction techniques like the Davos methodKit hacks using rock climbing gear and Flex SealRisk assessment and when not to relocateKayaker culture, shoulder-saving technique, and field stories from the riverListen, learn, and maybe rethink what’s in your first aid kit.

Cara Sheppard is the Senior Medical Officer at Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS), an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in Western Australia's East Pilbara. In this episode, Marcus chats with Cara about what it really means to deliver healthcare in remote desert communities, where cultural safety, chronic disease, and deep-rooted systemic challenges intersect.From the realities of diabetes in young people to the complexities of rheumatic heart disease, spiritual beliefs, and payback culture, Cara offers a brutally honest look at the highs, lows, and hard truths of her role.Working with limited resources, vast distances, and the constant presence of cultural nuance, Cara shares:The myths and facts about remote medicineWhat makes PAMS uniqueHow she juggled becoming a mother while working fly-in fly-outThe reality behind staff safety and clinical decisions in remote settingsYou can find out more about PAMS here. Acknowledgement of CountryWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the

In this powerful episode, Eoin sits down with Ryan Ahlgren — a wilderness and humanitarian medicine practitioner whose career spans some of the most challenging environments on the planet.From frontline trauma care during the ISIL occupation in Iraq, to medevac operations in Ukraine, to six-week stints deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, Ryan shares what it's really like to provide medical care in the face of heat, hardship, and uncertainty. He also discusses his recent role in Antarctica and how diverse experiences have shaped his approach to both emergency and primary care.This episode explores:The realities of conflict and humanitarian medicineLessons in leadership, flexibility, and riskThe importance of ultrasound and sonography in remote settingsAspirations for the future – including medicine in spaceWhether you're a clinician, adventurer, or just fascinated by global health, this one’s for you.You can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn here.

Meet Shawna Pandya, Physician, Neuroscientist, and now Canada’s First Female Commercial Astronaut.In this inspiring episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we sit down with Shawna to unpack her journey from childhood dreams of space to preparing for her Virgin Galactic mission.We explore:Her selection as part of the Virgin Galactic research crewThe science behind her mission, including microgravity, diabetes research & emergency medicine in spaceHow she balances medicine, research, teaching, and astronaut trainingHer thoughts on the future of commercial spaceflight and why it’s not just for engineersThe power of mindset, resilience, and saying yes to big challengesWhether you’re a med student, space nerd, or someone chasing a big dream, this one’s for you!

In this episode, we explore the deeply rooted and culturally rich world of First Nations healthcare in Australia with Dr Sarah Chalmers; Rural Generalist, former President of the Australian College of Remote and Rural Medicine (ACRRM), and President-Elect of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia.With over 15 years of experience working in East Arnhem Land and North Queensland, Sarah shares a powerful and personal insight into what it truly means to deliver care in remote First Nations communities, where connection to land, kinship, and culture profoundly shape every aspect of medicine.Together, we unpack the realities of working in low-resource environments, navigating environmental extremes, and building trust within culturally diverse and remote communities. Sarah speaks candidly about the ongoing impact of racism, the importance of cultural competence, and the role of traditional healing in creating meaningful, community-led healthcare.This conversation goes beyond clinical care to explore what it mea

In this episode, we dive into the fast-paced world of event medicine in remote Australia with Prashan Kuruppu, a rural generalist anaesthetist and Member of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Assessment Committee, with extensive experience in Outback and retrieval medicine.From high-speed trauma and medical crises in extreme weather conditions to the unique challenges of remote evacuations and resource-limited environments, Prash shares firsthand insights into the unpredictable nature of event medicine.Beyond the clinical challenges, we delve into the critical role of teamwork, adaptability, and risk mitigation, as well as the immense satisfaction that comes with ensuring the safety of participants in these extreme settings.This episode is part of our ACRRM series, highlighting the remarkable work of rural and remote medical professionals pushing the boundaries of healthcare in extreme environments.⁠Learn more about ACRRM here.

53 Days. 700 Miles. Alone in Antarctica. What does it take to survive completely alone in one of the most extreme environments on Earth? In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we sit down with Cat Burford, also known as The Molar Explorer. A dentist by profession and an adventurer at heart, Cat took on a solo, unsupported ski expedition to the South Pole, covering over 700 miles in -40°C temperatures while pulling a 100kg sled. She shares: The moment that almost ended her expedition How she trained for the mental and physical toll of the journey The unexpected ways her medical background helped in the field What it’s really like to spend 53 days in total isolation Her biggest lessons in resilience, endurance, and adventure If you’re fascinated by extreme environments, human endurance, and the mindset required to push beyond limits, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Follow Cat’s Journey:InstagramWebsite Learn more about World Extreme Medicine

In this episode we explore the evolution of remote and rural healthcare in Australia with Claire Arundell, a Rural Generalist Anaesthetist from country Victoria and Chair of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Council. Claire shares her journey from completing her medical degree at Monash University to becoming an ACRRM medical educator, course facilitator, and passionate advocate for the next generation of rural generalists. Working across primary care and hospital settings in some of the most remote parts of Australia, including external territories like Norfolk Island, Claire combines advanced medical expertise with a deep connection to the communities she serves. Beyond her clinical and leadership roles, Claire’s story is as adventurous as it is inspiring. She and her partner live in a camper-van, driving slowly around Australia, where she spends her spare time hiking, scuba diving, and even pretending to surf. Her passion for rural health advocacy is matched by her dedication to s

Note: We apologise for any varying audio quality in this episode. As Faye joined us from Tonga with breaching whales in the background (how cool is that?!), there are some moments where the sound fluctuates. We believe the incredible content and unique perspective from (literally) the other side of the world was worth preserving, even if the audio isn't perfect. Thanks for understanding - sometimes catching our guests between adventures means working with what we've got! Join Sarah Spelsberg as she interviews emergency physician and global adventurer Faye Lee about the World Extreme Medicine Conservation Medicine Course in Namibia. From darting lions for health checks to working in resource-limited clinics, Faye shares her incredible experiences at N/a’an ku sê. Discover how this unique course combines wildlife conservation, community healthcare, and the management of human-wildlife conflicts in one of Africa's most fascinating countries. Learn about snake bite management, wildlife rehabilitation, and how

In this inaugural episode of our partnership with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), we journey into the heart of Australia's remote healthcare system with Marian Dover, ACRRM's 2024 Rural Registrar of the Year.    From performing emergency caesarean sections to building deep community bonds, discover how rural generalists are revolutionising healthcare in some of the most isolated parts of the world. Marian shares intimate stories of trust, resilience, and the unique rewards of practicing medicine where the nearest hospital is 827 kilometres away.    Join us as we explore ACRRM's vision of excellence in rural and remote medicine through the eyes of one of its most promising doctors.   Learn more about ACRRM here: https://www.acrrm.org.au/

Join primatologist Elodie Freymann as she reveals fascinating discoveries about how wild chimpanzees self-medicate using forest plant Alstonia boonei. Through nine months of field research, Elodie observed chimps selecting specific barks, leaves, and other plant materials to treat wounds and infections - practices that often overlap with traditional human medicine. She discusses groundbreaking findings in zoopharmacognosy (animal self-medication), the importance of preserving these forest "medicine cabinets," and what chimp healing behaviours can teach us about new medicinal compounds. From pro-social care among chimps to the intersection of traditional healing knowledge, this episode explores the remarkable intelligence of our closest animal relatives and their sophisticated relationship with medicinal plants. To find out more about Elodie's work click here. You can also read her full research paper here.

Join Sarah Spelsberg as she speaks with NASA experts John Haynes and Helena Chapman about how NASA's unique vantage point from space helps monitor and address global health challenges. Discover how satellite data is being used to track everything from air pollution and urban heat islands to disease outbreaks and extreme weather events. Learn about NASA's free resources for healthcare professionals and scientists, and hear about opportunities for involvement through internships and collaborations. Find out more: https://earth.gov Please note: there is some 'clicking' sounds at the start of this session that we were unable to remove - we have edited as much as possible and the sound should be less apparent from about the 10 minute mark.

Join Sarah Spelsberg as she interviews pioneering wildlife veterinary surgeon Romain Pizzi, who has performed groundbreaking surgeries in nearly 50 countries across six continents. From conducting the world's first keyhole appendectomy on a wild orangutan to performing brain surgery on a bear in the jungles of Laos, Romain shares incredible stories of improvising surgical equipment and pushing the boundaries of veterinary medicine in the most challenging environments. In this episode, discover how Romain uses everything from mattress pumps to teaspoons to save endangered species, and hear firsthand accounts of operating in conflict zones, dealing with waking tigers, and developing innovative surgical techniques for animals ranging from massive elephants to tiny tarantulas. This conversation offers a unique glimpse into the world of extreme veterinary medicine, where ingenuity and dedication combine to protect some of the world's most remarkable creatures. You can find out more about Romain, his work and get

Explorer and BBC presenter Will Millard takes us deep into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, sharing his extraordinary experiences living with the Korowai tribe. From debunking myths about 50-meter-high tree houses to nearly starving during the rainy season, Will reveals the raw reality of jungle survival and indigenous life. He discusses how a near-death experience in 2012 transformed his approach to exploration, and shares intimate insights into the Korowai's spiritual beliefs and their complex relationship with the outside world. This episode offers a rare glimpse into one of the world's most remote cultures and the profound personal growth that comes from pushing beyond your comfort zone. You can find out more about Will, his expeditions & check out his newest publications here.

Join Sarah Spelsberg as she interviews emergency physician Faye Lee, who has created an extraordinary medical career spanning from Antarctic research stations to expedition ships. From performing emergency surgeries in remote locations to providing care on Indian reservations, Faye shares how embracing unconventional opportunities led her to practice medicine in some of the world's most extreme environments. Learn how her "work hard, play hard" philosophy and willingness to say "yes" to unexpected challenges has shaped a fulfilling career combining adventure with meaningful medical practice. This episode offers invaluable insights for healthcare professionals seeking to break free from traditional career paths.

In this episode host Eoin Walker delves into the remarkable humanitarian aeromedical retrieval mission carried out during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in April 2022. Guests Federico Ghio and Andrea Tomaselli share their firsthand experiences of using a long-range commercial Airbus A320 to evacuate vulnerable refugees from the war zone. Join us as we explore the innovative adaptation of a commercial airliner for medical purposes, the challenges faced during the operation, and the critical coordination between various agencies. Our guests discuss the importance of paediatric care in such missions, the logistical complexities of transporting individuals with varying medical needs, and the lessons learned for future large-scale aeromedical evacuations. This episode offers valuable insights into the potential of using commercial aircraft for humanitarian purposes and the power of multi-agency collaboration in crisis response. Whether you're a medical professional, aviation enthusiast, or simply interested in huma

Join Sarah Spelsberg as she interviews Kevin Grange, firefighter paramedic and award-winning author, about his latest book "Grizzly Confidential." Dive into the fascinating world of North America's most fearsome predator, exploring the challenges of human-bear coexistence, the importance of conservation, and the surprising intelligence of these magnificent creatures. From Yellowstone to Alaska, Grange shares his experiences and insights, offering a unique perspective on our relationship with grizzly bears. You can meet Kevin at this years World Extreme Medicine Conference!

In this second part of our conversation with Tim Harvey, we delve into his journey through clinical education and his transition to medicine. Tim shares invaluable insights on teaching philosophy, managing change in healthcare settings, and the challenges of introducing new roles like nursing associates. He discusses the importance of balancing work and life, especially during intense humanitarian deployments. Tim also opens up about his preparation for upcoming overseas missions and the personal toll of such work. This episode offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of healthcare education and the dedication required for humanitarian work.