Wemcast

In this podcast, Dr Emma Figures is joined by Dr Flora Burns and Dr Rose Brennan, who discuss their experiences as medical volunteers in Moria Refugee camp last year.     Every day, more refugees are fleeing Afghanistan, Syria, the DRC, Somalia, Iraq and other countries, escaping awful situations and hoping for a better, safer life for themselves and their families in Europe. Sadly, many end up stuck in overcrowded camps, waiting for months, even years, on asylum paperwork. In September 2020, Moria, the largest refugee camp in Europe, on the Greek island of Lesvos burnt to the ground. While some refugees were re-located to mainland Europe, many still remain in dire and desperate situations in what has been called “Moria 2.0”, living in tents on Lesvos, with limited healthcare, sanitation, education, opportunities or hope.   Flora and Rose share some of their insights, reflections, challenges, rewards and advice, from their perspective as junior doctors working in this context. They discuss working with tr

In this podcast, clinician Dr Jen Sherman, is joined by Stu Skinner, expedition leader and founder of charity Changing Horizons. Having survived a previous suicide attempt, Stu has made it his personal mission to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. He is passionate about raising awareness of suicide prevention and normalising conversations about mental health. Stu discusses the vital role adventurous challenge has played in the recovery of his own mental health and the importance of purpose to our mental wellbeing. He shares how his own journey has inspired him to set up his charity, which is the leading provider of Mental Health First Aid training in the outdoor and adventure industry.   The session is available both on WEMCast and the WEM Academy WEMCast >>> https://wemcast.podbean.com/ WEM Academy >>> https://www.wem.academy/   If you would like to connect with Stu, here are his contact details Website:  https://www.changinghorizons.org/ Email: stuart@changinghorizons.org   If you ar

In this special January episode Dr Hinemoa Elder, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist based in New Zealand and WEM Host Dr Will Duffin explore 10 Māori proverbs (whakataukī) from her recent book Aroha and reflect on how this ancient wisdom can be applied to our daily lives during the pandemic. This episode is about personal growth and wellbeing. In the session they explore the following: - Making time for mind-weeding - Experiencing the joy in small things - Knowledge as nourishment - How true friendship reaches for the hand but touches the heart - Why we should all know our ancestors - Why our individual success is not possible without collective success - Why hope won’t get you crayfish! - Why sometimes you have to chew on the shit stick - The wisdom of silence - Why those who seek the treasures of the ocean should be prepared to get wet…! - How you can write your OWN proverbs and start to write your own legacy as an ancestor of the future.  About the book: Aroha is an ancient Māori word and wa

“We imagine that people are out skiing and climbing, when actually the majority of people that get caught out in these really could environments is simply because they’re vehicle breaks down, or they have another concurrent illness, or they’re drunk” – Sean Hudson In this *NEW* podcast episode, we’re joined by ENP Ben Cooper and Dr Sean Hudson. Alongside WEM Trauma Lead Eoin Walker, Ben and Sean discuss all things #hypothermia. The trio discuss environmental pre-disposing factors and ‘red flag’ medical pre-disposing factors such as endocrine dysfunctions, neuropathy and psychiatric diseases. Ben and Sean also examine how to best manage these factors on expeditions where hypothermia is a significant threat.   Sean and Ben also talk about cold water immersion, frost nip/bite and how to manage it. They account for what they have learnt through their personal experiences from a self-care perspective. Give this session a listen for some great insight and a couple of laughs!

In this episode, WEM Trauma Lead Eoin Walker is joined by Khalil Sayyad Hilario, a security risk management consultant and SAHCO Consulting General Director.  In the last six years as SAHCO Consulting, Khalil has supported NGOs and aid agencies in South Sudan, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and the Balkans, providing strategic and operational support on risk and crisis management, humanitarian logistics and emergency programs.  N.B - apologies for the sound quality on this episode, both Eoin and Khalil were recording from internet poor environments, but we thought the quality of the content was important to share.   

Everyday People Living Inspirational Lives is a podcast that shares the inspirational stories of some amazing people who live in the communities that we are all part of. We were super lucky to be approached by host Ian Pitchford, who sat down (remotely, of course!) with WEM Founder Mark Hannaford to discuss the who, what and why of WEM.  ** The abstract below is taken from the Everyday People Living Inspirational Lives podcast:  Mark is world’s first honorary associate professor awarded for his work in Extreme Medicine by the University of Exeter Medical School and is the founding director of World Extreme Medicine and Across the Divide Expeditions and a Fellow of both the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Society of Arts.   A former special forces reserve soldier, a professional photographer, dogsled guide, remote boat handler and peripatetic explorer, Mark has been involved with expeditions for over 30 years and has led and organised expeditions to all of the world’s continents, in the desert and

In this episode, WEM Founder Mark Hannaford, Trauma Lead Eoin Walker and Education Lead Will Duffin come together to discuss their favourite episodes from the podcasts and live sessions they've hosted over the last few months.  From NASA physicians to remarkable athletes, trauma survivors and medical mavericks breaking the mould, Mark, Eoin and Will reflect on how these interviews have helped them process the situation around them and grow as both people and clinicians.    ** A huge thank you to all those who have taken the time to chat to us - and to everyone who has downloaded, watched and listened to our online content. What were your favourite episodes? Let us know in the comments section below!    Have you got a story to tell? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us to find out more - operations@extreme-medicine.com    

Adapted from the hugely popular WEM Academy Live Session #23, this episode revisits the Military Medicine Careers Panel hosted by WEM Education Lead Will Duffin. Will was joined by three medics each representing a different branch of the military; Major Nat Taylor (Army), Alex Bamford (Royal Navy) and Cat Davison (Royal Air Force).  The panellists take us through each of their hugely rich and varied careers, from deployments in Artic conditions and scorching deserts to crossing America on motorbikes and surviving in the jungle, completely unsupported, for weeks at a time.  Then they tackle some of the big questions from you - from the types of experiences and skills needed for your application, the importance of good health (both physical and mental), how their careers have prepared them for difficult situations such as the pandemic, and the key piece of advice they'd give their younger selves...   *** Do you want to learn more about the incredible career opportunities that extreme medicine offers? Then

"Going into hospital to work was no longer just a job, it had become the perfect place to hone the skills that I might need on expedition, in the desert or on the side of a mountain. Expedition medicine gives me a renewed sense of purpose, and it has helped me to become a far better, and, more importantly, a far happier doctor".   In this episode, WEM Founder Mark Hannaford chats to Nathan Hudson-Peacock about how he found his 'why’, and why it’s so important to his work as a medic.    Nathan takes us through his journey from a disillusioned junior doctor, stuck on the treadmill like so many others, to a doctor that has travelled the world - from the Sahara Desert to the Himalayas of Northern Pakistan, and has become a passionate advocate for a career in medicine - sharing some of his top tips for those that also want to break the mould...   **    Follow Nathan on Instagram!

‘The good thing with adventure racing is you’re often not too far after a low moment, from a high… finding that waterfall… it was by far and away the best experience I’ve ever had on a race’.    Joe Selby is a UK-based adventure seeker who is passionate about the outdoors and has raced all over the world, most recently competing in The World‘s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge in Fiji with Team UK Adventurers. The World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji encompassed trekking by foot and traveling in various non-motorised forms of transportation, including paddling and sailing in an outrigger, paddle boarding, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rappelling, climbing, canyoneering and Bilibili rafting, with only a map and compass to navigate across over 670km of Fijian terrain.    Alongside WEM Trauma Lead Eoin Walker, Joe explores his Eco Challenge journey; from preparation and crafting team dynamics to tackling the 10 different domains the course encompasses, plus all the miles in-between.  Joe reflects on

‘After I got second in Kona, I looked over and… I felt really empty’. In the latest episode of WEMCast, we’re joined by the Iron Cowboy Captain from the latest series of the World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge, elite ultra-marathon fanatic and Ironman veteran, Sonja Wieck.  Alongside WEM Education Lead Will Duffin, Sonja reflects candidly on her career as an elite triathlete, including her training regime, motivations and how this tied in with family life. They also discuss the dark period in her life following an incredible podium performance at Kona, in which Sonja suffered from panic attacks, depression and contemplated suicide. Sonja reflects on how she had to take time to re-centre, rediscover and rebuild - and how the Eco Challenge provided her with the comeback she dreamed of.  Will and Sonja explore the wellbeing strategies she has developed during her recovery, with specific focus on her ‘4 pillars’ of wellbeing.  Then, they get into the nitty-gritty of the World’s Toughest Race. Sonja details h

Originally recorded as a video interview the full visual broadcast can be viewed at the WEM Academy. Please be aware that this a short drop off about 16 minutes in.  UK-Med CEO David Wightwick talks to Dr Will Duffin, WEM’s Education Lead about his experience leading the #UKaid funded medical needs assessment team in Lebanon, following the devastating explosion at Beirut Port on August 4th and how the UK Emergency Medical Team is supporting the people of Lebanon. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.  

"Just when we think we've reached the limit of human endurance, someone shatters the records" (Lewis Hugh).    Super-human Sarah Thomas joins us this week to discuss her incredible career as an open-water swimmer.  Alongside WEM Education Lead Will Duffin, Sarah explores how she transitioned from competitive pool-based racing to the freedom of open-water swimming, and the unique challenges this presents.  From calm lakes to chaotic shipping channels, Sarah then explains the reasoning behind her decision to try and conquer the English Channel, but not just once. Sarah explores the journey from conception to completion - from assembling a crack-team of supporters to preparing for water-specific injuries and illnesses that could occur, including hypothermia and pulmonary edema. The pair also consider the highs and the lows of Sarah's record-breaking endurance attempt, from nausea and fatigue to the mindfulness that time in the water offers.  Sarah discusses the impact of her cancer diagnosis on her life, an

For this week's episode, we are going global once again to visit remote medic Lucille Chauveau on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia.  Alongside WEM Founder Mark Hannaford, Lucille talks us through her career as a GP working on a remote island. She considers how working, at times almost in isolation, presents it's own challenges. Lucille explores how her instincts have become a central pillar of her work, as she has to evaluate each patient for the severity of emergency and utilise emergency medevacs only when absolutely necessary.  Lucille also considers the impact of COVID on the island, from limits on alcohol consumption and curfews to closing the borders early. Lucille also explores the unique challenges that Tahiti presents when preparing for a pandemic, including the cultural differences in the family unit, in which households often comprise 3 generations, to limited resources and the need to be highly organised should COVID positive patients begin presenting.  The pair also consider Lucille's

‘We are never entirely lost, but we can always know where we are better’.  Tristan Gooley, a.k.a. 'The Natural Navigator' joins WEM Education Lead Will Duffin in this latest WEMCast episode.  Natural navigation is the process of finding your way using the clues and signs in the world around you, including the sun, stars, water, plants and even satellite dishes on the side of your house!  Tristan explains that key to moving from a compass to creating a mental map is to completely tune into the world around you. Absolutely anything can be used as a clue if you view it as part of a jigsaw - perhaps no single thing can tell you the answer but a series of observations can lead you to your destination.  Tristan and Will also explore the joy of getting lost - from mini-challenges in your back-yard to enriching journeys. Tristan advocates natural navigation as a brilliant mindfulness technique, as it encourages you to focus on finding your way and enjoy the outdoors!    **  The Natural Navigator Website  The

In this episode, WEM Founder Mark Hannaford is joined by WEM Conference Speaker, HEMS Doctor and former Paramedic Mike Christian.    Mike tells us how he took the leap from working as a Paramedic in Canada, and fuelled by curiosity, decided to go back to University to train as a Doctor. Following his graduation, his interest in infectious diseases and the emerging SARS outbreak led him to further Critical Care Training and an Infectious Diseases Fellowship. This launched him down a path that has included time in the Canadian Military and as part of the London Air Ambulance team as a HEMS Physician.    Alongside Mark, Mike considers some of the best lessons he took from his earlier training and has kept with him even today - from building rapport with patients, to being resourceful in front-line environments and the power of asking good questions.    Mike also offers some advice to those wishing to pursue similarly unique careers paths to his own; from taking risks and pushing yourself out of your comfor

‘If one has support, drive and determination, a debilitating injury should not stop you from reaching your goals'.   In this episode, Will chats to Martin Hewitt about his journey from surviving a serious bullet wound with catastrophic arterial bleeding on the battlefield in Afghanistan, to waking up in a hospital in Birmingham the next day, faced with having to rebuild his life.    Martin refocused his energy into sport and adventure, and has competed as an elite level skier and set up the Adaptive Grand Slam (AGS), which provides opportunities to people with disabilities to participate in extraordinary physical challenges.   ...    The pair discuss the enormous mental battle Martin faced when coming to terms with his life-changing injury. From learning to write and tie his shoes, to considering the world of work, Martin talks us through his process and the measures he took to avoid being consumed by his emotions.    They also explore the highs of Martin's journey, which has included captaining the

Thriving Vs Surviving Join us to hear from Dan Richards an ex-soldier and cyclist Victoria Lebrec and WEM Trauma Lead & London HEMS Paramedic Eion Walker who attended their life-threatening crashes. . In May 2009 everything changed for Dan. Tune in to hear his story of losing his right arm and shoulder in a near-fatal motorcycle incident. Most importantly hear how Dan turned his life around from a suicide attempt to trialling for the Paralympic Games and cycling for GB in the Invictus Games in Sydney. Also how he has turned his hand to modelling and presenting. Dan is truly an inspiring character....you will not fail to be moved by his account and sheer grit and determination to push through. . And learn from Victoria Lebrec and about her amazing survival story. Please watch the link to get a snapshot of Victoria's amazing determination and tenacity. She talks about swimming the English Channel in a true demonstration of grit and will power. . BBC News report . RoadPeace – The National Charity f

Hello. I’m Anna, an adventurer, speaker and mischief-maker. I get my kicks from exploring the world through long human-powered journeys. On a mission to find the limit of my own potential, I’m hoping to help you unlock yours too. Let’s dance. . WEM speaks to a fellow maverick adventurer Anna McNuff . Anna, a British born adventurer, motivational speaker, influencer and author. She was recently named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the 50 most influential travellers of our time, and by the Guardian as one of the top modern female adventurers . I am also proud to be the UK Ambassador for Girl Guiding, and the co-founder of Adventure Queens; the UK’s fastest-growing women’s adventure community. She's best known for her recent attempt to run the distance of 100 marathons through Great Britain, in my bare feet.  Anna gets her kicks by travelling the world on long, human-powered journeys, and in sharing those journeys with others. When not running up mountains or sleeping in the wild, she encourages others

Don’t wait. Start right now.” – Sean Conway . Sean was born in Zimbabwe, grew up in South Africa, but has English and Irish families. Sean believes that to stop yourself from failing; you need to prepare for it. For him, the adage “if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail” holds true. . WEM interviews Sean Conway the first man to cycle, run and swim the length of GB (Lands End to John O'Groats) . What you'll learn in this episode: . Sean's story - aged 30 he was a photographer in London and deeply dissatisfied with his life. How we completely reinvented his life to follow his dream and become a professional endurance athlete. How his round the world cycle world record attempt ended in disaster, but he still managed to carry on... Why beards are the best defence against jellyfish Does posting to Social Media get in the way of the adventure? The UK's hidden network of green dotted lines. His reflections on adventure and fatherhood. Seans' black book' of things he wants to do next. . Sean Conw