Wemcast

Sarah Spelsberg sits down with Teimojin Tan, emergency physician and participant on Season 9 of the hit survival show "Alone". Teimojin shares insights from his time in the wilderness of Labrador, discussing his unique approach to survival medicine, the mental challenges of isolation, and how his experiences have shaped his medical practice. From innovative uses of everyday items to the importance of resilience, this episode offers valuable lessons for both medical professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.

In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine podcast, host Eoin Walker speaks with polar expedition leader Kasper Jæger about the unique challenges of practicing medicine in the Arctic.  Kasper shares insights from his extensive experience guiding in Svalbard and Antarctica, discussing everything from frostbite prevention to evacuation challenges.  Learn about the psychological impacts of extended polar expeditions, the importance of personal admin in extreme environments, and how medical professionals can prepare for work in these harsh conditions. Whether you're considering a career in polar medicine or simply fascinated by survival in extreme cold, this episode offers a captivating look into one of the world's most challenging medical environments. Find out more about our Polar, Winter & Svalbard Expedition here.

Join experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon Henrik Hedelin as he shares invaluable insights on haemorrhage control in resource-limited settings. Drawing from his extensive field experience in conflict zones and humanitarian missions, Henrik challenges conventional wisdom and offers practical, life-saving techniques for managing severe bleeding. This eye-opening discussion covers the nuances of wound packing, the overuse of tourniquets, and the critical importance of context-specific approaches to trauma care. Whether you're a medical professional, first responder, or anyone interested in emergency medicine, this episode offers essential knowledge that could make the difference between life and death in austere environments.

Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Sophie Camp, a GP trainee and Army Reservist, as she shares her incredible journey from medical school to high-altitude expeditions in the Karakoram. Sophie recounts her harrowing experiences during a tri-service expedition to Pakistan, where she faced rockfalls, avalanches, and life-threatening medical emergencies at extreme altitudes. Learn how her military training prepared her for these challenges and discover the unique opportunities available to medical professionals in the reserves. From sailing across the Atlantic to providing critical care in remote locations, this episode offers invaluable insights into the world of extreme medicine and the benefits of a portfolio career. Whether you're a medical student, a practicing physician, or simply curious about adventure medicine, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for those seeking to push their boundaries in healthcare.

In this episode we welcome back Hareen De Silva, a GP who recently returned from a deployment to Gaza with CADUS, a German NGO. Hareen shares his experiences working in a trauma stabilisation point amidst active conflict, managing a diverse international team, and dealing with the psychological impact of humanitarian work in extreme environments. From mass casualty incidents to the challenges of daily life in a war zone, this episode offers a raw and insightful look into the realities of providing medical care in one of the world's most dangerous areas.

In this in-depth episode, Sarah is joined by the incredible Bill Griggs, a highly acclaimed Australian physician and trauma specialist who has left a mark on the field of medicine through his innovative contributions to trauma care and disaster response.  With his career spanning over four decades, Bill has been a true pioneer in the development of life-saving techniques, including the Griggs Technique, for aiding breathing issues.   Bill’s expertise extends beyond the boundaries of Australia as he has played pivotal roles in international disaster relief efforts, as well as in a number of military deployments, starting with the 1991 Gulf War, where he served on a US Navy hospital ship and aircraft carrier, a dedicated educator and leader in the healthcare community.   Alongside sharing his amazing stories of heroism, Bill talks about the impact these experiences had on his mental health and the importance of reaching out for help when you truly need it. Listen to Bill share his first-hand accounts & show

This week Lauren McKenna sits down with Tom Roffe-Silvester, co-founder and managing director of the Veterinary Task Force and Exped Vet. Tom shares his journey working with operational working dogs in the military and how this experience led him to create a company that provides essential veterinary care solutions for working dogs in challenging environments. He also discusses the groundbreaking new course, Expedition Veterinary Medicine, developed in collaboration with World Extreme Medicine. This course aims to empower veterinary and medical professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in remote and austere settings. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge world of expedition veterinary medicine and the incredible impact it can have on animal welfare in extreme conditions.

Ben LaBrot, founder and CEO of Floating Doctors, joins us this episode where he shares his incredible journey of delivering healthcare to remote, underserved communities around the world. Ben discusses the challenges and rewards of providing medical care in resource-limited settings, the importance of building trust with patients, and the profound impact that humanitarian work can have on both healthcare providers and the communities they serve. From his accidental beginnings in Tanzania to his current work in Panama, Ben offers valuable insights into the world of global health, the power of experiential learning, and the importance of persistence and adaptability in the face of adversity. He also shares his vision for the future of Floating Doctors and how others can get involved in this life-changing work. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take action. Join us as we e

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Jessica Thomas-Mourne, a specialist paramedic in critical care working with Devon Air Ambulance in the UK. Jessica shares her research on gender inequality within the pre-hospital emergency medicine environment, highlighting the challenges faced by women in this field and offering practical recommendations to bridge the gender gap. From biased recruitment processes to the need for better work-life balance, Jessica provides valuable insights into creating a more diverse and inclusive environment in air ambulance services. To read Jessica's recommendations, click here.

In this captivating episode, we are honoured to be joined by the esteemed Dr. Michael Harrison, MD PhD MPH FAsMA, a leading authority in the field of aerospace medicine. Dr. Harrison currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Hercules Medical Group, a renowned Texas-based entity dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care and consultation to Axiom Space and their astronauts. With an impressive background spanning over 12 years in aerospace medicine, Dr. Harrison also holds the prestigious position of Chief Medical Officer for Axiom Space. In this role, he advises the company's C-Suite on all aspects of human health and safety, offering invaluable risk analysis for off-nominal commercial spaceflight missions. Throughout the episode, Dr. Harrison delves into the unique challenges and considerations involved in packing medical kits and supplies for space missions. He shares his wealth of knowledge on managing health issues in microgravity environments and provides exclusive insights into the g

In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, host Eoin Walker speaks with Marius Rehn, Editor-in-Chief of the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, about the ins and outs of publishing research in an academic journal. They discuss the importance of aligning research with the scope of the chosen journal, common mistakes authors make when submitting manuscripts, navigating the peer review process, and tips for increasing publicity of published work. Rehn emphasises the importance of passing the "so what" test - ensuring research addresses a fundamental question that will benefit the community of practice and ultimately patients. He also highlights the need for brevity and conciseness, keeping in mind the busy clinician audience. Tune in for valuable insights on smoothly navigating the academic publishing journey from an expert editor's perspective.

In this episode, Sarah Spelsberg is joined by the brilliant Mabli Davies, an anaesthetics trainee and expert in women's health in extreme environments. Mabli shares her personal experiences and research on managing menstruation, pregnancy, and reproductive health in the world's most challenging conditions. Drawing from her master's dissertation on menstruation management and suppression in austere environments, Mabli provides invaluable insights, practical tips, and strategies for women facing physical, psychological, and environmental challenges during their menstrual cycles on expeditions. The conversation delves into the importance of preparation, hygiene, fitness, and sleep in supporting women's health in the wilderness. Mabli also discusses the role of expedition medics in promoting inclusivity and breaking the stigma surrounding women's health in extreme environments. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of women's health and adventure medi

Welcome to Diversity Week! In this special episode, a diverse panel of medical professionals, eye surgeon and Sikh warrior Pavandeep Singh, NHS & wilderness expedition Dentist Burjor Langdana, emergency physician and paediatrician Terez Malka, explorer, aquanaut, MD & Director of space medicine group Astronautics Institute Shawna Pandya, UK GP studying tropical medicine Chern Lim, and GP & humanitarian doctor Hareen Di Silva, share their unique journeys into expedition medicine. Despite coming from various backgrounds and facing challenges, they found their passion for practicing medicine in extreme environments by seizing opportunities, developing skills, maintaining fitness, and believing in themselves. The guests discuss the importance of mentorship, support networks, and the welcoming nature of the expedition medicine community. They emphasise that it's never too late to get started and encourage aspiring wilderness medics to dream big and take steps to pursue this fulfilling career pa

In this episode, Niccolo Stomeo, an anaesthesia and intensive care resident at Humanitas University in Milan, joins us to discuss his groundbreaking study on the role of remote teleradiology, X-ray, and POCUS at mass motorcycle events. Nico shares his firsthand experience from the 2021 International Six Days of Enduro, a challenging and dynamic race spanning a vast area between Lombardia and Piemonte in Italy. Throughout the conversation, we delve into the utility, limitations, and decision-making benefits of having portable digital X-ray and telemedicine available in remote field hospital settings. Nico highlights the importance of having a full team, including a radiology technician, nurses, doctors, and an orthopaedic surgeon, to maximise the effectiveness of this technology. We explore the challenges faced during the study, such as power supply, radiation exposure, and the need for reliable Wi-Fi and cellular connections to enable remote consultation with radiologists. Nico also shares the direct benefi

In this riveting episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we sit down with WEM faculty Lucy Williams, a seasoned paediatric nurse who recently returned from a life-altering deployment to Gaza with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). From the relative normalcy of Egypt to the war-torn streets of Gaza, Lucy takes us on an emotional journey through her experiences working in a hospital mere meters away from the heart of the conflict. She shares powerful stories of resilience, hope, and heartbreak, including the tale of a family struggling to survive the aftermath of a devastating blast. Discover the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in one of the world's most volatile regions, as Lucy provides a rare glimpse into the day-to-day realities of delivering critical care in the face of unimaginable adversity. Whether you're a healthcare professional considering a career in humanitarian aid or simply someone looking to better understand the human cost of conflict, this episode offers a raw, unfiltered

In this conversation with Luca Carenzo, we delve into the complexities and challenges surrounding Exercise Associated Collapse (EAC). Drawing from a recent publication in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport titled "An Unusual Case of Marathon-related Exercise-associated Collapse: Case Report and Some Considerations for Medical Care at Endurance Mass Participation Events," we unravel a fascinating case that sheds light on the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach and multi-disciplinary collaboration in EAC management. Luca, an esteemed Anaesthetic and Critical Care consultant from Milan, Italy, shares his insights on empirically proven treatments for EAC and how this unique case has reshaped his perspective on the differential diagnoses in EAC. We explore the significance of patient-focused research, the power of intra-specialty collaboration, and the potential for EAC collated databases to advance our understanding of this complex condition. With a rich background working at The Ro

In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we're taking you on a journey through the rugged, untamed wilderness of Sardinia, Italy, as we explore the legendary Selvaggio Blu expedition. Join host Eoin Walker as he sits down with Luca Alfatti, an experienced expedition leader, advanced paramedic, and faculty member with World Extreme Medicine, to uncover the secrets of this awe-inspiring trek. Listen as Luca takes you on an unforgettable journey through the rugged wilderness of Sardinia, Italy, exploring the legendary Selvaggio Blu expedition. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and life-changing moments that define this awe-inspiring trek, and learn valuable lessons in self-reliance, adaptability, and teamwork. Whether you're an aspiring expedition medic or an adventurer seeking to push your limits, this episode will inspire you to embrace the unknown and conquer the wild blue of Sardinia. To watch this episode, click here.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of drowning and cold water immersion with Mike Tipton, a leading UK academic in the field. Mike shares his insights on the current guidelines for pre-hospital management of drowning, the epidemiology of drowning, and the important efforts in public awareness and prevention. We delve into the drowning process, including the pathophysiology from the point of submersion and the concept of autonomic conflict. Prof. Tipton also discusses the prognostic factors for drowning survivors and the remarkable case reports of prolonged submersion in cold water. Additionally, we learn about the background of the "Float to Live" campaign and the challenges faced by organisations like the RNLI in effectively dealing with drowning prevention. Join us for an insightful discussion that takes us from the lab to lifesaving, as we explore the science behind one of the world's most overlooked public health issues. Please note: this episode was originally aired on The P

Join us welcoming Ryan Atkinson, an award-winning hostile environment trained cameraman, back to the World Extreme Medicine podcast. In this thrilling episode, Ryan shares his experience filming the 2016 expedition to the heart of Africa, where he and a team of scientists immersed themselves in the active Nyiragongo volcano to study and discover the warning signs of a potential eruption. Ryan discusses the challenges of filming in one of the most remote and dangerous locations on Earth, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He shares insights on the complex logistics, the ever-present environmental and human risks, and the emotional impact of witnessing the profound hope and resilience of the local communities living in the shadow of the volcano. From navigating the unpredictable weather conditions and noxious gases to managing team dynamics and conflicting goals, Ryan takes you on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of this life-changing expedition. He also emphasises

In this fascinating episode, we are joined by Jen Pond, a Doctor who has practiced medicine in some of the most remote and challenging environments on all seven continents. From providing primary care in the Indian Himalayas and managing anthrax outbreaks in rural Zambia, to supporting climbers at Everest Base Camp and treating severe frostbite in Antarctica, Jen has built an incredible breadth of experience in expedition and wilderness medicine. Currently, Jen works in Nunavut, Canada, delivering healthcare to the indigenous Inuit population in resource-limited settings, often as the sole doctor for hundreds of miles. She shares captivating stories and hard-earned wisdom from her diverse career journey. Jen discusses the challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in different cultures, the importance of being adaptable and finding support networks, and the privilege of a profession that allows one to connect with people in meaningful ways worldwide. Her inspiring reflections will resonate with anyone c