World Extreme Medicine Podcast

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.

In this gripping two-part episode of the podcast, Eoin Walker sits down with Tim Harvey, a former humanitarian nurse turned medical student. Tim shares his harrowing experiences working in some of the world's most dangerous and desperate locations.

From treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone to managing mass casualties in war-torn Afghanistan, Tim provides a raw and unfiltered look into the realities of humanitarian work. He recounts heart-wrenching decisions, ethical dilemmas, and the constant threat to his own safety.

Tim's story is one of resilience, compassion, and the harsh realities of global healthcare disparities. He discusses the emotional toll of his work, including PTSD and readjustment challenges, while still emphasising the profound impact and personal growth these experiences offered.

This episode offers listeners a rare glimpse into the world of frontline humanitarian healthcare, exploring both its darkest moments and its capacity to inspire. Tim's journey from nurse to medical student provides unique insights into different healthcare roles in crisis situations.

Whether you're interested in global health, considering a career in humanitarian work, or simply seeking to understand the complexities of healthcare in extreme environments, this episode promises to be both enlightening and deeply moving.

If this is a field you're interested in, why not check out our Humanitarian Medicine Courses.

Join us for an insightful journey into the world of adventure travel with seasoned explorers Ffyon Smith (née Davies) and Gemma Aldridge.

In this episode, our guests share invaluable tips on planning, safety, cultural sensitivity, and overcoming challenges in remote destinations.

From navigating language barriers to handling emergencies, Ffyon and Gemma offer practical advice drawn from their extensive travel experiences across the globe.

Whether you're a novice traveller or a seasoned adventurer, this episode is packed with wisdom to enhance your next expedition.

Follow Ffyon & Gemma on Instagram to keep up to date on their adventures!

We're pleased to welcome back Daniel Grace to the podcast where he discusses the groundbreaking Livingstone Revisited 2024 expedition.

This 2000km journey through Zambia aims to transform healthcare accessibility in remote areas using telemedicine, solar power, and innovative snake bite training.

Learn how this modern expedition honors David Livingstone's legacy while addressing critical health challenges in Africa.

To find out more and how to donate, click here.

Daniel will be joining us this year at the World Extreme Medicine Conference to share this trip, you can meet him by joining us in Edinbrugh this November!

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 why he is a true inspiration to all of us!