World Extreme Medicine Podcast

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 humanitarian efforts, this discussion provides a fascinating look into the intersection of commercial aviation and emergency medical services.

Read the paper here.

Note: This is an audio-only episode.

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.

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.