Published: August 11, 2022

SHOW NOTES

In this episode of End of Shift, Eric and Joe talk with Dr. Carolyn Kelly-Smith about the practice of medicine (and sometimes not) in austere environments.

Dr. Carolyn Kelly-Smith

Dr. Kelly-Smith is an FRCP trained attending ED physician at the Royal Columbian and Eagle Ridge Hospitals. She is an Advanced Medical Provider for North Shore Rescue, a faculty member of the Canadian Society of Mountain Medicine and a ski patroller at Whistler/Blackcomb.

Why should you care about wilderness medicine? There are many reasons – from going where the action is (increasingly outdoors) to expanding your clinical horizons by stretching your comfort zone.

We examine the utility of having a physician involved in outdoor settings, be it reasonably controlled settings like a ski resort, or a complicated rescue operation with failing daylight and minimal clinical details.

It’s not all Mission: Impossible style heroics – sometimes the most useful clinical actions and decisions are simpler than you might think.

How to get involved? We’ll tell you. You’ll learn about the North Shore Rescue Society and the Canadian Society of Mountain Medicine – and maybe get fired up to get out there!

Resources:

• Documentary: Search and Rescue: North Shore
• Canadian Society of Mountain Medicine

End of Shift Podcast Hosts

The End of Shift Podcast is hosted by EM Network members Eric Angus and Joe Haegert.

Eric Angus
Eric Angus is an emergency physician and trauma team leader at Lions Gate Hospital. He is married with 15-year-old twins. His non-medical interests include origami, meditation, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, just generally being outside, and drinking wine. He has a diploma in mountain medicine and volunteers for ski patrol and the North Shore Rescue team. He is an ATLS instructor. He dabbles in stoicism and Buddhist philosophies.

Joe Haegert
Joe Haegert practices emergency and trauma medicine at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia. He is a talented teacher, engaging speaker, and devoted clinician. He lives in South Surrey with his wife Sandy and managed to raise three children without much incident. Known for his unflagging enthusiasm, Joe enjoys all aspects of the outdoors and recently has taken to turning wooden burls into all manner of bowls and tables.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the BC Emergency Medicine Network.