World Extreme Medicine Podcast

• From the Battlefield to the Humanitarian Mission with Ryan Ahlgren

  In this powerful episode, Eoin sits down with Ryan Ahlgren — a wilderness and humanitarian medicine practitioner whose career spans some of the most challenging environments on the planet.From frontline trauma care during the ISIL occupation in Iraq, to medevac operations in Ukraine, to six-week stints deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, Ryan shares what it's really like to provide medical care in the face of heat, hardship, and uncertainty. He also discusses his recent role in Antarctica and how diverse experiences have shaped his approach to both emergency and primary care.This episode explores:The realities of conflict and humanitarian medicineLessons in leadership, flexibility, and riskThe importance of ultrasound and sonography in remote settingsAspirations for the future – including medicine in spaceWhether you're a clinician, adventurer, or just fascinated by global health, this one’s for you.You can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn here.

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• The Sky Isn’t the Limit: Shawna Pandya on Spaceflight, Science and the Future of Space Medicine

  Meet Shawna Pandya, Physician, Neuroscientist, and now Canada’s First Female Commercial Astronaut.In this inspiring episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we sit down with Shawna to unpack her journey from childhood dreams of space to preparing for her Virgin Galactic mission.We explore:Her selection as part of the Virgin Galactic research crewThe science behind her mission, including microgravity, diabetes research & emergency medicine in spaceHow she balances medicine, research, teaching, and astronaut trainingHer thoughts on the future of commercial spaceflight and why it’s not just for engineersThe power of mindset, resilience, and saying yes to big challengesWhether you’re a med student, space nerd, or someone chasing a big dream, this one’s for you!🛰️ Find out more about the WEM Conference & our Space Medicine Course: https://worldextrememedicine.com/extreme-medicine-courses/space-medicine-course/#SpaceMedicine #WomenInSTEM #WEMPodcast #ShawnaPandya #VirginGalactic #ExtremeMedicine

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• Healthcare in First Nations Communities with Dr Sarah Chalmers

  In this episode, we explore the deeply rooted and culturally rich world of First Nations healthcare in Australia with Dr Sarah Chalmers; Rural Generalist, former President of the Australian College of Remote and Rural Medicine (ACRRM), and President-Elect of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia.With over 15 years of experience working in East Arnhem Land and North Queensland, Sarah shares a powerful and personal insight into what it truly means to deliver care in remote First Nations communities, where connection to land, kinship, and culture profoundly shape every aspect of medicine.Together, we unpack the realities of working in low-resource environments, navigating environmental extremes, and building trust within culturally diverse and remote communities. Sarah speaks candidly about the ongoing impact of racism, the importance of cultural competence, and the role of traditional healing in creating meaningful, community-led healthcare.This conversation goes beyond clinical care to explore what it means to listen deeply, communicate with cultural humility, and show up for patients in ways that respect and honour their lived experience. It’s an emotional, honest, and essential discussion for anyone working in (or curious about) remote and rural medicine.This episode is part of our ACRRM series, spotlighting rural and remote healthcare professionals making a difference at the very edges of medicine.ACRRM acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the custodians of the lands and waters where our members and staff work and live across Australia. We pay respect to their elders, lores, customs and dreaming. We recognise these lands and waters have always been a place of teaching, learning, and healing.⁠Learn more about ACRRM here.#RemoteMedicine #RuralHealthcare #FirstNationsHealth #CulturalCompetence #RuralMedicineAustralia #IndigenousHealth #CommunityLedCare #HealthcareAccess #CulturalHumility #ACRRM #MedicalPodcast #WEMPodcast #AustralianHealthcare

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• Critical Care at 30,000 Feet – The Reality of Aeromedical Retrieval with Mina Arsanious

  🎧 A quick note on audio quality: Due to remote recording, some parts of this episode may not be as clear as usual. We appreciate your patience and promise the insights are well worth the listen!What happens when critical care leaves the hospital and takes to the skies?In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we sit down with Mina Arsanious, an expedition doctor and anaesthetic registrar working in aeromedical retrieval with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Australia.Mina shares real-life case studies from one of the world’s busiest retrieval services, highlighting the unique challenges of providing emergency care mid-flight, where turbulence, vibration, and limited resources mean every decision is critical.In this episode, we cover: How do you manage unstable patients mid-flight? The dangers of airway burns & prolonged retrieval times What happens when you run out of blood or fluids in the air? The impact of turbulence, extreme temperatures & vibration on patient care Why adaptability, communication & preparation are vital in retrieval medicineAeromedical retrieval is one of the most high-pressure, fast-paced fields in medicine, where there’s no hospital, no backup, and no room for mistakes. Whether you’re in healthcare or just fascinated by extreme environments, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of medicine in the air.Listen now & experience the world of aeromedical retrieval!Click here to find out more about Flying Doctors & to support the work of Mina and other doctors in outback NSW.#ExtremeMedicine #AeromedicalRetrieval #EmergencyMedicine #RoyalFlyingDoctors #WildernessMedicine #Podcast

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• Event Medicine in The Great Outback with Dr Prashan Kuruppu

  In this episode, we dive into the fast-paced world of event medicine in remote Australia with Prashan Kuruppu, a rural generalist anaesthetist and Member of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Assessment Committee, with extensive experience in Outback and retrieval medicine.From high-speed trauma and medical crises in extreme weather conditions to the unique challenges of remote evacuations and resource-limited environments, Prash shares firsthand insights into the unpredictable nature of event medicine.Beyond the clinical challenges, we delve into the critical role of teamwork, adaptability, and risk mitigation, as well as the immense satisfaction that comes with ensuring the safety of participants in these extreme settings.This episode is part of our ACRRM series, highlighting the remarkable work of rural and remote medical professionals pushing the boundaries of healthcare in extreme environments.⁠Learn more about ACRRM here.

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