Volunteering

 

Medical volunteers’ kick-start high altitude genetics study

by Charles Malcolm-Brown MA FRSA (Chairman) The Mountain Trust

 

Towards the end of 2010 the Mountain Trust was approached by Sean Cox to see whether we could help with some exciting high altitude medical research in Nepal with big implications for medical care worldwide. Leading the research is Professor Montgomery from University College London.
There was also some time for some hiking too!Read about the medical interns experiences out in Nepal: Sean Cox (Lead Field Researcher) UCL & Fellow of the Mountain Trust, and Tom Searle and Eben Jones (Field Researchers) Mountain Trust Interns.

“With the promise of hot springs and stunning Himalaya landscapes, as well as meeting his parents and extended family, we set off on a demanding six hour hike, dropping hundreds of metres into the beguiling valley. With Zindup’s brother, Wangduk, acting as our guide for the day, we followed him to take the ‘direct route’ – wading through head-high fields of corn, maize and wild marijuana, dusting us in pollen, before stopping to fill our pockets, bags and selves with apricots from abundant trees.

He helped us beyond the police checkpoint, and from there we trailed the mighty Karnali River upstream, crossed a

 

precarious bridge and made our final ascent to the cliff-hung village of Khagalgaun.”

 

 

 

 

 

We are still recruiting volunteers to participate in this study. Candidates need a basic medical knowledge. They have to have training on taking a blood sample and must be fit and healthy, enjoy trekking, etc. For candidates without formal medical backgrounds, a note from a specialist nurse confirming that they are proficient in taking samples is required.

Enquiries to: cmb@mountain-trust.org   www.mountain-trust.org

Read all about in the latest issue out now!

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