Doctor on Everest: Emergency Medicine at the Top of the World - a Personal Account of the 1996 Disaster

Ken Kamler is a surgeon who has, over the years, gained a keen interest in high altitude mountaineering. Having been to everest many times (although never summited) he has had a great deal of experience of the accidents and illnesses that can befall a climber - especially captivating to anyone interested in medicine or first aid. Kamler's account tells of what it is really like to climb a mountain. He is not a superhuman so is not afraid to describe his own suffering on the mountain - the account of climbing on Everest is all the more vivid for it.This is possibly the most enjoyable book I've ever read. A very human account of struggle and suffering at the top of the world.

Great insight into trials and tribulations of an expedition medic, including the need to have experience climbing big peaks to attempt Everest.

A compelling read & exceedingly well written

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I'm fascinated with anything Everest. Although I've never climbed anything in my life other than a little up hill hiking, I love to hear the stories of people who take on this hulk of a mountain. As a medical professional myself, I enjoyed this book by a man who is both a climber and a physician. He takes us into the thick of it as lives hang in the balance and the cure for just about everything is get down the mountain. All is dependent on whether the sick can make it down themselves because rescue from the highest points is all but impossible. If, like me, you enjoy books about the outdoors and adventure you will probably enjoy this book. If you are into the medical aspect you'll enjoy it even more.

The doctor describes his several treks to climb Everest, including the tragic year of 1996, when a sudden blizzard caused the deaths of several climbers. The author is more of an amateur climber than most Everest climbers, and so his perspectives on such endeavors are more geared to the average person, than say Ed Viesturs. I found his book very readable, and liked all the detail he put in about trekking to Everest and base camp, as well as the actual climbs. Being the doctor, he is forever getting pulled away from climbing to treat others, and in this book at least, never summits. The last part of the book, detailing his experiences in 1996, is an interesting alternate view to many others who've written about that fatal year. Too bad this book isn't available on kindle.

Really interesting account of some seasons on Everest from a unique perspective of an expedition doctor. Lots of familiar names in the book if you have read about the 1996 season. Highly recommend this one if you are interested in Everest.

Dr Kamler has a unique perspective as someone attempting to summit Everest, and also as a physician who was there on the mountain to treat patients during the 1996 disaster. The book is fascinating, I highly recommend it.