This morning's rounds opened with Dr. Chris Macedonia, E3's
Director of Medical Research, reporting that most of the day was
spent wrapping up research data collected at base camp. Clinical
activity is winding down as the team starts to prepare for their
departure after tomorrow morning rounds.
The climbing season nears conclusion but the E3 physicians, however,
continue to treat the routine complaints of cough and snow blindness.
Chris also advised us that climbers are still descending from
the summit and that the medical team remains prepared to provide
care if called upon.
Dr. Bruce Shields, Chairman of Yale's Ophthalmology Department,
joined the teleconference again this morning at the Yale site.
He reviewed the case of the team member who had presented with
a complaint of a decrease in color vision with Dr. Jennifer Grin,
E3's Chief Ophthalmological Researcher. In addition to the hemorrhages
captured by the video fundoscopic exam, Dr. Shield's identified
venous congestion in the retinal vessels. Dr. Grin agreed and
stated that she is studying whether it is a normal response to
the high altitude. Since the images and other data will be peer
reviewed and therefore is double-blinded, we will not know answers
to some of these questions until after the post expedition debriefing.
In other research developments, E3 Expedition Director Scott
Hamilton reported that 2 Sherpas were went forward today through
the Khumbu Ice Falls to complete the disassembly of E3 Camp 1.
They were wearing the PED devices and once again excellent data
on heart rate, core body temperature, and position were continuously
transmitted back to base camp. Unfortunately, one heart rate monitor
became detached on one climber during his ascent and some information
was lost. Nathaniel Merriam, E3's Technical Specialist, continues
to make software refinements, which permit the data to be transmitted
to Yale in "real-time."
Dr. Macedonia told us that the E3 team got a "great charge" out
of last night's educational session and that they looked forward
to the second program being held this evening. Reports from the
Olympus America location were that the audience was enthralled
by team's production of "Life at Base Camp" as well as the opportunity
to interact "live" with Drs. Macedonia, Kamler, and Grin, Scott
Hamilton, and Climbing Leader Jim Williams. Everybody expects
tonight's program to be equally exciting.
Finally, Scott Hamilton received words of gratitude from the
Yale-based team for the tremendous organizational finesse he has
provided throughout the expedition. Scott replied that it was
the best group he had ever had the pleasure of working with, and
that he would look forward to the opportunity to do another project
with every single member of the E3 team in the future.
Today's participants: Dr. Peter Angood (moderating), Dr. Bruce
Shields, Dr. Leslie Scout, Doris Farquhar, Gary Stilwell, Dmitry
Albert, and Norman Stewart.
Questions or Comments? Please Contact
us.
