So how does a doctor from outback Western Australia end up in Antarctica? Considering it is a year now since I left my post with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Kalgoorlie, I reflect back on what has been a crazy journey in the last 12 months. But really, my Antarctic journey started in 1993 and because of a postcard.
In 1993, two postcards arrived from my mother’s cousin Glenn, who overwintered at Mawson station as an electrician. As a five-year-old, these held a special place on my bedroom wall, amongst an assorted bunch of posters of aeroplanes, spaceships, cars, dinosaurs and other childhood interests. However, the images of the auroras over the Aurora Australis and the majestic penguins stayed with me.
Whilst aerospace has always been my main interest, I somewhat fell into medicine through my varied interests and thus, not surprising, rural general practice. As I undertook my training in remote Western Australia, I would fly myself around these isolated and unique environments, providing healthcare in the most unusual of circumstances.
Twenty-five years after getting those postcards, I caught up with Glenn and told him what I had been up to. He exclaimed I needed to meet a Dr Jeff Ayton and ask him about working in Antarctica. Little did I know but as I was embarking on my aerospace medicine journey, I happened to end up sitting next to Jeff at a space medicine conference a few weeks later. As I learnt that week, Antarctica is one of the ultimate ‘spaceflight analogues' and the experiences of remote medicine in Australia translate strongly to the southern continent. The rest was history and not long after this meeting my application was in!
Fast forward to 2024 – a blur of a year! Finishing my time with RFDS, putting life into storage (again) and moving interstate. Oh, not forgetting I had to get my appendix taken out on day one at the AAD (a requirement for all overwintering doctors). As crazy as it was, it has been a fascinating journey. The Polar Medicine Unit put each doctor through a thorough upskilling and training program, which included placements in trauma, anaesthesia, surgery, physiotherapy and even dentistry. All of this in wonderful Tasmania. I was lucky to share that time with my awesome wife Grace, who has been the most amazing support and partner in this adventure.
After bonding with my overwintering crew during the last few months of training, that surreal day in October came when we boarded Nuyina to head south. After a week of riding the swells and pushing through the ice pack, the experience became real the first day I saw an emperor penguin. Parked up in the ice pack a few kilometres out from Casey station, we were surrounded by giant icebergs. I recall hearing that classic trumpeting call of an emperor. Before we knew it, a whole family of them were swimming in the fresh channel we had opened behind the ship. Here we were living a David Attenborough documentary! It only got better from there.
The season thus far at Davis station has been incredibly rewarding. The novelty of travelling on sea ice never wore off – though sadly the ice eventually did! It was magical being able to walk to nearby islands and watch the Adelie penguin chicks hatch. And oh, the majesty of the Vestfold Hills. Starting off as snow covered hills split by frozen fjords, juxtaposed against the imposing plateau in the distance, it almost overnight transformed into the surface of Mars. With exception, as rivers and rapids sprung to life suddenly, releasing the meltwaters into the ocean as temperature hovered above zero in late summer. It is odd to think that this ‘Riveria’ with its sandy beaches and blue skies was a dreary frozen place only weeks ago. And now it is a paradise for its expeditioners, Adelie penguins and the odd elephant seal.
It hasn’t been all play, with plenty of regular ‘GP’ work, alongside the variety of roles the station doctor undertakes. From restocking and maintaining first aid kits, monitoring drinking and environmental water quality, to training up the lay surgical assistants – every day is different. Most of all, there is some great space analogue research going on here, which is contributing directly to the NASA Artemis missions later this decade. Oh, and that dental training has come in handy a few times already.
Whilst acknowledging how incredible this voyage has been thus far for the team, on a personal level it has come with sacrifice. Many of us left our loved ones, family and friends behind, people who cheered us on and supported us to get to where we are. I sadly had to say goodbye to my own mother, Jeanette, whom I lost in January unexpectedly. The distance has made it very difficult, but I am forever thankful to the 78th ANARE Davis winter team, as well as the Polar Medicine Unit, who have been the best supports that you could ask for.
Prior to moving to Tasmania, I spent a few lovely days with my mother cleaning out some dusty boxes in my childhood home. I discovered the two postcards, dated from 1993 from Glenn at Mawson Station. They now sit with me here in my room at Davis station, reminding me of where the journey started. Prior to departure, both my mother and I got to thank Glenn in Hobart for inspiring this journey.
I hope you enjoy the attached photos – a few select ones of the expedition thus far. I dedicate my story to all the family and friends, past and present, who have supported the expeditioners of the Australian Antarctic Division for this season. Without you, we wouldn’t be here, so thank you.
Anthony Rengel – Doctor
