A Review of the Medical Issues and Challenges Faced by Antarctic Personnel

Abstract

"We had seen God in His splendors, heard the text that nature renders. We had reached the naked soul of man.” These were the words of Sir Ernest Shackleton after crossing South Georgia Island in his quest to reach the South Pole in 1916. Other than Antarctica, it is hard to imagine a more harsh and unforgiving landscape. Even so, the Antarctic continent still draws a steady stream of modern day explorers, scientists, and tourists. Antarctic personnel encounter many of the same medical issues as Shackleton’s crew, although technology has evolved to improve their quality of life. Here I recognize and address the unique Antarctic environment's impact on human physiology and psychology, and the directions of current and future research.