ExpedMed Spotlight: U.S. General William Crawford Gorgas

U.S. General William Crawford Gorgas was a prominent military officer and physician who made significant contributions to public health and medicine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Gorgas was born in Alabama in 1854 and graduated from the University of the South with a degree in engineering. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he received his medical degree in 1880.

After completing his medical training, Gorgas joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps and was assigned to various posts around the world. He served in a number of capacities, including as the chief sanitary officer for the Department of the Gulf and as the chief surgeon for the Department of Texas.

Gorgas is best known for his work in controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly yellow fever and malaria. He led a number of successful campaigns to eradicate these diseases in various parts of the world, including Cuba, the Panama Canal Zone, and the Philippines.

Gorgas's work had a profound impact on public health and medicine, and he is credited with saving countless lives through his efforts to control the spread of infectious diseases. He was recognized for his contributions to the field with numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1929.

Malaria in History

Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is a significant public health problem that has affected people for centuries and has had a significant impact on history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of malaria is in the writings of ancient Greek and Roman physicians, who described a disease that was characterized by fever, chills, and sweating. The disease was likely present in many parts of the world at this time, but it was especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

Throughout history, malaria has had a major impact on human populations and has been a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. In ancient times, it was one of the leading causes of death in many parts of the world, and it continues to be a major public health problem today, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Malaria has also had a significant impact on human history and has played a role in shaping the course of events in many different ways. For example, it is believed that the disease may have contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire, as many soldiers and civilians were likely weakened by the disease, making them more susceptible to other illnesses and more vulnerable in battle.

In more recent history, malaria has also had a significant impact on the development of many countries. In some cases, it has slowed economic development and hindered the growth of trade and industry. In other cases, it has led to the development of new technologies and treatments, as people have sought ways to combat the disease and protect themselves from infection.

Overall, malaria has had a significant impact on human history and continues to be a major public health problem today. It is a complex disease that requires ongoing research and intervention to address, and it will likely continue to have a significant impact on the course of human history in the future.

Dr. Howard Donner: How to Get Into Wilderness Medicine

A few years ago, Dr. Howard Donner, expedition physician and Co-Author of Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine, was gracious enough to sit down with us for an interview.

Dr. Donner explained how he got into wilderness medicine, and how others who ar einterested in wilderness medicine could get involved as a career.

We’re excited that Dr, Donner will be returning to our Expedition Medicine National Conference on April 21-22, 2023, and we hope this video helps encourage others to looking into expedition medicine and wilderness medicine as a potential career focus.

Tiger Attacks Woman in China Drive-Through Safari

With most urban people having few encounters with truly wild animals these days, a lack of appreciation for the strength and, at times, ferocity of large predators unfortunately develops.  People who take risks around these creatures sometimes learn the dangers too late.  

In this video, a woman steps out of her car in a drive through safari in China and is attacked by a tiger. (Warning: Graphic Content)

At our ExpedMed events, we discuss animal attacks-- how to treat them, but also how to prevent them.  Learn from our experts why wild animals should be respected and how best to protect yourself and your travel companions.