Description

Episode Summary:
In this deeply reflective and inspiring episode, host Christian Lane sits down with Dr. Alec Ritchie—an emergency physician, educator, and mountain medicine expert. From the adrenaline-filled peaks of Whistler to the life-saving trenches of North Shore Rescue, Dr. Ritchie shares the personal and professional journey that led him to wilderness medicine.

We explore the “Zen of the mountains,” the hidden stressors medical professionals face, how fitness and mindset impact recovery, and the life-saving gaps in wilderness healthcare policy. Alec speaks candidly about purpose, legacy, and the healing power of both nature and connection.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the outdoors is Dr. Ritchie's ultimate mental health toolkit
• The surprising resilience of the human body—and spirit
• How emergency physicians navigate stress differently
• What it’s really like being part of North Shore Rescue
• The systemic gap in wilderness medical care—and the legacy Alec is building to fix it

Resources & Links:

• 🏔️ North Shore Rescue Documentary – Knowledge Network
• 🩺 UBC Department of Emergency Medicine – Wilderness & Mountain Medicine Working Group
• 📬 Reach Dr. Alec Ritchie: Wilderness.Mountain.Medicine@ubc.ca

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