Dr. Michael Paterson’s Top of the World Challenge
Dr. Michael Paterson is no stranger to big challenges. He deployed as a volunteer with International Medical Corps to help COVID-19 patients in New York City last spring. Now, he is taking on a new challenge—climbing Mt. Everest—and raising funds for International Medical Corps to help save lives. You can help! Give today to help us respond right away to emergencies, whenever and wherever they happen.
UPDATE: Dr. Paterson has summited!
On May 12 at 8:15 A.M., Dr. Paterson summited and is currently safely back in Colorado resting.
Making the summit was a great accomplishment, but many people have much higher summits or challenges in their lives. Whether it’s a healthcare challenge, a mental health challenge or something else, we all have to do our best to reach our personal summits, while remembering we can reach our highest goals as part of a team. I could never have summitted Everest by myself. It took the combined efforts of a sherpa guide, climbing sherpas, porters and support staff. I never forgot to ask for help when I needed it or give help when needed.
Dr. Michael Paterson
What do medicine and mountain climbing have in common? The wrath of nature, the threat of death—and the courage to face both, according to Dr. Michael Paterson, an affable and driven 25-year veteran of the emergency room.
“Emergency medicine incorporates a lot of the philosophies of wilderness exploration and adventure,” he says. “You have to be able to respond to whatever’s happening in front of you in the wilderness, whether it’s an avalanche, a flood or an unexpected snowstorm that traps you at the top of Denali for a week.”
The Challenge
At the age of 64, Dr. Paterson is challenging himself to a feat that few have accomplished: summiting Mount Everest. Along the way, he is raising money for International Medical Corps, in an effort to tie together two of his passions: emergency medicine and wilderness adventure.
“Working with International Medical Corps in New York City last April allowed me to contribute to and see first-hand its operations, and commitment to helping where needed most,” he explains. “In 2014, during the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, I witnessed its operations overseas and was impressed with the organization’s commitment and professionalism. There are many organizations that strive to help and make a positive impact during disasters, but I am confident that International Medical Corps is a world leader in its responses.”
Notes from supporters
“Safe Travels Brother. Doing great things as always. See you when you get back. Indy says hi!!” -Mark Huss / $6180
“Mike, remember, the best climber is the one who has the most fun. I look forward to hearing the stories when you return.” – Bill Flaherty / $250
“Hi Mike, I learned of your fundraising through Maryanne Email with EPRD. Wishing you a grand adventure summiting Everest!! Way to go!” -Caroline Kline / $100
“Wow! What an adventurous and helpful spirit! Will be praying for a safe trip for you and your group!” – Katharine Brakel / $77
“Mike, you are on the most amazing journey. We hope and pray that you have safe travels, ascent, and descent. Look forward to hearing your stories and experiences. Stay safe, be well, and enjoy!” -Leslie and Jim Fleming / $50
“So awed by your strength and courage. I cannot wait to hear all about your amazing climb. Be safe.” -Sarah Marley / $100
Hi Mike! Your outreach work to the underserved areas in the world & the fight against COVID at the height of the pandemic in New York has been heroic & inspirational. I have no doubt that you will be able to summit Mt Everest and perhaps be the oldest person to climb without supplemental oxygen at 64 yrs young! I will be praying for you and look forward to hearing about your successful summit while raising money for a worthy cause. Good luck!! -Lisa Nelson / $25
Update: April 2021
Join the Top of the World Challenge
Dr. Paterson is challenging you to join him and support International Medical Corps’ lifesaving work. Your gift will save lives and help relieve suffering in the wake of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and war and conflict. Giving to International Medical Corps helps provide medical care, access to clean water and sanitation, food to treat and prevent malnutrition, mental health services, life-changing training and so much more, in some 30 countries all over the world. And you can leave Dr. Paterson a message of support when you do!
Follow Dr. Paterson's Journey
March 30
Dr. Paterson departs Colorado for his Everest climb.
March 30
Dr. Paterson en route to Nepal for his Everest climb.
April 1
Dr. Michael Paterson outside the iconic Yak and Yeti Hotel in Khatmandu, Nepal.
April 2
Dr. Paterson and his fellow climbers dine together the night before they head off to Lukla to begin the trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC).
April 3
Dr. Paterson arrives in Lukla and starts his trek.
April 4
Dr. Paterson with part of his hiking group at Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal.
April 5
Trek to Everest viewpoint at 12,700 ft.
April 5
Trek from Namche (11,600 ft) to Khumjung (photo by fellow climber Bryan Hill).
April 9
Dr. Paterson with his sherpa, Pemba, on his training hike at Pheriche from 14,000 feet to 16,500 feet.
April 15
Training around Lobuche Peak, touched 19,6000 feet. Dr. Paterson officially becomes the climbing group's doctor.
April 15
Rock climbing around Lobuche Peak.
April 13
Special memorials to lost climbers.
April 17
Dr. Paterson's tent under the Nepalese night sky (photo by fellow climber Bryan Hill).
April 18
Headlamps illuminate the passage through the Khumba Icefall (photo by fellow climber Bryan Hill).
April 18
The group holds a Puja ceremony at EBC blessing them and their equipment, and asking the mountain for safe passage.
April 19
Beautiful ice formation.
April 19
Practicing crevasse crossings
April 20
Dr. Paterson resting after a training hike to 19,000 feet. (Everest is the black peak; Lhotse is to the right.)
April 22
Everest Base Camp receives a big snowstorm over the last 48 hours.
April 30
Dr. Paterson with his group for high altitude acclimatization (camps 1-2).
April 30
Dr. Paterson shows his support for International Medical Corps after reaching camp 2; these are necessary training climbs to get used to successively higher altitudes before a summit bid.
April 30 through May 5
Acclimatization treks for 6-7 days between camps 1, 2 and halfway to camp 3. Unstable ice bridges prevented the team from reaching camp 3.
April 30 through May 5
Acclimatization treks for 6-7 days between camps 1, 2 and halfway to camp 3. Unstable ice bridges prevented the team from reaching camp 3.
May 9
Ready for a summit bid. The first step is trekking directly to camp 2. Step two is to climb the Lhotse Face to camp 3 and spend the night. Step 3 is to head up to the South Col (on oxygen), arrive in the early afternoon, rest, and leave at night for the summit
May 21
Everest summit ridge. Photo by Tendi Sherpa.
May 12
Dr. Michael Paterson at the summit of Mt. Everest.
May 12
Dr. Paterson on the summit with the curvature of the earth behind him.
May 12
Dr. Michael Paterson shows his support for International Medical Corps at the top of world's tallest mountain.
May 12
Just after descent arriving in south col camp 4. In the tent!
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