April 10, 2013
Emily at Tiger's Nest Monastery
As an ER doc (and IMG Senior Guide), I had the opportunity last fall to help train Bhutanese doctors in Emergency Medicine. I actually spent the month of November in Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital and location of their largest hospital. Phil was just finishing up a trek in Bhutan and we literally missed each other by about an hour. He’s been running trips to this tiny, mysterious, democratic, Buddhist, Himalayan kingdom for about a decade. We shared a quick phone conversation rather than a face to face but he told me that he’d be leading a trek to Sikkim in October 2013 and wanted to know if I had any interest in going back to Bhutan to lead IMG’s October2013 trip.  Are you kidding?  I can’t wait to get back!
My month in Bhutan last fall was spent largely meeting as many people as possible, making some incredible friends and working with the dedicated physicians and care givers at the Thimpu Hospital. However, there simply wasn’t enough time to explore the mountains of this kingdom known for its incredible natural beauty and commitment to “Gross National Happinessâ€.
I did meet IMG’s partner in Bhutan, Dendup, and Phil’s lead Bhutanese guide, Ugyen. They’ll be great hosts when we return this October. There’s still time to be part of the team. And for those who still need more inspiration, check out this amazing blog from Mark Ursino, longtime IMG climber, who was with Phil last year. The photos alone should provide inspiration enough.
Join me as we visit with old friends, explore Bhutan’s alpine terrain along the Tibetan border and take in the unique culture of this truly one-of-a-kind country.
Emily