Mt. Everest: A higher calling | Nick Gibson | TEDxEmory

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In the Spring of 2013, SSgt. Gibson made history on the first American military expedition to the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, as the team's medic and one of the six U.S. Air Force summit climbers. To raise awareness for veterans' healthcare issues, especially suicide, and to honor fallen military members, the climb was the culmination of the USAF Seven Summits Challenge Team, an organization that climbed the highest point on each of the seven continents Staff Sergeant Nick Gibson is a combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, a graduating Emory physician assistant student in the School of Medicine, Air Force Reserve Pararescueman (PJ), special operations medic, and award-winning photographer. Along with his new career in medicine, Gibson also champions efforts to engage veterans and their families through awareness of healthcare issues veterans continue to face as they return home from war. SSgt. Gibson was awarded the George Van Cleave Leadership Award by the USO for combat action in Afghanistan and his efforts on Mt. Everest. SSgt. Gibson was elected to be the first student representative to the American Association of Physician Assistants Veterans' Caucus. His depiction of his experiences on Mt. Everest has won awards for writing and photography for the Air Force Reserve. His story and photo essay were also featured in Emory Magazine. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)