Marie-kristelle (MK) Ross, MD, fAWM, DiMM
Cardiologist by trade, mum and adventurer by passion.
Having completed cardiology training, she did a fellowship in cardiac rehabilitation, further fostering her convictions in the power of physical activity. In addition to her cardiac responsibilities, MK also helps run one of the largest hyperbaric chambers in Canada. As she frequently reminds me, the pressure difference in a descent to just 10m is greater than that experienced by climbing to the summit of Everest, so take care when putting on your lead-belt!
She also has a diploma in mountain medicine (DIMM) and is a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAMW). MK is an avid runner, completing ultramarathons in Mongolia and the Marathon de Sable in Morocco. She enjoys endurance sports and cycled from Vancouver to Tijuana. She has also climbed around the world including summits of Aconcagua, Elbrus, Island Peak, Lobuche East and most impressively – Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world. She has tried to climb Everest twice, in 2014 and 2015, thwarted regrettably by two of the biggest tragedies experienced on the mountain. The bright side of the story (!) is that she has gained considerable experience in wilderness medicine…! But the most important bit to know about MK is the love and passion she has for being a mum - a somewhat overlooked characteristic in our increasingly pressured lives. Wherever possible, her daughter is always included in family travel/expeditions, visiting Nepal twice, Mexico, Japan and the UK in her 3 short years to date (including 18 months of Covid!). Where there is a will, there is a way, and the enrichment of including your kid in your adventure, despite maybe a few headaches along the way, will only embellish your journey.
Written by Rob, her husband.
