Show notes
In this episode, Steve Randall speaks with with Dr. Emma Wallace, a recipient of the SOM Golden Jubilee Award. Emma shares her journey from anaesthetics to occupational medicine and her recent research expedition to Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost permanent settlement.
She discusses the physiological challenges of extreme cold, the hidden risks of UV exposure in icy climates, and how the unique social structure of Arctic research stations could offer valuable lessons for workplace wellbeing back home.
Key Takeaways
Dr. Wallace is currently working toward a PhD focusing on Cold Exposure in the UK, specifically looking at how OH services can better protect vulnerable workers with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, or hypertension.
Connect with Dr Wallace on LinkedIn.
The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.
She discusses the physiological challenges of extreme cold, the hidden risks of UV exposure in icy climates, and how the unique social structure of Arctic research stations could offer valuable lessons for workplace wellbeing back home.
Key Takeaways
- The Transition to OH: Dr. Wallace highlights how the blend of toxicology, physiology, and a holistic approach to patient interaction drew her away from anaesthetics and into occupational medicine.
- Research in Extremes: Driven by a passion for physiology in extreme environments (diving, altitude, and thermal stress), Emma conducted a site risk assessment for the British Antarctic Survey in the Arctic.
- The Journey North: Reaching Ny-Ålesund involved multiple flights, culminating in a 13-seat cargo plane flight over glaciers and fjords—a journey strictly monitored due to carbon footprint concerns.
- Environmental Risk Mapping: Using a handheld monitor, Dr. Wallace cataloged ambient temperature, humidity, noise (decibels), UV levels, and PM2.5 (particulate matter) while shadowing bio-ecologists in the field.
- Cold Stress in the UK: A major takeaway is that "Extreme Cold" (defined by ISO standards as <0°C) occurs frequently in the UK—notably 15 days in January in Belfast—yet is often underestimated compared to Arctic environments.
- The "Midnight Sun" Effect: Despite no formal physiological monitoring on this trip, Emma observed how 24-hour daylight quickly disrupts sleep routines and mealtime consistency.
- The Power of Community: The research station featured a unique social environment: no phones at tables, no TVs, and shared mealtimes among 15 different nations, fostering deep communication and connection.
Dr. Wallace is currently working toward a PhD focusing on Cold Exposure in the UK, specifically looking at how OH services can better protect vulnerable workers with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, or hypertension.
Connect with Dr Wallace on LinkedIn.
The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.