On March 13, 2024, the Division of Family Medicine hosted the 4th annual Dr. Sarah Hawley Memorial Lecture.
The annual lecture commemorates and celebrates the life and interests of Sarah Hawley, MD, a gifted and compassionate Family Medicine resident.
Dr. Hawley was interested in several medical disciplines spanning women’s health, pediatrics, and wilderness medicine. Known for her connections with people and nature, she frequently embarked on outdoor adventures, driven by her passionate spirit.
“For those of you who had the privilege of knowing Sarah, I know you look back on memories of her with great warmth in your heart. For those of you who didn't have the opportunity for her to touch your life, you really don't know what you missed. Sarah was a person who lived her life with passion and with love,” said Family Medicine faculty member Brian Vukelic, MD.
This year’s lecture "Mountain Medicine” was presented by Dave Weber, a climbing ranger in Grand Teton National Park and a flight paramedic and hoist rescuer for Intermountain Life Flight.
With a two-decade tenure in mountain rescue across Denali, Mount Rainier, and Zion National Parks, Weber provided attendees with insights into several aspects of mountain rescue operations and safety protocols.
Weber discussed the Denali National Park and Preserve patient population, sharing prevalent diagnoses, medical scenarios, and traumatic incidents encountered by medical rescuers. In his detailed discussion, Weber explored freezing cold injuries and high altitude illness, dispelled myths, offered treatment protocols, and emphasized preventive measures.
“It is a privilege to be here for the Dr. Sarah Hawley Memorial Lecture. I’ve given this speech many times, but I think this audience has the most potential to educate and reach others,” he said.
Watch the 2024 Dr. Sarah Hawley Memorial Lecture here.
