Jerri Nielsen

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Physician Jerri Nielsen at the ceremonial South Pole marker

Jerri Nielsen
Born	Jerri Lin Cahill March 1, 1952 Salem, Ohio, U.S.
Died	June 23, 2009 (aged 57) Southwick, Massachusetts, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Physician
Known for	Treating herself for breast cancer while stationed in Antarctica
Children	3

Jerri Lin Nielsen (née Cahill; March 1, 1952 – June 23, 2009) was an American physician who became widely known for treating herself for breast cancer while stationed at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica. Her story of survival and resilience captured international attention and highlighted the challenges of providing medical care in extreme environments.

Early life and education

Jerri Nielsen was born in Salem, Ohio. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Ohio University and later attended the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, where she earned her M.D. degree. Nielsen completed her residency in emergency medicine and became a board-certified emergency physician.

Career

Nielsen worked in various hospitals across the United States, gaining extensive experience in emergency medicine. In 1998, she accepted a position as the sole physician at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station, a remote research facility located at the geographic South Pole. Her role was to provide medical care to the station's crew during the harsh Antarctic winter, when the station is completely isolated from the outside world.

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

In June 1999, while stationed at the South Pole, Nielsen discovered a lump in her breast. With no possibility of evacuation due to the extreme weather conditions, she performed a biopsy on herself with the assistance of the station's staff. The biopsy confirmed that the lump was cancerous. Using limited medical supplies and guidance from doctors in the United States via satellite communication, Nielsen began treating herself with chemotherapy.

Her situation drew significant media attention, and in October 1999, a daring United States Air Force mission successfully air-dropped additional medical supplies to the station. Nielsen continued her self-treatment until she could be evacuated in October 1999, when the weather conditions allowed for a rescue flight.

Later life and legacy

After returning to the United States, Nielsen underwent further treatment for her breast cancer, including surgery and additional chemotherapy. She wrote a memoir titled Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole, which detailed her experiences in Antarctica and her fight against cancer. The book was later adapted into a television movie.

Nielsen continued to work as a physician and became a motivational speaker, sharing her story of courage and determination. She passed away on June 23, 2009, in Southwick, Massachusetts, due to complications from breast cancer.

See also

• Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station
• Breast cancer
• Emergency medicine
• Antarctica