Orthopaedic Surgeon to the Top of the World and Helping Big Brothers Big Sisters

March 14, 2008 - (Lafayette, Indiana) For the past ten years, Dr. Gregory Konrath has been an orthopaedic surgeon at Lafayette Orthopaedic Clinic, a Unity Healthcare partner. Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Konrath did not explore an interest in rock climbing and mountaineering. During his trauma fellowship in Sacramento, California, following his residency training, he developed an interest in the mountains of the western United States. Early success in reaching the summits of Mount Shasta, Mount Whitney and Mount Ranier continued to fuel greater challenges in an inexperienced climber. The strenuous physical and mental challenge, beautiful vistas and goal oriented experience in a hostile environment lead to higher mountains for Dr. Konrath.

A month long expedition to Mt. McKinley or Denali resulted in a successful summit. At 20,300 feet, Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and is known for the most severe weather in the world. Successful summits of the tallest mountains of other continents followed. The Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Aconcagua at 22,840 feet in South America, and Kilimanjaro in Africa were all successfully climbed by Dr. Konrath. Now, Dr. Konrath wishes to climb all of the Seven Summits, which are the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. This feat was first accomplished in 1985 by American Dick Bass. Since then, less than 150 people in the world have been able to reach the top of all these mountains. Of the remaining Seven Summits, only one truly difficult mountain remains for Dr. Konrath - Mount Everest.

Mount Everest, known as Chomolungma or Mother Goddess of the World by Tibetans, stands at 29,035 feet. First climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, it stands for many as the crowning achievement in a mountaineering career. Unpredictable weather, exposed climbing and high altitude create many dangers to be overcome. It is quoted that for every 5 climbers that reach the summit, one climber dies. Modern climbing techniques and the use of oxygen have probably improved this ratio, but it remains a dangerous undertaking none the less. This adventure takes two months, April and May, to provide acclimatization to the altitude and await the best conditions.

Dr. Konrath attempted this climb in 2003 and reached Camp 3, only one camp away from the highest camp on the South Col and the summit. This was due to a life-threatening cerebral edema that can occur at high altitude that required helicopter evacuation. This April and May, Dr. Greg Konrath will climb Mt. Everest again.

This year when he climbs Mt. Everest it will not be just to reach a personal goal; Dr. Konrath is also raising money and awareness for the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Donations are being accepted directly to Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Your support can go a long way in helping to provide mentors to local children.