ONS orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Katie Vadasdi, MD, delivered introductory remarks to an intimate group of mountain climbing enthusiasts during a YWCA luncheon for Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, the first woman to climb 14 “eight thousanders” without supplementary oxygen.

Vadasdi, an accomplished mountaineer and sports enthusiast in her own right, expressed admiration for Kaltenbrunner’s impressive career and love of climbing, which began as a child in Austria. As a young adult, Kaltenbrunner worked as a nurse to fund her expeditions. Following her summit at Nanga Parbat – her fifth 8,000 meter peak, however, Kaltenbrunner turned her passion into a career. In 2011, Kaltenbrunner was named the National Geographic Explorer of the year. She was in Greenwich, CT as part of a six-city speaking tour on behalf of the National Geographic organization. ONS was a sponsor of the daytime event.

Petite and soft spoken, Kaltenbrunner delighted the group with tales of her adventures and her reliance on gut instinct when faced with danger. You can watch a presentation given by Kaltenbrunner here, courtesy of National Geographic.