Coping With Extremes

COPING WITH EXTREMES

Presented by Tracee Metcalfe, M.D., Vail
First US woman to summit world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks
A joint presentation of The Explorers Club and dZi Foundation

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Academy University Hill, 833 10th Street, Boulder

Dr. Tracee Metcalfe is an internal medicine physician and accomplished mountaineer, known for being the first U.S. woman to summit all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks—including Annapurna, K2, and Nanga Parbat. After graduating high school in Southern California, she moved to Colorado, where she found her passion for the outdoors. The state’s famous 14,000-foot peaks became her training ground, helping her develop both basic hiking skills and, over time, more technical climbing abilities.

Tracee’s medical and climbing interests came together during her work with the National Park Service on Denali, Alaska, where she provided medical care and assisted with rescue operations. She has since served as an expedition doctor on major Himalayan climbs, including Everest, Makalu, Manaslu, and Cho Oyu, combining her clinical experience with a love for adventure.

Beyond her personal achievements, Dr. Metcalfe is committed to giving back. She supports organizations like Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics and the dZi Foundation, helping to foster leadership in young women and improve quality of life in rural Nepal. Her journey highlights the connections between medicine, mountaineering, and mentorship—and she continues to share her experiences to inspire and support others in the climbing and medical communities. She is also a strong proponent of the importance of outdoor recreation for health and wellness.

The 50-min. presentation will include a brief description of dZi’s mission and will be followed by Q & A. (For more information: traceelmetcalfe.com, dzi.org)

RSVP by Sept. 8, 2025 to jeff@blumenfeldpr.com