Jon Ahrendsen, a family medicine practitioner in Clarion, Iowa, embarked on a unique career adventure in Antarctica.
"People often ask about my experience in Antarctica, and I typically respond that it was cold and bright," Ahrendsen shared.
In 2016, a meeting with a physician preparing for a winter stint at a U.S. Antarctica Research Station piqued Ahrendsen's interest in working in Antarctica.
"I applied through the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, which has a contract with the Antarctic Support Contract and the National Science Foundation to manage U.S. operations in Antarctica," he explained.
After months of waiting, Ahrendsen's application was accepted, and he headed to the coldest continent late last year.
While some might expect life in Antarctica to be unique, Ahrendsen found his routine surprisingly familiar. "My workday was from 7:30 to 5:30, Monday through Saturday," he noted.
Under his contract, Ahrendsen oversaw medical operations at McMurdo Station, about 900 miles from the South Pole. The station's population peaks at around 1,000 people during the summer research season.
"Everyone there is primarily to support the researchers," Ahrendsen said. "You'll find every profession you can think of in a small town there."
Beyond his professional duties, Ahrendsen enjoyed long recreational hikes and even encountered a fellow University of Iowa alum. "I wore my stocking cap often, and people recognized the tiger hawk on it," he recalled. "Several of us had Iowa roots, including Isaiah Reeves, originally from Minnesota but a University of Iowa med school graduate."
Seeing fellow Iowans in Antarctica was a pleasant surprise for Ahrendsen. "It was nice to see familiar faces," he added.
After several months, Ahrendsen's Antarctic journey ended, and he recommends the experience to younger generations. "The first time you go, it's for the adventure; the second time, it's for the pay; and the third time, it's because you feel you belong there more than anywhere else," he reflected.
Although Ahrendsen isn't planning a return to Antarctica soon, he encourages others to apply for the opportunity.
