Dr. Jerri Nielsen Dead at 57


Success!

Thanks for helping us improve this WisdomCard. We'll let you know if your resource makes the Top 10!.

Have another great resource to share? Go ahead and nominate another resource!

Privacy Policy

Research Notes on Dr. Jerri Nielsen Dead at 57


Dr. Jerri Nielsen has passed away at the age of 57. Dr. Nielsen, an emergency room doctor from Ohio, was working at the South Pole's scientific station when she discovered a lump in her breast in 1999. Nielsen had no other medical professionals to rely on, but herself. She biopsied herself with the help of a welder and a mechanic, both of whom trained themselves using needles, potatoes, and thawed chicken. The tumor she found wound up being an aggressive form of breast cancer.1

Fast Facts:

  • Nielsen's cancer went into remission in 2005 after a mastectomy.2
  • In August of 2005, her cancer returned and metastasized into her brain.2
  • Nielsen documented her ordeal in her book Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole.


Advertisement

Latest Headlines on Dr. Jerri Nielsen Dead at 57


    Research Notes References

    1. Washington Post: South Pole Doctor Who Treated Herself for Cancer Dies (June 24, 2009)
    2. 2.0 2.1 Associated Press: Doctor in Dramatic South Pole Rescue Dies at 57 (June 24, 2009)

    About this WisdomCard

    Each WisdomCard is handcrafted by our team of physician-guided health advocates. Our goal is to make it easy for you to find the most useful health resources for any health topic. In addition to filtering out spam and bad links, WisdomCards highlight tips and warnings, such as:

    • Guide Favorite
    • Guide Warning
    • Scroll down to reach relevant content
    • PDF
    • Video
    • In Memoriam

    Help improve this WisdomCard by suggesting great links.

    OrganizedWisdom Health™ brings you health resources shared by hand selected doctors and professionals. Follow us on:

    Diabetes Symptoms Quiz

    1. Do you often feel extremely thirsty?

    About WisdomCard

    Meet our contributors and reviewers

    Each WisdomCard is handcrafted by our team of physician-guided health advocates. Our goal is to make it easy for you to find the most useful health resources for any health topic by filtering out spam and bad links.