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So the Doctors arrived back to Seapoint Clinic safe and sound, and with only a few cuts and bruises for their troubles, they had some great photos and memories from Nepal to share.

Both keen outdoor enthusiasts, the two took a couple of weeks out of their busy schedule of surgeries, extractions, implants and patients to embark on the trip of a lifetime, juggling their time between energetic hikes and meeting the local communities.

Dr. Linehan felt that the whole trip really impacted his view on his every day life in Ireland. “Dealing with the Sherpa people and watching how they go about their day-to-day living really opened my eyes. The children run around playing outside and are keen to meet the hikers and tourists. The local people work so hard but seem to have a lovely laid-back attitude, with very few stressed out or rushing about.”

While the duo were both in training for months prior to the trip, they both felt the altitude really took its toll.

“We were in good physical shape when we left Dublin but when you arrive and have to move about at altitude, it’s a whole new ball game. The locals were running rings around us up the mountains as they are so accustomed to living at altitude. We had to take things a little easier but we got there in the end! The only other option of transport in this neck of the woods is by yak so I think that prospect kept us going,” laughs Dr. O’ Flaherty.

Accommodation in this area is notoriously primitive, consisting mostly of stone huts with shared bunk dormitories or very basic lodgings or camping areas. However, in recent years there have been some improvements and modern facilities. The dental clinics, however, are still in need of a modernization with some traditions like getting rid of pain, for example, by hammering a nail into a tree.

Thankfully, the team at Seapoint has developed some more comprehensive ways to deal with pain and discomfort for nervous patients.

On a sad note, the day after their trip, Dr. Linehan and Dr. O'Flaherty got word from fellow trekkers that their had been a plane crash at Lukla airport, which they had flown out of the previous day, with several fatalities and some injured parties, reminding us that you never really know what’s around the next corner…

All in all though, this trip is one that will remain with both Dr. O’ Flaherty and Dr. Linehan for a long time to come.