Patrick Hickey

There are only 120 people in the world who have climbed the seven summits of the world. And, only one nurse, Patrick Hickey. A 32-year veteran healthcare professional, he not only overcame his personal challenge to climb the world’s highest peaks, he did it to inspire other healthcare professionals to overcome their challenges and achieve their highest goals in their line of work.

“When I climbed the seven summits, I faced a lot of the same challenges that medical professionals face every day such as working in risky environments that require split-second decisions and teamwork. I learned quickly how to manage these challenges to achieve a goal and desired outcome.”

Hickey has written 7 Summits: A Nurse’s Quest to Conquer Mountaineering and Life to tell how hard work, persistence, belief in self, and the support of family and friends can help anyone reach the top of the world. A motivational speaker, he parallels his experience with the broader perspectives of goal setting, dedication, and the pursuit of challenge in the face of extreme adversity.

In his interactive presentation, “7 Summits of Life,” Hickey tells the dramatic story about his record-breaking quest that led The New York Times to call him “a cross between Florence Nightingale and Indiana Jones.” Motivated by his passion for nursing, he hopes to raise awareness of the challenges facing modern healthcare while empowering other medical professionals with his seven point take away message for success. Audience members will be able to put these seven principles to immediate use in their careers.

Hickey donates his honorariums from all engagements to the Summit Nursing Scholarship he has established at the USC College of Nursing.