Biography:
Nikki Bart, also known as Nicole Bart, is an Australian mountain climber and medical doctor who has made significant contributions in the field of hypoxia secondary to high altitude. Born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Nikki’s early life laid the foundation for her remarkable journey. She attended Moriah College before pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with honors at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
While studying medicine, Nikki Bart embarked on an extraordinary adventure alongside her mother, Cheryl Bart. Together, they set out to conquer the Seven Summits, a challenge that involves climbing the highest mountains on each continent. Over the course of eight years, from 2001 to 2008, they successfully conquered Mount Elbrus in Russia, Mount McKinley in the United States, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Aconcagua in Argentina, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia.
In May 2008, their determination and perseverance brought them to the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal, making Nikki and Cheryl the first mother-daughter duo to achieve this feat. Moreover, their successful ascent of Everest marked the completion of the Seven Summits challenge, solidifying their place in history as the first mother and daughter to conquer this formidable task.
While Nikki Bart was reaching the pinnacle of her mountaineering career, she was simultaneously nearing the end of her medical studies. In her sixth and final year of medicine, she stood proudly atop the highest peak on Earth. Not only did she showcase her physical and mental strength, but she also demonstrated her ability to balance multiple passions and excel in both arenas.
In recognition of their incredible achievements, Nikki and Cheryl Bart were jointly awarded the Australian Geographic Spirit of Adventure Award in 2008. This honor served as a testament to their tremendous determination and unwavering spirits that inspired countless others.
Nikki Bart’s thirst for exploration and pushing the limits of human capability did not end with the Seven Summits. In 2011, she embarked on a solo skiing expedition to the North Pole, reflecting her relentless pursuit of new challenges. With plans to ski to the South Pole, Nikki aspires to complete the Explorers Grand Slam challenge, further cementing her legacy as an explorer and adventurer.
Beyond mountaineering, Nikki Bart has dedicated her career to medicine, specializing in the field of cardiology. After completing her medical registrar and cardiology training at St Vincent’s Hospital, she now works as a heart-failure and transplant cardiologist and scientist at the prestigious Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. Her focus lies in advanced cardiac imaging, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac genetics. Nikki also shares her wealth of knowledge as a conjoint associate lecturer at UNSW and the University of Notre Dame.
Nikki Bart’s commitment to furthering medical research has been recognized and supported by numerous scholarships. In 2010, she was awarded the esteemed John Monash Scholarship, which allowed her to conduct research on hypoxia while working as a physician at the University of Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital. Her dedication to teaching and education has been acknowledged through teaching awards from Green Templeton College at Oxford University.
In 2013, Nikki received an Avant scholarship, which enabled her to continue her research in Australia. She contributed significantly to the field of heart failure cardiology as a clinician-scientist. Her work in this area has undoubtedly impacted the lives of many patients and furthered scientific understanding in the field.
Nikki Bart’s knowledge and expertise have made her a sought-after guest lecturer. She has had the privilege of sharing her experiences and insights with students at the Harvard Extension School and the Australian College of Sports Physicians.
Nikki (Nicole) Bart’s journey from conquering mountains to healing hearts exemplifies her indomitable spirit and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her remarkable achievements in the realm of mountaineering and medicine have shaped her into an inspiring figure in society. Through her remarkable accomplishments, Nikki has cemented her place in women’s history and serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Awards:
– Australian Geographic Spirit of Adventure Award (2008)