Dr. Tom Hackett is an orthopaedic surgeon whose practice focuses on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of elbow, shoulder and knee disorders. He is a specialist in the arthroscopic treatment of sports injuries and trained directly under Dr. Frank Jobe, the founder of the "Tommy John" procedure and one of the pioneers in shoulder and elbow surgery for "overhead" athletes. Dr. Hackett also has completed additional training in the management of fractures and musculoskeletal trauma at Harbourview hospital in Seattle.

Dr. Hackett is a former collegiate athlete who received a degree in anthropology from The Colorado College and has worked both locally and internationally as an archaeologist, mountaineer, guide, and ski patrolman. After developing extensive, hands-on experience in wilderness medicine and rescue he went on to formally study medicine; initially at the University of Wyoming and subsequently at Creighton University, where he received his medical degree.

Dr. Hackett then went on to complete a general surgery internship and orthopaedic surgery residency at Boston's prestigious New England Medical Center at Tufts University. He completed a Sports Medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, where he specialized in surgery of the shoulder and elbow. While in Los Angeles he served as an assistant team physician to the LA Lakers, Sparks, Dodgers, Kings, Ducks and Galaxy professional sports teams. He continues to assist with the medical management of the LA Dodgers, the Colorado Rockies, and is a team physician for the US Snowboard Team. Dr. Hackett is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Hackett has conducted research in surgery of the shoulder, elbow and knee, and has published articles in peer reviewed medical journals. He is the author of several book chapters and has presented his research at national and international meetings.

Mike Jones hails from Virginia and now currently lives in Fort Collins, CO.  While attending Radford University in Virginia, Mike completed his BS in Recreation Management and Outdoor Concentrations.  He cut his teeth climbing and teaching at the New River Gorge, WV and North Carolina.  Since then he has worked in various facets of the profession from nonprofits, guiding companies, college and private schools and for-profits across the US.  The past few years Mike has worked in the marketing and curriculum departments at NOLS and helped with programming and instructing with KAF Adventures in Seattle.  Mike has completed the SPI program and hopes to bring his diverse experience to the AMGA. 

Climbing Community's Concerns Make it to the Senate

While Denali National Park's public comment process regarding the proposed fee increase is complete, the AMGA is still working hard with the Access Fund and American Alpine Club to advocate for a fair resolution. We hope to announce a resolution to the special use fee soon, which will be effective for the 2012 climbing season.  In the meantime, check out this clip from a March 30, 2011 Senate hearing on National Parks. Then send a letter to Senator Udall thanking him for caring about climbers' concerns!

Rock Guiding on the Table in Arches National Park

Arches National Park is currently developing a Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan. For the first time, guided rock climbing is being considered. The AMGA submitted comments in support of this new possibility. Click here to view the AMGA's letter to Arches NP.

If you have any input on guiding in Arches NP, please contact the AMGA office or email Leigh Goldberg at access.director@amga.com.

Click here to read more about Arches' proposed alternatives.

In an attempt to better serve our Accredited Programs, Certified Guides and Corporate Partners, we will be offering space in the monthly e-Newsletter

Sierra Mountain Guides is Hiring

Want guaranteed summer work in one of the most beautiful places on earth? Sierra Mountain Guides is looking for a full time qualified rock/alpine instructor for this coming summer in the Eastern Sierras. Applicant must have AMGA certification in either the rock or alpine realm. Job is scheduled to start in June. If interested, email your resume to info@sierramtnguides.com, with the subject title: 'Full Time Summer Guiding Position'.

Sierra Mountain Center is Hiring 

Sierra Mountain Center is looking for a full time AMGA Rock and or Alpine certified or someone in the process of becoming so.

Work involves mountaineering, rock, alpine rock and alpine ice climbing from June into September or October. For someone with ski guiding credentials there is the possibility of work through the winter in skiing, ice climbing and winter alpine ascents.

Visit www.sierramountaincenter.com for an overview of programs and email office@sierramountaincenter.com  

Mountain Adventure Seminars is Hiring

MAS, a guide service in Bear Valley, California, is hiring rock climbing and alpine instructors.

Position 1: Rock Climbing Instructor to conduct courses in Bear Valley for all curriculums including multi-pitch. Residence in Bear Valley preferred.

Position 2: Rock Climbing Instructor to lead outdoor weekend courses at Castle Rock plus indoor midweek evenings at Planet Granite gyms. Residence in the Bay Area is preferred.

Required Skills:

· Current Wilderness First Responder Certification (WFR)

· AMGA Single Pitch Certification or higher or comparable experience

· AMGA Alpine Guide or comparable experience

Qualifications:

· Strong technical skills

· Previous teaching experience

· Genuine interest in facilitating safe, fun and educational experiences

· Lively and animated personality with style, manners and wit

· Interested in strong work ethics and teamwork skills

Benefits:

· Employee wage based on certifications and experience ($80-$150/day).

· Dynamic work environment with eager students

· Opportunity for subsidized certification thru AMGA

· Pro-Deal purchases from companies such as Patagonia, BD, Smith and Ortovox

· Opportunity for year round work based on skills, experience and interest

Send a letter of interest and resume with professional references to Kimi Johnson via email: kimi@mtadventure.com by April 8, 2011.

BBC Casting New Adventure Outdoor Series

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your survival skills over a few weeks spent in a rugged, natural environment. We are seeking men and women with expertise, passion, a whole load of energy, and no fear of taming the great outdoors. Whoever you are and wherever you're from, if you feel up to the ultimate challenge, get in touch with us now!

To Apply:  Please submit recent photos, bio, and any video links.  Please describe your relative survival experience, and be sure to tell us why you are perfect for this show!  Deadline April 27.  

Reference your first & last name in the subject line.
SurviveOutside@gmail.com 310-284-5736, ext. 207

Exum Mountain Guides - Guest Guide Opportunities  

The AMGA is excited to announce that we will be working with Exum Mountain Guides this summer to offer you the opportunity to work as a guest guide in Grand Teton National Park!

The Tetons provide some of the most accessible and diverse climbing in the North America. One of its premier climbs is, naturally, the Grand Teton (13,770 ft), a remarkable ascent via many outstanding routes that all providing an exhilarating day in the mountains. While the Grand Teton is the most famous peak in the region, the range also offers dozens of other climbs that are both famous and challenging, all in a beautiful and dramatic landscape. 

The AMGA is proud to work with Exum Mountain Guides in this capacity, and Exum is proud to offer AMGA guides this opportunity. To apply to be a guest guide at Exum you must be an AMGA Certified Alpine Guide. Click Here to find out how to apply.