On May 23, 2025, Blake Higgins, DDS ’15, successfully climbed to the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, becoming one of less than 900 elite Americans to accomplish this feat.
The pediatric dentist from Vail, Colorado, experienced a difficult climb in extreme cold and wind, and also experienced the tranquility and clarity that climbing brings.
Higgins recalled that his yearning for Mount Everest began when he watched the IMAX version of “Everest” at the age of 12, and he has been deeply attracted to this majestic mountain ever since.
Although he once doubted whether he could reach the summit, the skills and physical fitness accumulated over time, as well as the strong support of the team, finally realized his dream.
On the day of the summit, due to strong winds in the early morning, as many as 100 climbers were forced to give up, and only a few teams continued to move forward. As the wind died down, Higgins and his team reached the summit almost alone.
He especially thanked Garrett Madison, the team leader with 15 summit experiences, and Kam Dorji Sherpa, the Sherpa guide who accompanied him for many days and eight summits.
Higgins said that dental work has many similarities with mountaineering: both require adequate preparation, a reliable team, staying calm, paying attention to details, and knowing one’s own limits and having the courage to retreat when necessary. He said: “Whether it is on the operating table or during the climb, the support of the team is the key to success.”
As a pediatric dentist, Higgins is passionate about preventive treatment and helping patients avoid worsening oral problems. He chose the University of Colorado School of Dentistry because of its excellent reputation and clinical training opportunities, especially the ACTS program, which allowed him to accumulate rich experience in multiple communities. In addition, he also participated in service learning in Guatemala to expand his horizons.
Higgins said that the rigorous training at the University of Colorado gave him confidence in practicing medicine independently, and this confidence also supported his courage and persistence in climbing Mount Everest.