Aithne Rowse

Aithne Rowse (born 1968?) is an anaesthetist who was the first South African woman to over-winter in Antarctica.

Biography Rowse grew up in Johannesburg and studied for a degree at Wits University Medical School. She worked at Johannesburg Hospital She has recommended better practice in tourniquet technique.

Antarctica In 1979, American Michele Eileen Raney was the first woman doctor to be in Antarctica all year when she spent the winter at the South Pole. thumb Rowse was the first South African woman to over-winter in Antarctica in 1997 when she was aged 29. She was also the first woman to be selected to join any SANAE team. Rowse was doctor for the team and her preparation for the job meant that she undertook a range of courses to make her familiar with every aspect of emergency medicine. Afterwards, Rowse married fellow team member Hein de Beer.