most famous events in mountaineering history. After the 1953 K2 expedition, Houston (then age 40) never participated on any further technical climbs. Medical practice and teaching Houston practiced internal medicine in Exeter, New Hampshire and Aspen, Colorado. Later, he joined the faculty at the University of Vermont as Professor of Medicine. He retired from the faculty in 1979. Medical research Houston began his study of the effects of high altitude as a naval flight surgeon in World War II. He was in charge of Operation Everest (1947) in which four subjects were taken to a simulated altitude of 8850 m over 34 days in a compression chamber. These studies demonstrated that careful acclimatization would allow pilots to fly unpressurized planes to altitudes of 15,000 feet and higher. This capacity afforded the US Army Air Force an important tactical advantage. He was among the first to study High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (1958), and High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhage (1968). He authored numerous books and articles about mountain medicine. Starting in 1975, he organized the International Hypoxia Symposia in the Canadian Rockies. In 1996 he was awarded the King Albert Medal of Merit to honor his "singular achievements" in the mountain world . Houston was also involved with early attempts to construct an artificial heart. Although not successful, his design was influential in later developments, including the Jarvik-7 model that was used with some success. Peace Corps service From 1962 to 1965, Houston served as the first Country Director of the Peace Corps for India. During his tenure, the volunteers in India grew from 6 to 250. He was instrumental in developing a doctors' division within the Corps. Works by Charles S. Houston References External links Charles Houston Papers MSS 716. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego Library. Dr Charles Houston - Daily Telegraph obituary Doctor Charles Houston Independent obituary, 1 October 2009. Notes References American mountain climbers Physicians from Vermont Hotchkiss School alumni Harvard University alumni Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons alumni 1913 births 2009 deaths Peace Corps volunteers