On Jan. 9, Professor John Crissman, M.D., dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine from 1999 to 2004, began the arduous challenge of climbing to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro, located in the east African country of Tanzania, is the highest peak on the African continent. At more than 19,000 feet above sea level, it is higher than any peak in the United States.

Dr. Crissman, 69 at the time of the trek, prepared for the challenge for months, improving his cardiovascular endurance and lowering his body fat to around 17 percent. He said that it was important to get in shape because of low oxygen levels associated with the extreme height and because no supplemental oxygen was available.

Dr. Crissman took seven days to ascend the mountain and two days to descend using the Shira western route.

When asked how he felt about his accomplishment, he said, "To those who thought climbing Kilimanjaro was insane, you were correct."

Dr. Crissman declined to comment when asked what was next on his "bucket list."