UHMS Program for Advanced Training in Hyperbaric Medicine (PATH)

The UHMS Program for Advanced Training in Hyperbaric Medicine (PATH) is open to MD, DO, MBBS, NP, and PA candidates who have previously completed a UHMS-Designated 40-hour introduction to hyperbaric medicine course. Candidates in the Stellenbosch CAQ program in undersea and hyperbaric medicine (UHM), previously offered by UHMS, who deferred completion will be enrolled automatically in this revised program at no charge. Upon completion of the PATH, MD/DO candidates will receive a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) and NP/PA candidates will receive a Certificate of Advanced Education (CAE).

The PATH does not replace fellowship training or board certification in UHM, which is considered the gold standard for training in undersea and hyperbaric medicine. The CAQ/CAE is intended to demonstrate that a candidate has completed a formal education program covering advanced topics in UHM, as well as having received hands-on experience performing case scenarios by working in small groups to manage simulated patient emergencies to hone their medical decision making.

The PATH is intended to take between six to 12 months to complete and represents approximately 100 hours of continuing education credits. The PATH curriculum is divided into three (3) main components described below.

Requirements:

• Must be a current UHMS Member and maintain your membership during the duration of your certification. If you are not a current member, click here to join now.
• Must have access to a copy of "Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications, Fourteenth Edition". You can purchase a copy as a printed book or ebook by clicking here.  You will also need the references list out of the 14th version (click here for the pdf).
• Must have completed a UHMS-Designated 40-hour introduction to hyperbaric medicine course. A list of approved courses is here: Introductory 40-Hour Training Courses - Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (uhms.org) 

It is the responsibility of the individual registering for the UHMS Program for Advanced Training in Hyperbaric Medicine (PATH) to understand and meet the pre-requisite and ongoing requirements of the CAQ/CAE program for which he/she is registering. If the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) determines that an ineligible individual is registered, or completes the PATH program, to include the online modules, final exam, in-person skills lab, or earned a CAQ/CAE certification, we reserve the right to rescind any, or all parts of their progress and the CAQ/CAE certification.

Please Note:

All blocks (1 through 9), the final exam, and in-person skills lab are currently available.

UHMS Hyperbaric Skills and Emergency Management course 
Upcoming dates:

Friday, April 5, 2024 at University of Hawaii, SimTiki Simulation Center (Registration available here (you must log in): 
https://www.courses-uhms.org/live-courses/path-sims-lab-3.html

We will not have a Fall 2023 course at this time.

SNAPSHOT: Components of the UHMS PATH

• Self-directed learning
  • Reading assignments – Participants will read selected textbook chapters, seminal articles, and other publications.
  • Video presentations – Learners will view selected PowerPoint presentations.
• Skills lab – Learners will have to complete the UHMS Hyperbaric Skills and Emergency Management course that will be offered every Spring and Fall as needed.
• Examination – Learners will have a pre-test and post-test to assess gained knowledge as well as a final exam.

PATH Graduate List:

It is the intent of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society to supply the public with information on physicians and NP/PA candidates who have successfully completed the UHMS Program for Advanced Training in Hyperbaric Medicine (PATH) program. This information is subject to change.

Those physicians on this list have successfully completed the prescribed course of study and examination for an advanced level Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ).

Those NP/PA candidates on this list have successfully completed the prescribed course of study and examination for an advanced level Certificate of Advanced Education (CAE).

PATH Graduates are listed here: 
https://www.uhms.org/education/credentialing/hyperbaric-physician-certification.html

FAQs

Details

Self-directed learning: 89 hours

This portion of the PATH will be broken down into different content blocks and will include reading materials and archived video presentations geared to each block.

Block 1: Hyperbaric Physiology and Side Effects
Block 2: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Block 3: Chronic Radiation Tissue Injury
Block 4: Arterial Insufficiencies, CRAO, ISSHL, Crush
Block 5: Problem Wounds, Diabetic Ulcers, Chronic Osteomyelitis
Block 6: Intracranial Abscess, Acute Blood Loss Anemia, Thermal Burns
Block 7: Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections and Critical Care
Block 8: Decompression Illness
Block 9: Investigational Uses of HBO₂

Reading assignments will be revealed after registration. A pre/post-test will be required with each block.

While we have made every attempt to obtain PDFs of these reading assignments as part of the course material, some articles may have to be obtained individually. You may contact your hospital’s medical librarian for assistance.

*Skills lab: 8 hours

All PATH candidates must complete a UHMS-sanctioned Skills Lab, which will be conducted throughout the year. Registration fees for the skills lab are independent of the cost of PATH tuition and are estimated to be $895 (subject to change).

UHMS Hyperbaric Skills and Emergency Management course 

Upcoming dates:

Friday, April 5, 2024 at University of Hawaii, SimTiki Simulation Center (Registration available here (you must log in): 
https://www.courses-uhms.org/live-courses/path-sims-lab-3.html

We will not have a Fall 2023 course at this time.

Registration for the  skills lab will be available only to those learners who have completed all nine blocks and the final exam (with a passing score). 

*Note: Attendees who have previously completed the UHMS Physicians Training in Diving Medicine (PTDM) Course or the 2016 ASM pre-course will receive credit for the Skills Lab. The Gulf Coast Chapter Skills Lab, held August 25, 2016, is not eligible for meeting the Skills Lab PATH credit.

Final examination

After completion of the PATH curriculum, all candidates will take a final examination. A passing grade of 75% is required before a certificate can be issued. Candidates may take the exam up to 3 times if they do not pass.

Accreditation Statements

Accreditation Statement: The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation Statement: The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 9 (Block 1); 7 (Block 2); 11 (Block 3); 11 (Block 4); 9 (Block 5); 11 (Block 6); 10 (Block 7); 10 (Block 8); 11 (Block 9) AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Full Disclosure Statement
All faculty members and planners participating in continuing medical education activities sponsored by Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society are expected to disclose to the participants any relevant financial relationships with ineligibile companies. Full disclosure of all individuals in control of content and their relevant financial relationships will be made prior to the start of the activity.

UHMS Disclaimer
The information provided in this CME activity is for Continuing Medical Education purposes only.  The lecture content, statements or opinions expressed, however, do not necessarily represent those of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), its affiliates or its employees