COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course Description and Goal
The UHMS Physicians Training in Hyperbaric Medicine Course was started in 1977 with financial support from the Department of Energy and the cooperation of the US Navy. Further influence has been based on internationally accepted training objectives that were agreed upon by the Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC), the European Diving Technology Committee (EDTC), and the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM). This course is primarily designed for those who possess an MD, DO, or equivalent degree; however those non-physicians who will use the training in their geographic areas to enhance the safety and efficiency of diving operations will also find the course of value.
The goal of this course is to train physicians in recognizing and treating diving medical emergencies. Course educational methodology includes lectures, case presentations, video clips, printed support materials, practical exercises, and both formal and informal question and answer sessions with the faculty.
In addition to lectures on the physiology and medicine of diving, the course will include practical exposure to different types of diving equipment, recompression chambers and support systems and situational/simulation training.
Applicants for the course should possess an MD, DO, or equivalent degree. Preference will be given to those applicants who will use the training in their geographic areas to enhance the safety and efficiency of diving operations.
The applicant must pass a diving physical examination if they wish to participate in diving/pressure-related activities. The purpose of this Medical Questionnaire is to find out if you should be examined by your doctor before participating in recreational diver training. Please be sure to fill out the Medical Questionnaire form (Click here for form), which can also be found on the registration page.
CME Hours: For MD/DO/PhD, or equivalent advanced degree, a Certificate of Continuing Medical Education Credits will be issued for those who complete an online evaluation form; MOC credit will be available.
Other course information
- You will be required to bring a laptop or iPad/tablet. This is needed so you can take the online exam and to follow along with the lectures, as you wish. Paper copies of the exam will be available.
- You will be provided with a web link to access all the lecture presentations, homework and handouts.
- You will be given a notebook to take notes (this notebook will have just the lecture topics and objectives).
LOCATION
Location
La Jolla, CA
What to do around here
The picturesque village of La Jolla in the upmarket neighborhood of University Town Center near the University of California San Diego and Scripps Memorial Hospital. Perfect for business guests, nearby corporate premises include those of Ernst & Young, IBM, Pfizer, and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.
Soak up some sun on one of many nearby local beaches, including La Jolla Cove. Take the family to LEGOLAND California and enjoy the thrilling rides and exciting attractions, or discover mammals and aquatic animals at San Diego Zoo and Sea World. Challenge a friend or colleague to a few rounds on the nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course, or indulge in some retail therapy at Westfield Shopping Center across the street. Things to do
LA JOLLA

La Jolla is a scenic seaside area, known for its rugged coastline. Trails wind past pine trees and sandstone canyons in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, while two world-renowned golf courses at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which sit atop sea cliffs. La Jolla Cove has sweeping ocean views, and the Shell Beach tide pools are home to anemones and crabs. Posh boutiques and waterfront restaurants dot walkable La Jolla Village.
EXPLORE SAN DIEGO
See all the city has to offer and discover unique experiences to help you plan the perfect trip.
Beachside attitude, Big city excitement
With near-perfect weather year-round, 70 miles of spectacular coastline, world-class attractions and a thriving urban core complete with a sophisticated art, dining and nightlife scene, San Diego has earned the name 'California’s beach city.' Average temperatures of 72 degrees, San Diego is a year-round outdoor playground. Check the weather now: https://www.sandiego.org/plan/weather.aspx
Explore San Diego’s diverse coastal, urban and inland neighborhoods, each with its own flavor. Don’t miss sampling the area's signature Cali Baja cuisine or tasting one of the hundreds of craft beers and wines bottled in the region.
After a day at the beach or other outdoor adventure, head to the party downtown at one of the sizzling nightclubs or rooftop bars. If art and culture is your passion, you’ll find an exciting hub of creativity in San Diego. Often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West,” Balboa Park features 17 museums, numerous galleries and performing arts venues as well as the San Diego Zoo.
It’s hard to find a better destination for families. Whether you love engaging with animals or thrill rides, building sandcastles or beach bonfires, there’s plenty to entertain the entire family from sun up to sun down.
Happiness is calling from San Diego: It’s time to answer the call and start planning your vacation now.
VIDEO ABOUT SAN DIEGO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16BMvxUK74M&feature=youtu.be
TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego and serviced by 22 major and commuter airlines including non-stop flights from Mexico, Canada, Japan and the UK, San Diego International Airport is managed by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and receives more than 16 million passengers a year.
Airport Code: SAN
Flying into San Diego, passengers get a bird's eye view of Balboa Park, downtown and the San Diego Bay on their descent to San Diego International Airport, aka Lindbergh Field. The airport terminals are easy to navigate and offer gourmet food and drink from local restaurants.
RENTAL CARS, TOWN CARS AND LIMOUSINES
Exploring San Diego by car is the most convenient way of getting around to all corners of the region. The freeway system is easy to navigate and the traffic is manageable other than typical work-day morning and evening rush hours.
The Rental Car Center at San Diego International Airport provides visitors with an easy, reliable, and comfortable experience for renting a vehicle. The Center is home to most of the rental car companies including national brands, local companies, and independent businesses in one central location.
Many of the car rental companies also provide convenient pick-up services at many of the San Diego hotels. Just be sure to make reservations and arrangements ahead of time. Many hotel concierge services can also offer these services, so check with your hotel on what they can provide for you.
FEES
FEES:
- UHMS Member: Physician Fee - $2,000
- UHMS Member Fellow/Resident Fee - $1,125
- NON-Member: Physician Fee - $2,300
- NON-Member Fellow/Resident Fee - $1,375
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY: $100 administrative fee will be held on all MEETING(S)/COURSE(S) cancellations from the time you register, until 60 days prior to the meeting/course date. From 59 days to one (1) month prior, 50% of fees will be held on all cancellations. NO REFUNDS will be issued one (1) month before or after the meeting/course date.
SCHEDULE
Schedule
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - subject to change
Posted:9/16/2019
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 Day spent at hotel |
0800-0900 |
Welcome and Introduction to Diving |
Pete Witucki, MD |
0900-1000 |
Dive Physics #1 (Pressure) |
Kaighley Brett, MD |
1000-1200 |
Dive Physics #2 (Gas Laws) |
Kaighley Brett, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1400 |
CNS O2 Toxicity |
Karen Van Hoesen, MD |
1400-1500 |
Pulmonary O2 Toxicity |
Kaighley Brett, MD |
1500-1600 |
Critical Care in the Hyperbaric Chamber |
Davut Savaser, MD |
1600-1700 |
Immersion Pulmonary Edema |
Davut Savaser, MD |
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 Day spent at hotel |
0800-1000 |
Pathophysiology and Manifestations of DCI |
Simon Mitchell, MD |
1000-1100 |
Evaluation, Intervention and Evacuation of Diving Injuries |
Simon Mitchell, MD |
1100-1200 |
Case Discussion: Early Diagnosis and Management of DCI |
Simon Mitchell, MDPete Witucki, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1500 |
Recompression Therapy and Adjuvant Treatment of DCI |
Simon Mitchell, MD |
1500-1600 |
Emergency Myringotomy |
Charley Coffey, MD |
1600-1700 |
Myringotomy Lab |
Charley Coffey, MD |
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 Day spent at hotel |
0800-0900 |
Return to Diving after DCI |
Simon Mitchell, MD |
0900-1000 |
Case Discussion: Recompression Management of DCI |
Simon Mitchell, MD Pete Witucki, MD |
1000-1100 |
Non-Pulmonary Barotrauma |
Chris Tomaszewski, MD |
1100-1200 |
Medications Under Pressure |
Chris Tomaszewski, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (On own) |
|
1300-1400 |
Dive Tables |
Anthony Medak, MD |
1400-1500 |
Bubble Detection |
Anthony Medak, MD |
1500-1700 |
Ultrasound Skills Lab |
Anthony Medak, MD |
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 Partial day at Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, Scripps Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 Partial day at La Jolla Shores Beach, 8302 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA |
0800-0900 |
Maladies at Sea |
Karen Van Hoesen, MD |
0900-1000 |
Marine Envenomations |
Karen Van Hoesen, MD |
1000-1200 |
Birch Aquarium – Behind the Scenes Tour |
Karen Van Hoesen, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1700 |
Beach Training Day - Tides and Rip Currents - Surf Zone/Beach Rescue - Evacuation from the Scene - Surface O2 and Rescue Equipment Familiarization |
San Diego Life Guards |
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Full Day Off-site at Hyperbaric Medical Services Facility, 3224 Hoover Ave, National City, CA 91950 |
0800-0900 |
Clinical Hyperbaric Chamber Operations |
Jay Duchnick, CHT, RN |
0900-1000 |
Chamber Safety |
Jay Duchnick, CHT, RN |
1000-1200 |
HBO Chamber SIM Training |
Pete Witucki, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1700 |
HBO Chamber SIM Training continued - Case 1 (Oxygen Toxicity seizure) - Case 2 (Code in the chamber) - Case 3 (Aborted Dive and safe deco of tender) - Procedure Station (needle thoracostomy, airway, ICU equipment) |
Pete Witucki, MD |
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 Full Day spent at hotel |
0800-0900 |
Scientific Diving |
Daniel Popa, MD |
0900-1000 |
Long Term Effects of Diving |
Daniel Popa, MD |
1000-1200 |
HBO Clinical Indications |
Enoch Huang, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1400 |
Neuro Exams |
Pete Witucki, MD |
1400-1500 |
Case Discussion (DCS, AGE, IPE) |
Pete Witucki, MD |
1500-1600 |
US Navy Diving and Submarine Rescue |
Pete Witucki, MD |
1800-2100 |
Banquet with Lecture (at hotel) - 2000-2100: Cold Water Diving: The Antarctic |
Michael Lang, PhD |
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 On own for the entire day |
All day |
ON OWN to enjoy the La Jolla / San Diego area |
|
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 Partial Day at hotel Partial Day off-site at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center |
0800-0900 |
Public Safety Diving |
Dick Sadler, MD |
0900-1000 |
Public Safety Diving: Medical Issues |
Dick Sadler, MD |
1000-1100 |
Breath-hold Diving |
Peter Lindholm, MD |
1100-1200 |
Breath-hold Diving: Medical Issues |
Peter Lindholm, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1700 |
Pool Work Group A: - Breath Hold Diving station - Oxygen Physiology station - Hands-on Dive Gear Station (open circuit) Group B: - Dry Suit station - Full face-mask and comms station - PSD in-water skills station |
Pete Witucki, MD Dick Sadler, MD Peter Lindholm, MD |
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 Partial Day at hotel Partial Day off-site at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center |
0800-0900 |
Nitrox Diving |
Michael Lang, PhD |
0900-1000 |
Cold Water Physiology |
Michael Lang, PhD |
1000-1100 |
Dive Computers |
Michael Lang, PhD |
1100-1200 |
Aviation DCS |
Aaron Heerboth, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1700 |
Pool Work Group B: - Breath Hold Diving station - Oxygen Physiology station - Hands-on Dive Gear Station (open circuit) Group A: - Dry Suit station - Full face-mask and comms station - PSD in-water skills station |
Pete Witucki, MD Dick Sadler, MD Peter Lindholm, MD |
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 Partial Day at hotel Partial Day off-site at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center |
0800-0900 |
Surface Supplied Diving |
Pete Witucki, MD |
0900-1000 |
Rebreather Diving |
Dick Sadler, MD |
1000-1100 |
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Rebreather Diving |
Derek Covington, MD |
1100-1200 |
Rebreather Diving: Medical Issues |
Charlotte Sadler, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1700 |
Pool WorkGroup A: - Hands-on Rebreather set-up station #1 - Hands-on Rebreather set-up station #2 - Rebreather buoyancy station Group B: - Dive tender station - Rebreather Fam Dive - Hands-on Dive Gear Station (closed circuit and hard-hat) |
Pete Witucki, MD Dick Sadler, MD Charlotte Sadler, MD Derek Covington, MD |
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 Partial Day at hotel Partial Day off-site at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center |
0800-0900 |
Diver Death Investigation |
Charlotte Sadler, MD |
0900-1000 |
Fitness to Dive |
Karen Van Hoesen, MD |
1000-1100 |
Case Discussion: Fitness to Dive |
Karen Van Hoesen, MD |
1100-1200 |
Starting a Dive Clinic |
Karen Van Hoesen, MD |
1200-1300 |
Lunch (on own) |
|
1300-1700 |
Pool WorkGroup B: - Hands-on Rebreather set-up station #1 - Hands-on Rebreather set-up station #2 - Rebreather buoyancy station Group A: - Dive tender station - Rebreather Fam Dive - Hands-on Dive Gear Station (closed circuit and hard-hat) |
Pete Witucki, MD Dick Sadler, MD Charlotte Sadler, MD Derek Covington, MD |
FRIDAY, October 16 Partial Day at hotel |
0800-1200 |
Examination, Review, Evaluation, Graduation, Closing Remarks |
Pete Witucki, MD |