2023 Course date: October 16-26: Course is full - if you register you will be added to the 'waiting list'
2024 Course date: October 14-24, 2024 (registration will open in Oct)

Course Description and Goal

The UHMS Physicians Training in Diving Medicine Course was started in 1977 with financial support from the Department of Energy and the cooperation of the U.S. 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 has been approved by the Diving Medical Advisory Committee and the European Diving Technology Committee (DMAC/EDTCmed) as a Level 2D - Medical management of diving accidents and illnesses (Diving Medical Physician) course through 31 December 2024.

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.

FORMS that must be filled out and uploaded on Registration or Emailed to uhms@uhms.org. 

• All students must complete the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire if they wish to participate in diving/pressure-related activities for the upcoming PhysicianTraining in Diving Medicine course.  The purpose of this Medical Questionnaire is to find out if you should be examined by your doctor before participating in recreational diver training. (Click here for Diver Medical Questionnaire form). 

• All students must complete the SECNEC 5512 form in order to access the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) Diving Facility that is on the Naval base in San Diego for our field trip.  (Click here for the SECNAV 5512 form)
  • SECNAV 5512 Instructions
    • All sections need to be filled out on this form (full name DOB, full SSN, and signature (w/ date) are essential and cannot be left blank).
    • For foreign nationals, please provide their country and passport number.
    • This form needs to be filled out by each individual requesting access that are 18 years and older that do not have access to the installation.
    • This form gives NBSD permission to run everyone's background.  
    • The completed forms can be submitted in a PDF file in e-mail, or the hard copies can be dropped off by POC to be handed off to NBSD security.
    • If for any reason an individual's background comes back unfavorable, the POC will be notified and the individual will be removed from this list.  
    • Individuals with unfavorable backgrounds can be sponsored (same vehicle) on base by a military affiliated ID card holder.
    • The SECNAV form states "and/or" for providing the full social or driver's license number.  FULL SOCIAL IS REQUIRED.
    • CAC holders from other federal agencies DO NOT need to fill out this form.

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.
• Pool activities / Diving gear:  All pool day activities are voluntary and not required.  However, for safety purposes, you must complete this Discover course (information below), or equivalent, prior to diving participation in the pool experience.  If you choose to forgo the course, no worries.  We would welcome your participation on the pool deck learning tender skills, safety protocols, etc.
  • All registrants must bring their dive certification card.
    • If you do not have a dive certification card: We would be happy to arrange a separate "Discover Scuba" course, from an accredited agency, e.g. PADI.  This usually takes about 2 hours of pool time, and would take place in the evening, or perhaps on Saturday in a separate part of the pool.  We have done this before, and the feedback was universally positive.  Please note that this is NOT a certification course, just an introduction to the minimal knowledge needed to be safe in a pool environment.  The cost will not exceed $40 USD, although equipment rental is a nominal extra fee.
  • The pool water temp will be 80-81 (heated).
  • Registrants should bring their own wetsuit (3mm suit will suffice for the pool), mask, snorkel, and fins if they own them. If you do not, we can pre-order the rentals for you.  However, please note, that there will be a nominal fee through Ocean Enterprises that you as the attendee will be responsible for. The fee should be no more than $30.
  • If registrants wish to purchase new gear, OE offers a 20% discount on all five gears.  Ocean Enterprises contact # 858-565-6054.
  • Tanks, BC’s, and regulators are supplied, however, registrants can bring their personal regulators if they wish.
• 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). 

Hotel

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego-La Jolla
4550 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92122

ROOM RATE:

Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes: currently, the sales tax rate is 7.75%, and the hotel occupancy tax rate is 12.73% (subject to change without notice).  Quoted sleeping room rates will be offered, prior to the cut-off date, based on last room availability of contracted room types, 3 days before and 3 days after the above event dates.  To confirm a sleeping room within the Room Block, the sleeping room must be secured with a valid credit card by the guest attending the Event. Checks and major credit cards are acceptable to establish prepayment.  All credit cards used to prepay the room deposit may be charged immediately.

RESERVATIONS:
Deadline date to make your reservations: September 22, 2023
Online: Click here
Call in:  +1 858-453-0400 (please mention: "UHMS Physicians Training")

Check-In/Out Time:  Currently, the Hotel’s check-in time is 4:00PM, and check-out time is 11:00AM (subject to change without notice).  All guests arriving before check-in time will be accommodated as rooms become available.  The Hotel can arrange to check baggage for those arriving early when rooms are unavailable and for guests attending functions on departure day.  If a guest who has requested a room within the Room Block checks out prior to the guest's reserved checkout date, the Hotel will add an early checkout fee to that guest's individual account (currently, one night room and tax). Guests wishing to avoid an early checkout fee should advise the Hotel at or before check-in of any change in planned length of stay.  

Hotel Amenities:

• Indoor heated pool and outdoor whirlpool
• Complimentary Fitness Center
• Complimentary 24 hour Business center
• Two restaurants on hotel premises
• Complimentary made-to-order breakfast: 6:30am to 9:30am Monday through Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Complimentary nightly evening reception: 5:00pm to 6:30pm nightly

Parking: Overnight self-parking is available for $25.00 per day, per vehicle. Rates are subject to change.

Guest Room Internet: Complimentary for UHMS guest.  Basic internet is complimentary for Hilton Honors members. The hotel will provide a link for the guests of the Group to enroll in Hilton Honors prior to arrival. Enrolling in Hilton Honors will allow your Group to utilize Digital Key. This will also allow your Group to receive complimentary Wi-Fi for any future stays at Hilton hotels worldwide. Standard Wi-Fi is $14.95 for all other guests who are not Hilton Honors members. Premium Wi-Fi is $17.95. Prices subject to change.

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.

• Restaurants: https://lajollabythesea.com/listing-category/dining/
• Things to do: Arts & Entertainment: https://lajollabythesea.com/listing-category/entertainment/
• Things to do: Outdoors: https://lajollabythesea.com/listing-category/outdoors/
• Things to do: Shopping: https://lajollabythesea.com/listing-category/shopping/
• Things to do: Insiders tips: https://lajollabythesea.com/listing-category/insider-picks/

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

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 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: 

• UHMS Member: Physician Fee - $2,600
• UHMS Member Fellow/Resident Fee - $1,800
• UHMS Member Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Fee - $1,800
• NON-Member: Physician Fee - $3,000
• NON-Member Fellow/Resident Fee - $2,200
• NON-Member Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Fee - $2,200

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

Continuing Education Credits

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 Statements: The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 81 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 ineligible companies. Full disclosure of faculty and planner relevant financial relationships will be made at the activity.

Disclosure: The following individuals have disclosed a relevant financial relationship with ineligible companies. Financial relationships are relevant if the following three conditions are met for the individual who will control content of the education:

Disclaimer: The information provided at 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.