Event Properties
| Event Date | 10-12-2026 8:00 am |
| Event End Date | 10-22-2026 5:30 pm |
| Location | Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla |
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WE ARE NOW REQUIRING A $100 DEPOSIT TO HOLD A SEAT FOR THE COURSE. THIS DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE. If you are military or part of a fellowship that will be covering your fee, please contact us at uhms@uhms.org.
Course Description and Goal
The UHMS Physicians Training in Diving Medicine Course was established in 1977 with financial support from the U.S. Department of Energy and in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. Over the years, the program has evolved to incorporate internationally recognized training objectives developed by the Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC), the European Diving Technology Committee (EDTC), and the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM).
The course has been approved by DMAC/EDTCmed as a Level 2D – Medical Management of Diving Accidents and Illnesses (Diving Medical Physician) course through December 31, 2025, reflecting its adherence to globally accepted standards in diving medicine education.
Designed primarily for physicians holding an MD, DO, or equivalent degree, the course also offers valuable training for non-physician healthcare professionals and diving industry personnel seeking to enhance the safety and effectiveness of diving operations within their organizations and regions.
Course Goal
The goal of this course is to prepare physicians to recognize, evaluate, and treat diving-related injuries and illnesses. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of diving physiology, pathophysiology, and medical management principles, enabling them to provide informed clinical care to injured or ill divers.
Course Format
The program employs a variety of educational methods designed to promote both theoretical knowledge and practical application, including:
- Expert-led lectures
- Case presentations and discussions
- Video-based learning
- Printed reference and support materials
- Practical exercises
- Formal and informal question-and-answer sessions with faculty
In addition to classroom instruction, participants receive hands-on exposure to:
- Diving equipment and support systems
- Recompression chambers and hyperbaric facilities
- Operational aspects of diving medicine
- Emergency response scenarios
- Situational and simulation-based training
Upon Completion, Participants Will Be Able To:
- Recognize and diagnose diving-related injuries and illnesses.
- Understand the physiological principles that underpin diving medicine.
- Evaluate common and complex diving medical emergencies.
- Apply treatment principles for decompression illness and other dive-related conditions.
- Understand the role and operation of recompression and hyperbaric treatment systems.
- Collaborate effectively with diving operators, hyperbaric facilities, and emergency response teams.
- Apply internationally recognized best practices in the medical management of divers.
Join a distinguished community of diving medicine professionals and gain the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to provide clinical care for divers worldwide.
FORMS that must be filled out and uploaded on Registration or Emailed to uhms@uhms.org.
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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).
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 do an online course (course to be announced) during the exam time frame.
- 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 is $100 USD, which includes equipment rental.
- The pool temperature will always be 80-81 F, almost always bright sunshine and minimal wind. Many people find the event a bit chilling after 8 hours in the pool, and opt for some protection.
- Swimsuit only: If you are comfortable with the water temperature of 80 degrees, keep it simple, however remember that sun protection should not be ignored, so at least a rash guard is highly recommended.
- Bring or rent your personal wetsuit. Rental suits are available at Ocean Enterprises, San Diego, 1.858.565.6054.
- Best Option: Buy or bring your own neoprene vest or hooded vest. This will provide plenty of thermal and sun protection. 3-5 mm thickness is ideal.Suggested options are:
- Please Note: You are responsible for renting or buying the wetsuits or vests.
- Tanks, BC’s, and regulators are supplied, however, registrants can bring their personal regulators if they wish.
- All registrants must bring their dive certification card.
- 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).
What is the difference between the
Level 1 and Level 2D course?
Event Properties
| Event Date | 10-12-2026 8:00 am |
| Event End Date | 10-22-2026 5:30 pm |
| Location | Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla |
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