Featured News

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) proudly announces a historic milestone in advancing the quality and safety of hyperbaric medicine. The American Medical Association (AMA) has formally recommended and expressed support for the UHMS Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation Program—further cementing its role as the gold standard in hyperbaric facility accreditation.

The UHMS program has long been recognized by leading healthcare regulators and organizations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged UHMS accreditation as a benchmark for facility compliance and patient safety. Additionally, the UHMS maintains a compliance agreement with The Joint Commission, aligning hyperbaric facility standards with the same rigorous expectations set for hospitals and health systems nationwide.

Building on this strong foundation, UHMS has achieved and maintained ISO 9001 certification, an internationally recognized quality management standard. This accomplishment underscores UHMS’s dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence

A Leader in the Field of Hyperbaric Medicine

With this combination of endorsements, recognitions, and certifications, the UHMS Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation Program has established itself as the premier accreditation pathway for non-hospital and hospital-based hyperbaric facilities alike. Facilities that achieve UHMS accreditation demonstrate:

• Compliance with the highest clinical and safety standards in hyperbaric medicine.
• Commitment to evidence-based practices and quality outcomes.
• Alignment with national and international regulatory expectations.

Accreditation demonstrates to facilities, providers, patients, and regulators that a UHMS Accredited facility operates at the highest level of safety and clinical excellence. With AMA support, FDA recognition, the Joint Commission Compliance Agreement, and ISO 9001 certification, our program continues to set the industry benchmark.

Facilities interested in joining this distinguished group of accredited centers can find details on the accreditation process by visiting our website. The UHMS provides clear guidance and support for facilities seeking to elevate their operations and achieve full accreditation.

For more information about UHMS Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation and how your center can become accredited, please visit UHMS.org

Congratulations to these Facilities!

April 2025

Reaccredited:

*Nebraska Medical Center*
Omaha, NE

*Regenerative & Hyperbaric Medicine, Inc. of Marietta*
Marietta, GA

*Regenerative & Hyperbaric Medicine, Inc. at Cumming*
Cumming, GA

*Regenerative & Hyperbaric Medicine, Inc. at Sandy Springs*
Sandy Springs, GA

May 2025

Reaccredited:

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
Alexandria, VA

*Intermountain LDS Hospital*
Salt Lake City, UT

*Intermountain Medical Center*
Murray, UT

*Memorial Hospital*
Colorado Springs, Co

*Phelps Hospital/Northwell Health*
Sleepy Hollow, NY

June 2025

New:

Kendall South Medical Center, Inc.
Miami, FL

 Reaccredited:

*Aurora Medical Center Summit*
Oconomowoc, WI

*Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center*
Milwaukee, WI

*Aurora West Allis Medical Center*
West Allis, WI

*Kent Hospital*
Warwick, RI

NMC Health
Newton, KS

Winchester Hospital
Medford, MA

*With Distinction*

I was asked to share my observations and experiences at the UHMS ASM this year.  Here are my highlights.

As I arrived in Atlanta during the first week of June, I decided to take a new path from the airport to the hotel- the subway.  It was a remarkable $3.00 expense on a tight budget versus a Taxi or Uber.  I checked into my hotel and quickly went to the registration desk to sign in.  As I signed in, there was a sea of Blue Air Force Uniforms surrounded by other National Air Force and other military uniforms.    We were attending a jointly combined UHMS Annual Scientific Meeting with the Aerospace Medical Association.  During the 4-day meeting, we were able to select from either track and listen to various lectures from either Aerospace Medicine or Hyperbaric Medicine.  Poster Presentations alternated between the two groups daily. There were several pre/post-course workshops, specifically talking about evaluating equipment for safe use in Hyperbaric or Hypobaric environment, and Management 0f Decompression Illness in Remote Settings. 

The Opening Ceremony began with a powerful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by 3 US Air Force Officers.   After the welcoming remarks the first lecture topic was “Open Innovation at NASA- Good Ideas Can Come From Anywhere”, followed by: The Eric Kindwall Memorial Lecture by Dr Shai Efrati.  I felt this presentation was very moving- “The Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine Experience With Treating Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Soldiers”.  It discussed the importance of treating both military and civilians for PTSD from war implications.  It was very moving to hear the comment, “You know something is wrong, when after an attack on your city, no animal or baby made any noises.  Their brains were injured and should be treated like a wound on the brain that needs to heal!” 

Another very moving lecture was the UHMS Lambert Keynote Lecture by Chris Lemons entitled: “Last Breath- Reasoning with Life and Death at the Bottom of the North Sea”.  Chris Lemons is a deep-sea diver that worked on the oil lines on the bottom of the North Sea (over 300 feet deep) and there was an accident that severed his tether line that fed him breathing gas and warm water for over 30 minutes until his partner could find him and pull him back to the submersible for resuscitation.  There is a documentary on Netflix about his encounter as well as a movie call, “Last Breath”.      

The BNA Nurses mingled with the audience taking notes and sharing personal stories between them.  During the break, everyone would go to the Exhibit area for refreshments and visit the various exhibits to include the Baromedical Nurse’s Association table and speak to other nurses. 

At the Baromedical Nurses’ Association Luncheon, 24 members attended and celebrated our 40^th anniversary.  Heather Wheaton, BNA President, lead the meeting by sharing a PowerPoint presentation defining the financial and membership data for the organization, various roles of all the executive Board and Committee Chairpersons, current and future goals, and celebrated our distinguished award winners for 2025:

1. Dianne Norkool Award: Gillian Covert, BSN, RN, ACHRN Gillian is a Regional Nurse Manager for 5 UPMC locations. She is also the UMPC hyperbaric resource person for 40 hospitals. She assisted in the development of the EPIC hyperbaric module in the hospital system.
2. The Rising Star: Tyler Kennett, BSN, RN, CHRN Tyler is a dedicated, committed leader at Intermountain Health where he is the Safety Director who leads daily hyperbaric operations. Tyler is a BNA committee member. He is currently studying to become an NP
3. Circle of Excellence Award: Tamara Poli, CHT Tamara is a knowledgeable and compassionate CHT employed at Northern California WC and HBO. She is known as an excellent mentor to new personnel and whose commitment to patient safety is her highest priority.
4. Laura Josefsen’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Janet Bello, BSN, RN Janet has been a part of hyperbaric nursing for many years where she has served as a BNA Director at Large and a committee member. She has been a part of the UHMS accreditation program as a nurse surveyor since 2006. She has been a consultant, educator and author in hyperbaric nursing.

 Overall, we had another very successful meeting celebrating the many research projects, posters, presentations, and just spending time telling stories and making memories!  What a great place to network with our colleagues.  Please check the calendar for the 2026 BNA annual meeting and make memories with us in Denver. 

Greetings from all of us here at the UHMS!

Time and tide wait for no man said Geoffrey Chaucer when he emphasized the need to seize opportunities before they pass by. At UHMS, we share that philosophy, and we are constantly scanning the horizon for opportunities that benefit our members through mission focus.

UHMS remains at the tip of the spear as every decision is anchored to our Vision and Mission. That focus delivers three compounding advantages. First, clarity over drift: The Vision/Mission serves as our filter—strategy, funding, partnerships, and public positions must all advance patient and staff safety, scientific rigor, education, and standards. Second, speed with integrity: clear north stars enable us to act quickly while safeguarding quality, whether responding to a threat to the UHM specialty or advancing the scientific knowledge of undersea and hyperbaric medicine. Third, credibility that truly compounds: consistent choices build trust with clinicians, hospitals, regulators, payers, and the public.

Mission alignment keeps UHMS forward-leaning by: prioritizing patient outcomes and clinical readiness (protocols and simulation); defending independent, rigorous accreditation and guidance; supporting high-quality research and registries; aiming education at competencies that reduce harm and publishing outcomes; leading policy with data on value, safety, and access; convening global partners across diving, hyperbaric, aerospace, military, and industry; modeling ethics and safety culture with transparent learning; and backing innovation where evidence, safety, and value are strongest.

Some of the initiatives underway this year include revising and strengthening the next edition of the UHMS Hyperbaric Medicine Guidelines (16th), revising the UHMS Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation Manual (5^th), and significant IS and IT enhancements. UHMS is also working broadly with stakeholders to more effectively address and preempt crises. This effort will fall under the auspices of the new Hyperbaric Rulemaking Advisory Committee (HRAC). More to come on the HRAC later.   

Annual Scientific Meeting Update (past and future)

Since the last Pressure newsletter, UHMS and AsMA successfully held the 2025 ASM in Atlanta, GA. The meeting was well-attended, with nearly 1,800 of our peers in attendance.

Please check out the 2025 Atlanta, GA, ASM photo gallery for some highlights of the meeting:  https://tinyurl.com/drse63vt.

It was a serious production with eight concurrent sessions, ours being just one, and it worked, and next year, it’s going to be better, for all of our stakeholders.

Lisa Tidd and I had the opportunity to visit the site of the 2026 Joint Meeting in August, and I was impressed with the recently renovated property and the amenities inside and immediately surrounding the hotel. There were lots of dining and shopping options all within walking distance.

We’re pleased to share that our early bird rates for the upcoming meeting are consistent with those of last year. In a budget-conscious world, the savings are substantial compared to advanced or at-the-door registration.

We’re also excited to announce that we’ve secured annual scientific meeting locations and dates through 2034. With this schedule, we’ve negotiated 100% per diem hotel rates. This means a guaranteed lower cost for our attendees.

The Importance of Certification

Certification is a hallmark of professional experience, competency, and commitment to best practices. Whether you are a physician, nurse, or technician, obtaining and maintaining your certification in hyperbaric medicine demonstrates your expertise and adherence to the highest standards of patient care. UHMS strongly encourages physicians in our field to pursue certification through ABPM/ABEM subspecialty board certification or PATH CAQ and NPPs to achieve PATH CAE; we also promote all nurses who participate in the care of hyperbaric patients to become Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurses (CHRN) program, and technicians to be certified as Certified Hyperbaric Technologists (CHT) or Certified Hyperbaric Specialists (CHS). These credentials not only enhance your professional standing but also elevate the credibility of our specialty within the broader medical community.

Please review our position statement on Certification Matters: UHMS POSITION STATEMENT.

Facility Accreditation: A Commitment to Excellence

UHMS Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation remains the gold standard for ensuring safety, quality, and adherence to clinical best practices. Accredited facilities demonstrate their commitment to patient safety, operational excellence, and compliance with industry guidelines. If your facility is not yet accredited, I strongly encourage you to explore the process. Not only does accreditation improve patient trust and regulatory compliance, but it also serves as a proactive approach to risk management and liability reduction.

Maintaining Safety Diligence in Hyperbaric Systems

Safety is the foundation of everything we do in hyperbaric medicine. The risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO₂) demand unwavering diligence in maintaining equipment, conducting regular safety drills, and ensuring proper staff training. UHMS provides comprehensive guidelines and resources to help facilities uphold the highest safety standards, including routine inspections, emergency preparedness protocols, and compliance with NFPA 99 and ASME PVHO-1 standards. I urge all members to prioritize safety in their daily operations and take advantage of UHMS educational offerings on hyperbaric safety.

The Value of UHMS Membership

Your membership in UHMS is more than just an affiliation—it is an investment in your professional growth and the advancement of hyperbaric medicine. As a UHMS member, you gain access to cutting-edge research, clinical practice guidelines, educational opportunities, networking events, and advocacy efforts that aim to shape the future of our specialty. Additionally, membership provides exclusive discounts on conferences, workshops, and certification programs that support your career development.

The UHMS tent is wide open, so please come in and join us to make our specialty vibrant and viable for generations to come!

UHMS Finances

I am pleased to report that UHMS's financial position remains strong.

Our balance sheet remains healthy, with operating, savings, and investment accounts continuing to hover at near-all-time highs.

Member Benefits

As a reminder, UHMS members receive three free CE/CME credits upon joining or renewing. This benefit represents an immediate $40 savings for Associate members and $60 for Regular members annually. 

Associate Member Town Hall

Members are invited to attend the UHMS Associate Council town hall meeting, held on the second Thursday of every quarter, where invited speakers present on relevant topics applicable to our specialty.

Corporate Partners

If you are a UHMS Corporate Partner, please attend our monthly Corporate Partner Town Hall meeting series. These meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 12 PM and are intended to be an open forum for discussing the challenges and successes your businesses and practices are experiencing, as well as creating momentum and collaboration where appropriate.    

If your organization wants to educate the UHMS membership about the care provided or the goods and services offered, consider joining our Corporate Partnership Program. See https://www.uhms.org/corporate-memberships.html.  

MEDFAQs

The UHMS offers its version of "ask the experts." MEDFAQs can be found at the following URL – https://www.uhms.org/resources/medfaqs-frequently-asked-questions-faq.html, and is a valuable tool for our membership.

If you are familiar with MEDFAQs, check back, as new Q&As are posted regularly.

Research

The UHMS Research Committee remains highly active. UHMS is currently funding systematic analyses and provides funding to Dartmouth University for the Multicenter Registry for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (MRHBO2). This is important because these contributions help keep the registry free for participating members. The MRHBO2 is funded entirely through grants, not by the participating hospitals of the registry - https://www.uhms.org/donate-to-the-multicenter-registry-for-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy.html.

QUARC

To better understand the field's challenges, log in and visit the QUARC page – https://www.uhms.org/resources/quarc.html. Here, you will find impending legislation and other relevant policies on the provision and limitations of HBO₂ coverage and the UHMS's responses and guidance.

The chairs of QUARC are requesting that any unusual denials or challenges with physicians gaining access to insurance panels for HBO2 services, let us know as soon as possible, please – jpeters@uhms.org.

UHMJ

If you are a UHMS member, we are happy to announce a new search feature for previous issues and articles from UHM/UBR - https://www.uhms.org/publications/uhm-journal/download-uhm-journal-pdfs.html. Currently, the feature works with keywords.

Looking Ahead

UHMS remains committed to expanding educational initiatives, strengthening industry partnerships, and advocating for policy advancements that benefit our field. We encourage you to engage with us, participate in upcoming events, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue that shapes hyperbaric and undersea medicine.

Thank you for being an integral part of our Community. Your expertise, dedication, and continued engagement make a difference in advancing the science and practice of undersea and hyperbaric medicine.

If you have a suggestion or comment on how we can better serve you, please email me at jpeters@uhms.org or call 561-776-6110 extension 100.

Sincerely,
John Peters
Executive Director
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society

Each year, planning the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) employs a multifaceted team approach in order to provide an intellectually stimulating educational experience. There are many considerations involved in the decision-making processes used to choose the various components of a wonderful meeting.  From dynamic speakers to meeting educational requirements, and from exciting locations, many work diligently to provide our society with a valuable experience.

Beautiful Denver, Colorado, the ‘mile high city’, is the site for the 2026 ASM. I realized how little I know about the unique circumstances that living, working, and playing at elevation pose.  

UHMS is an organization devoted to maintaining the highest level of safety possible. One finds that the definition of safety varies depending on the industry construct, and many experts agree that parameters used to determine safety are often confusing (Safety Science, February 2024).  We work in a highly specialized field, with specific considerations to what is deemed ‘safe.’  Safety, for our patients, colleagues, organizations, and ourselves, is paramount.

Keeping safety in mind while visiting Denver for the ASM, here’s a brief refresher of exposure to high altitude, and its possible effects. Even if you’re not physically exerting yourself while visiting an area with increased altitude, you may feel the effects of hypobaric hypoxia. Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, altered mental status, and cardiovascular symptoms might affect those not conditioned to elevation. Anyone with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart failure and pulmonary disease, is likely at greater risk for illness with increased elevation.

As altitude increases, air pressure decreases, resulting in a significantly lower partial pressure of oxygen (O2), even though the percentage of O2 remains the same as at sea level, approximately 21%. This reduced atmospheric pressure causes fewer O2 molecules to be available with each breath, resulting in hypoxia. Although the US military typically considers 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) as a guideline, altitude physiologists use 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) as a marker, as it is at that elevation where we show signs of increased work to breathe. Denver’s elevation is greater than 5200 feet, (1609 meters).

Individuals engaging in sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering should be aware of the potential health risks associated with exertion at high altitudes.

According to the NIH National Library of Medicine, Acute Mountain Sickness, aka, Altitude Sickness/Illness, is much milder and more common than High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which require emergency treatment. Hyperbaric treatment rapidly reverses catastrophic effects, which include fluid-filled lungs, brain swelling, coma, and, quite possibly, death. HAPE causes accumulation of fluid in the lungs. HACE causes rapid development of brain swelling. Both are immediately life-threatening.

Rapid, immediate descent from altitude is required, but it is often not possible or does not have a significant effect. Portable chambers provide crucial hyperbaric treatment that can simulate a descent of up to 7,000 feet (2,134 meters). This treatment is meant to stabilize the patient while awaiting evacuation. These chambers are lightweight, can be used in remote locations, and do not need electrical power for operation.

Treatment in a fixed chamber where 100% O₂ is delivered under a prescribed pressure and time rapidly relieves symptoms. Hyperbaric O₂ treatment plans, combined with other necessary medical care, can save lives. Critical care of the patient also includes pharmacological intervention. Depending on the severity of the illness, the treatment plan may include diuretics, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antiseizure medications, and calcium channel blockers. This is an example of treatment options; other inhibitor and agonist drugs are also used. Clinically administered hyperbaric oxygen treatment is considered curative for high-altitude illnesses.

The human desire to explore unknown environments poses unique physiological challenges. Whether we are scaling Mount Everest, diving the Great Barrier Reef, or soaring into space, scientists investigate methods to protect us. Preventing illness is ideal, but having corrective and curative treatments when needed enables us to push forward into new frontiers. Be safe in your travels and enjoy what life has to offer.

 References

Basnyat, B., Murdoch, D.R. (2003). High-altitude Illness. The Lancet.

De Florio, F. (2011). Airworthiness. Science Direct, Chapter 2,3-4. Chapter 2 - Airworthiness, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-096802-5.10002-9

Houston, C.S. (1992). The Gamow Bag in the Treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness. The Western Journal of Medicine.

Imray, C., Wright, A., Subudhi, A., Roach, R. (2010). Acute Mountain Sickness: Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Treatment. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases.

 Karanikas, N., & Zerguine, H. (2024). Are the new safety paradigms (only) about safety and sufficient to ensure it? An overview and critical commentary. Safety Science, Volume 170,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106367.

Prince TS, Thurman J, Huebner K. Acute Mountain Sickness. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430716

Savioli G, Ceresa IF, Gori G, Fumoso F, Gri N, Floris V, Varesi A, Martuscelli E, Marchisio S, Longhitano Y, Ricevuti G, Esposito C, Caironi G, Giardini G, Zanza C. Pathophysiology and Therapy of High-Altitude Sickness: Practical Approach in Emergency and Critical Care. J Clin Med. 2022 Jul 6;11(14):3937. doi:10.3390/jcm11143937. PMID: 35887706; PMCID: PMC9325098.

University of Colorado Denver. (2011, March 26). Living at high altitude reduces risk of dying from heart disease: Low oxygen may spur genes to create blood vessels. ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110325151643.htm 

In Memoriam: Kevan Corson, CHT
Dedicated Leader, Educator, and Advocate for Hyperbaric Safety

It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we honor the life and legacy of Kevan Corson, CHT, a long-standing pillar of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) Safety Committee and a tireless advocate for hyperbaric medicine and safety worldwide.

Kevan’s career was marked by unwavering dedication, innovation, and service. A retired U.S. Army Special Forces medic, he brought a unique blend of tactical precision and scientific rigor to every endeavor. As a research scientist at the Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Kevan led the CORE Lab within the Department of Cellular & Structural Biology and contributed extensively to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, teaching senior fellows the art of microscopic suturing—a testament to his skill and commitment to education.

His journey in clinical hyperbaric medicine began at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston under the mentorship of Dr. Jon Mader. There, Kevan co-authored three book chapters and fourteen peer-reviewed papers and abstracts, establishing himself as a respected voice in the field. Over a career that spanned more than three decades, Kevan made indelible contributions to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, receiving numerous accolades including the prestigious Paul C. Baker Award in 2004 for his outstanding service to the hyperbaric community, and the Oceaneering International Award.

As a longtime UHMS HBO2 Safety Committee member in good standing, Kevan served the UHMS with distinction for over 20 years, shaping national and international safety standards. He was also a dedicated member of the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology for over 18 years, served on the Association of Diving Contractors International Saturation Safety Committee, a trusted contributor to the ASME PVHO Task Group on Tunneling, and a board member for CAL OSHA Appeals for compressed air tunneling.

Beyond the academic and regulatory spheres, Kevan made a tangible impact on the field. As Hyperbaric Operations Manager for the Blue Plains Tunneling Project, he brought critical hyperbaric safety expertise to some of the nation’s most complex tunneling operations. Throughout his career, he trained more than 2,000 healthcare professionals in hyperbaric medicine, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a generation of safety-conscious practitioners.

Kevan Corson was more than his many titles and achievements. He was a mentor, a leader, a colleague, a friend and above all the finest human being. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched, the standards he elevated, and the countless individuals who continue to work more safely because of his tireless advocacy.

On behalf of the UHMS Safety Committee and the entire hyperbaric medicine community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. We are forever grateful for his service, and we honor the enduring impact he has had on our field.

Rest in peace, Kevan. Your mission continues through us.

Respectfully,

The UHMS Hyperbaric Oxygen Safety Committee

Kevan Corson, CHT, CHWS, DMT-I, a pioneer and patient advocate in the safety and advancement of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy.

After retiring from the military as a special forces’ medic, Kevan became heavily involved in cellular and structural biology research. It was during this time he was introduced to clinical hyperbaric medicine. Over 40 years later, he boasted an extensive background in HBO2 therapy and garnered considerable management experience through the operational and direction of several health care companies, including serving the past fifteen years as Corporate Safety Director at RestorixHealth.

Kevan’s impact on patient safety and hyperbaric medicine can be seen through his writing as the co-author of several book chapters, papers and abstracts and his industry award recognitions, including the 2004 Paul Barker Award from the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), Oceaneering International Award and the 2013 American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM) Ken Locklear Visionary Award. He also served as past Chair of the UHMS Associates, member of the Executive Board of Directors for the UHMS and member of the Board of Directors for the ACHM. In addition to these appointments, Kevan was also a member of the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology and a member of the Safety Committee for the Multi/Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber within the UHMS.

Our thoughts are with Kevan's family and loved ones during this time.

 James W. McCarthy

James “Jim” McCarthy, a devoted family man, decorated U.S. Army veteran, pioneering engineer, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2025, at the age of 92—just three days shy of his 93rd birthday.

Born on June 14, 1932, in Ogdensburg, New York, Jim lived a life of profound service, innovation, and dedication. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, embodying courage and duty at every step.

After his military service, Jim began a remarkable engineering career at the Northrop Corporation. He contributed to the design and implementation of the Polaris and Poseidon missile systems—key components of America's strategic deterrence. He also served as a communications engineer on the groundbreaking SEALAB program, which helped pioneer deep-sea habitation and underwater research.

Following a 15-year tenure with Northrop, Jim brought his expertise to the Department of the Navy, where he played a central role in the design and construction of the Naval Experimental Dive Unit's Ocean Simulation Facility at NSA Panama City. For 21 years, he served as lead engineer, helping develop one of the world’s premier diving research facilities.

After retiring from civil service, Jim continued his life’s mission of healing and innovation by founding Gulf Coast Hyperbarics in 1983 alongside his beloved wife, Ginger. Together, they built the company into a world leader in the design, fabrication, and maintenance of hyperbaric medical systems. Every system was crafted with precision, care, and a deep commitment to patient safety. For Jim, it was never about profit—it was about people. His work helped bring healing to countless lives across the country and around the world, and his legacy in the hyperbaric community endures to this day.

His love for the dive community and the mission they perform extended well beyond his professional career. Jim remained a steadfast supporter of diving history and education through his service as a board member of the Man in the Sea Museum, where he championed efforts to preserve and celebrate the legacy of undersea exploration.

Jim was dedicated to and deeply loved his wife, Virginia “Ginger” McCarthy, who preceded him in death. He now joins her in heaven, where their bond continues unbroken.

Jim was an avid reader who enjoyed quiet time with a good book. He was also a devoted sports fan, especially when it came to college football and baseball. He passionately followed the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Atlanta Braves, rarely missing a game and always cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm.

More than his many professional accomplishments, Jim will be remembered for the love he gave his family and the loyalty he showed to his friends. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, proud grandfather, and great-grandfather. His wisdom, humor, and heart left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to know him.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Cheryl McCarthy; his grandsons, Colby Whitehead (and his girlfriend, Michelle) and Kyle Whitehead (and his wife, Alicia); and his cherished great-grandchildren: Evan, Hudson, Emma, and Hinton.

Jim’s legacy is one of service, brilliance, humility, and love. His life’s work advanced national defense, deep-sea exploration, and hyperbaric medicine. His visionary thinking helped shape technologies that continue to serve both country and humanity. Yet beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim will be remembered most for the countless lives he touched—through his mentorship, generosity, and unwavering integrity.

He was a steady presence, a voice of wisdom, and a tireless supporter of others’ dreams. He inspired family, friends and colleagues alike with his boundless curiosity and his belief in doing the right thing, always. His laughter, his loyalty, and his ability to make everyone feel valued left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.

As we move through this year, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) remains focused on strengthening the foundations of our specialty while preparing for future opportunities. Over the past quarter, we have engaged in vital discussions about patient safety, ethical standards, and the role of UHMS accreditation in ensuring that our field remains physician-led and held to the highest standards of care. Recent hyperbaric treatment tragedies at non-accredited centers highlight the urgency of this mission, and I am proud of how our Society has responded with thoughtful guidance, advocacy, and a renewed commitment to setting the benchmark for safe hyperbaric practice.

We have also worked diligently to address evolving issues in credentialing and training. After thorough discussions, the Executive Committee unanimously supported revisions to our accreditation criteria, making them more inclusive of UHM fellowship training, UHMS Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) holders, and Fellows of the Society, while moving away from rigid board certification requirements that have excluded qualified programs and leaders in our history. This balance maintains rigor while acknowledging the diverse educational pathways that strengthen our specialty. Our commitment remains clear: to recognize excellence in education, training, and leadership while keeping the bar high for patient care and safety.

Equally important has been our ongoing collaboration with colleagues across related disciplines. The joint scientific meeting with the Aerospace Medical Association was a great success, and we look forward to building on this six-year partnership with new educational and research opportunities. Our Society is also exploring ways to expand advanced training for our associate members and to refine educational programs for physicians, nurses, and technologists, ensuring that we continue to support all members of the hyperbaric team and the UHMS.

Beyond our internal initiatives, UHMS has strengthened its outreach to external organizations and government stakeholders. We are actively engaged with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on safety standards for hyperbaric facilities, and we are preparing materials for Senator Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to highlight both recent safety concerns and a roadmap for the future of hyperbaric medicine. Additionally, we are initiating conversations with Dr. Mehmet Oz regarding potential pathways for CMS to consider expanded hyperbaric safety regulations and recognition of acceptable indications for hyperbaric oxygen treatment. These partnerships are essential in advancing both safety and accessibility for our patients and for ensuring that hyperbaric medicine has a strong, respected voice in broader healthcare policy.

Looking ahead, I encourage each of you to stay engaged—whether through committee work, research, or local outreach—because our strength lies in collective effort. Together, we are advancing hyperbaric medicine not only by addressing today’s challenges but also by shaping a future where safe, evidence-based treatment is accessible to more patients in need. Thank you for your dedication, contributions, and trust in the Society.

Owen Joseph O’Neill, MD, MPH, FUHM
UHMS President