Careers in physiology and diving science?

[RachaelB--]

Hello

Recently, I've become very interested in the physiology side of diving and the science behind it.
I'm currently only a 17 year old student in the UK.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any way to get into studying the medicine of diving more?
Is it an actual career?
I was considering studying marine biology at university. But I must admit, the technical and physiological side to diving amazes me as well as marine life.

Any advice? Muchly appreciated
Thankyou.
(Apologies if this is in the wrong forum by the way)

 

[scubasaurus94]

Hi there! I too am interested in a career that involves diving once I go off to college (hello from America, by the way!). I'm only 16, but from the research I've done it seems that you would have to begin by studying a broader field of science before specializing into marine biology or diving medicine. I assume that would mean being a pre-med student if you are interested in the dive medicine, or a biology major. As you take those classes you'll probably get a better sense of the path you want to take.

As far as being a dive medicine specialist, you would probably become a regular doctor first, and then spend time studying dive medicine specifically. At least that's what my doctor mother says!

Good luck to you!

 

[tracydr]

There are some paramedics and nurses that specialize as well.
You could always start with a DAN class or some GUE classes ane see where it leads. Military as well.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi RachaelB,

Yes, hyperbaric/diving/undersea medicine can be a career. One first obtains an MD/DO degree, then specializes.

You might find these earlier threads from this forum to be informative:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/338242-colleges-undersea-hyperbaric-medicine.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/27625-diving-medicine-career.html

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Rhone Man]

I remember actively considering this when I was your age; I was going to study biochemistry at University and specialise in diving phsiology research. But I was warned that you make slightly less money than a monk who has taken a vow of poverty. So I became a lawyer instead and dive on weekends. Hyperbaric and diving medicine probably pays better, but I don't know much about that.

Not trying to talk you out of it - God knows we need more people studying in this field, not less - but go into it with your eyes open.

 

[Dr Deco]

Hello RachelB:


I was wondering if anyone knew of any way to get into studying the medicine of diving more?


There are many books on diving medicine. Some of these are not very technical and the verbiage is easily understandable. The book entitled “The Physiology and Medicine of Diving” is very technical, written by and for specialists. It is not an entry-level book but is very informative.

Is it an actual career?


As is often said, “There is diving medicine but no “diving physicians.” Virtually all in the field have a medical specialty and diving is ancillary. Most diving medicine physicians received their start in the armed services. Here there is opportunity to learn and cases to treat. In the United States, many are diving Navy Medical Officers. This requires a degree in medicine, and thus there is a long road ahead.

Some individuals will go into research. Regrettably there is little funding for hyperbaric physiology research. There is not enough funding for Alzheimer’s disease or cancer – diving is not high on the list of general needs. I was at NASA doing research in decompression sickness in astronauts, but even NASA reduced their level of funding, and I retired.

I was considering studying marine biology at university. But I must admit, the technical and physiological side to diving amazes me as well as marine life.

There are more career opportunities in marine biology than diving. Even marine biology is not a job for easy employment. In none of these is the pay spectacular. Einstein once remarked, “Science is nice as long as you do not need to make a living doing it.”

I wish you all the best in the years ahead! :blinking:

Dr Deco :doctor:

 

[Gene_Hobbs]

Einstein once remarked, “Science is nice as long as you do not need to make a living doing it.”

Awesome quote! Going to remember that one...

As for opportunities to get into the field and see what is available:

Since you are in the UK, get in touch with Marguerite at the DDRC. She may be aware of any unique options available while you are in school.

When I was your age, I would have loved the scholarship offered by the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society.

Another option that would be some great exposure is the DAN America Research Internship.

There are other similar opportunities available... this is just a start.

Good luck!

 

[Erku]

Hey there. I'm in a similar boat to this thread but I'm not inclined to revive a 7-year-old topic, and this thread is still in the right area. I'm applying to medical school and thinking of going into dive medicine as a "hobby" while doing general practice. Is that even feasible? I realise without a hyperbaric chamber I'd be limited in my abilities, of course. Is the military the only reasonable option for pursuing dive medicine? Not that that's a big deal, I've been considering joining the navy to pay for med school for quite a while.

Cheers

 

[cutlass]

Hyperbaric medicine is a subspecialty of emergency medicine. That means a post-residency fellowship; I'm guessing a year. I'm fairly sure that you will have to be affiliated with a chamber in order to maintain clinical hours needed for holding hyperbaric credentials.

I don't know what to say about "hobby" or "feasible". IMO, you either have the commitment to do it, or not. The demands of being a doctor, let alone a military one, are nearly off the scale nowadays. Your heart and soul must truly want it.

 

[muddiver]

A lot of chambers rely on volunteer staff to run their operations. I know for a fact that teh Catalina Island chamber off California is almost all volunteer. So, if you were in college near a chamber, and you got some basic emergency medical training (Catalina only requires first aid that they augment with in house training) one could get lots of experience and hours performing hyperbarric treatment while studying for a medical degree. On-crew status is also a good place to study because you can't go anywhere during you shift.