ACEP Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine Section Spotlight: A Small Specialty With Big Impact (and a Surprisingly Practical Career Mix)

In this ACEP Early Career Physicians spotlight, Dr. Laurel Barr talks with Dr. Chris Allen (Chair) about why this “small but mighty” corner of emergency medicine is worth knowing about. Their conversation covers what the specialty actually looks like day to day, how EM physicians fit into it, and how the section supports safe, evidence-based hyperbaric care and diving medicine

What the Section offers

The Section connects emergency physicians interested in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, wound care, and dive medicine. It serves as a hub for education, mentorship, and fellowship support while helping the broader EM community better understand when hyperbarics matters in emergency care and how to access it safely. While hyperbaric medicine often remains out of sight, its clinical relevance overlaps with the ED more often than many physicians realize.

Why this matters for early-career physicians

Many hyperbaric physicians split their work between the ED and a more predictable clinical schedule, creating a career path that offers variety, a different pace of practice, and the opportunity to build expertise in a niche where getting involved and contributing can feel especially accessible.

• ED Shifts
• Hyperbaric medicine and inpatient consults (sometimes including high-acuity cases in the chamber)
• Outpatient wound care clinic (more structured hours and lower chaos)

The community factor: small field, big connection

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine may be a small specialty, but that is part of its appeal. Its collaborative culture and approachable leaders create real opportunities to build connections, contribute to meaningful work, and make an impact early.

Creating member value

While health policy progress can be slow and frustrating, the section aims to make advocacy feel more practical and within reach. It does that by connecting members to resources, conversations, and support that turn broad policy goals into meaningful action. A recent example is its webinar on political advocacy in medicine, which highlights how NEMPAC works and why emergency medicine’s influence is critical in a competitive policy landscape.

“Undersea” medicine: more than hyperbarics

The undersea side of the specialty adds another dimension to the field, including dive evaluations, injury prevention, and support for rescue operations. For many emergency physicians, it is a natural fit that blends emergency care expertise with outdoor and wilderness interests.

Getting exposure

The field can be easier to explore than many physicians realize. Short clinical electives and fellowship site rotations offer a low barrier way to gain exposure, and the wound care training can benefit physicians even if they do not ultimately pursue hyperbaric medicine.

Resources you can use now

The Section offers several practical ways to get started, including fellowship and rotation information, small opportunities to contribute, and connections with local hyperbaric and wound care physicians who are often eager to teach.

Closing takeaways

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine offers emergency physicians a rare mix: clinically meaningful work, a small and welcoming community, and a career structure that can blend ED practice with a more predictable schedule. If you are looking for a niche that stays rooted in emergency medicine while opening doors to wound care, chamber medicine, and dive medicine, this section is a strong place to start.

Visit the Undersea Hyperbaric Medicine Section