Finding a physician who actually knows about diving.

[cubbiegirlem]

My dad REALLY wants to try diving. He is 67 and in relatively good health/fitness, but he does have a few issues including some congenital vascular issues. His doctor will sign the medical clearance and tells him he should be fine as long as he doesn't go to deep, but frankly I'm not satisfied because he really doesn't know anything about diving specifically. Because diving is such a passion of mine I know he wants to experience it, but I could never handle it if something happened because he shouldn't have been diving to begin with.

Anyway, long story, does anyone know if there are doctors with the specialized knowledge to know whether his medical issues are actually a concern or not? We are in the southern Wisconsin/Chicago area.

Many thanks in advance for any reply.

 

[Marie13]

Get a hold of the medical release form for a class. The SDI one I had actually has a list of DAN doctors and I think there is at least one in the Chicago/Milwaukee area.

 

[diversteve]

DAN | Medical Referral Network

Do you need a physical before beginning — or returning to — recreational scuba diving? Would you like to see a physician experienced in dive medicine to evaluate your symptoms or consult about health issues and diving?

If you are looking for a physician to conduct a diving physical to be medically cleared for diving or would like a consultation from a diving medical specialist in your area, you can call DAN at +1-919-684-2948 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern) or send an email.

 

[Hawkwood]

... His doctor will sign the medical clearance and tells him he should be fine as long as he doesn't go to deep...

I don't think any of the "agencies" will accept a medical clearance with "conditions".

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Call DAN...I don't think you have to be a member either for a physician referral. I joined for the travel benefits, especially chamber rides in Cozumel for my wife and myself as well as emergency evacuation. There are several other benefits I have used as well.

It's a great organization.

Jay

 

[Sam Miller III]

If you live in California you might wan to contact my son, Dr. Sam IV.

<Yes Dr. Samuel Miller IV is a very knowledgeable veteran diver, instructor, Pro 5000 and is a hyperbaric doctor>
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If you do locate a local "Diving Doctor" I would suggest inquiring about their diving experience, longevity, number of dives and where trained .as a diver and as a hyperbaric doctor

Dr. Sam I11

 

[cubbiegirlem]

Thanks all! I will call DAN and get a recommendation. I am a member so it shouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately I'm not in California but if I were I'd send him to your son!

 

[Sam Miller III]

I note that you reside in the USA ....so do I ! It is a huge country ..from sea to shinning sea from the mountains to the parries.....Since your address is unknown it is difficult to dispense appropriate advise.

But
As I previously stated....

If you do locate a local "Diving Doctor" I would suggest inquiring about their diving experience, longevity, number of dives and where trained .as a diver and as a hyperbaric doctor.

Need I say more

I do agree DAN is possibly the best for you and your father

SDM

 

[DocVikingo]

His doctor will sign the medical clearance and tells him he should be fine as long as he doesn't go to deep, but frankly I'm not satisfied because he really doesn't know anything about diving specifically.

Hi cubbiegirlem,

I think that is quite wise of you. When I read statements from a non-diving medicine savvy doctor about health issues not posing a problem for scuba as long as one doesn't go "too deep" or stays "above 30 feet" or similar comments, it almost always very considerably raises raises my index of suspicion.

Hopefully DAN will have an appropriate referral, but be aware that they don't have all that many qualified professionals on their roster, and some specialties/subspecialties are very under-represented. Also, these practitioners tend to be located in or near larger cities.

If you have a problem getting hooked up, sometimes the Medical Moderators on this forum (e.g., Duke Dive Medicine, doctormike, myself) may know of a contact in your area.

Best of luck,

DocVikingo

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Hi cubbiegirl, look at the hyperbaric medicine units at Aurora St. Luke's medical center in Milwaukee and Advocate Lutheran General in Chicago. Both have physicians who are trained in medical examination of divers. Kudos for being proactive in this.

Best regards,
DDM