Each year, leaders in hyperbaric medicine gather for one of the most important events in the field: the Annual Scientific Meeting hosted by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). Taking place May 17–21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado, this year’s meeting will bring together physicians, researchers, clinicians, and operational leaders from nearly 70 countries—all focused on advancing the science, safety, and clinical application of hyperbaric medicine.
Since its founding in 1967, UHMS has served as one of the leading authorities in undersea and hyperbaric medicine. The organization plays a critical role in:
The Annual Scientific Meeting is where these efforts come together. At its core, the meeting is about collaboration - bringing together global expertise to refine how hyperbaric medicine is practiced and delivered.
For Dr. Alan Katz, National Medical Director at Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, the UHMS meeting is more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity to help shape the direction of the field.
“The UHMS meeting is one of the most important global gatherings in our field—bringing together clinicians, researchers, and operational leaders from around the world. What makes it especially valuable is the opportunity to both learn from and contribute to the collective experience of colleagues worldwide.” — Dr. Katz
Dr. Katz serves as Chairman of the UHMS Committee on Out-of-Hospital Hyperbaric Practice (COBHM), a role that has become increasingly important as hyperbaric care expands beyond traditional hospital environments.
From his perspective, key discussions this year are expected to include areas such as decompression theory, hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocols, cerebral gas embolism, and even spaceflight-related health challenges—reflecting both the clinical depth and evolving scope of the field.
“As hyperbaric medicine continues to grow in freestanding and outpatient settings, there is a clear need to ensure that safety standards, training, and operational protocols evolve alongside that growth. This meeting provides a critical forum to collaborate with peers, address these considerations, and continue advancing best practices.” — Dr. Katz
A key theme this year is expected to be the balance between innovation and safety—particularly as more patients seek access to hyperbaric care outside of hospital systems.
As hyperbaric medicine continues to evolve, gatherings like the UHMS Annual Scientific Meeting play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the field.
They ensure that progress is grounded in:
For clinicians like Dr. Katz—and for organizations across the industry—this is where the future of hyperbaric medicine is actively being shaped.