Since 1983
Advancing Hyperbaric Medicine
Physician-Led
Multidisciplinary Community
Evidence-Based
Education • Safety • Professional Excellence
Advancing Hyperbaric Medicine
Multidisciplinary Community
Education • Safety • Professional Excellence
When ACHM was established in 1983, hyperbaric medicine was continuing to develop as a distinct area of medical practice.
The physicians who formed the College recognized the need for a professional organization focused specifically on the clinical application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the development of the physicians and healthcare professionals responsible for delivering that care.
From its earliest years, ACHM worked to strengthen the professional practice of hyperbaric medicine through education, clinical guidance, and the development of standards intended to support safe and appropriate care.
The organization was originally headquartered in Houston, Texas, before relocating to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2006.
One of ACHM's early clinical initiatives was the publication of the Preferred Practice Protocols for Hyperbaric Medicine.
The protocols provided clinicians with guidance regarding how and when hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be used for specific medical conditions and included extensive references to supporting scientific literature.
Distributed to healthcare professionals throughout the United States, the publication represented an important contribution to the development of organized clinical guidance within hyperbaric medicine and reflected ACHM's commitment to evidence-informed practice.
In 2003, ACHM introduced a Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine pathway that, according to the College’s historical records, included a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) for physicians.
The initiative reflected ACHM's effort to support structured professional development and recognition of additional competency among physicians practicing hyperbaric medicine.
Historical Note: This physician-focused qualification pathway is distinct from ACHM’s current Clinical Hyperbaric Safety CAQ, which is a facility-level accreditation program.
In 2006, ACHM initiated the Radiation Research Registry in response to concerns surrounding insurance coverage for hyperbaric oxygen therapy used in the management of radiation-related tissue injury.
At the time, several national insurance providers had categorized HBOT for radiation necrosis as experimental or investigational.
ACHM established the registry to collect and evaluate clinical information related to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation injury, strengthening the body of evidence available to clinicians and stakeholders evaluating its use.
The initiative became an important part of ACHM's research history and reflected the College's willingness to respond to issues affecting patient access and the clinical practice of hyperbaric medicine.
Dr. Eric P. Kindwall played an important role in the history of ACHM and the development of hyperbaric medicine.
After ACHM relocated to Milwaukee in 2006, Dr. Kindwall served as the College’s first official Executive Director. A physician, educator, and accomplished diver, he combined clinical expertise with a longstanding interest in diving medicine and hyperbaric pressure.
Dr. Kindwall earned his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine in 1960 and pursued additional training at institutions including the Karolinska Institute, the University of Virginia, and Harvard.
During his service in the United States Navy, he worked as a medical officer aboard the nuclear submarine USS Robert E. Lee and taught diving. After returning to Wisconsin, he became Chief of the Department of Hyperbaric Medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kindwall contributed extensively to hyperbaric medicine through clinical leadership, education, and publication. ACHM’s existing historical record credits him with more than 90 articles and book chapters.
His legacy continues within the College through the Eric P. Kindwall, MD Award of Excellence in Clinical Hyperbaric Medicine, which recognizes professionals who have demonstrated a career-long commitment to the specialty.
American College of Hyperbaric Medicine Founded
ACHM was formed by physicians who recognized the need for a national professional organization dedicated to the developing specialty of hyperbaric medicine.
Physician Certification Pathway Introduced
ACHM introduced a Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine pathway that included a Certificate of Added Qualification.
ACHM Relocates to Milwaukee
The organization relocated from Houston, Texas, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Radiation Research Registry Initiated
ACHM established the Radiation Research Registry to collect and evaluate clinical information related to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation injury.
ACHM continues to build on more than four decades of involvement in professional education, clinical guidance, patient safety, research, and the advancement of hyperbaric medicine.
That history remains part of the foundation for ACHM’s work today—supporting healthcare professionals committed to safe, evidence-based practice and the continued development of the specialty.