AD 2016 Q3

When marijuana is inhaled at sea
level, the THC metabolites have
an elimination half-life of at least
20 hours and possibly up to three
days. Some are stored in body fat,
however, and have an elimination
half-life of 10 to 13 days. Most
researchers agree that urine tests for
marijuana can detect the presence
of the drug in the body for up to
13 days. But for some individuals it
may remain even longer. There is
anecdotal evidence that the length
of time that marijuana remains in
the body is affected by how often
the person smokes, how much
he smokes and how long he has
been smoking. Regular smokers
have reported positive drug test
results after 45 days since last use,
and heavy smokers have reported
positive tests up to 15 weeks. So
MEET THE EXPERTS
Paul S. Auerbach, M.D., MS, FACEP, FAWM,
FAAEM, is the Redlich Family Professor of
Emergency Medicine at Stanford University
School of Medicine and medical director
of Strategic Projects at Stanford Health
Care. He is the world’s leading authority on
wilderness medicine and one of the world’s
leading authorities on emergency medicine.
He has received numerous science and
diving awards.
Ernest S. Campbell, M.D., FACS, a retired
surgeon, is a Fellow of the American College
of Surgeons and a member of the American
College of Physician Executives, among
other affiliations. At Brookwood Medical
Center in Birmingham, Ala., he served as
chairman of the surgery department and
president of the medical staff. He is a PADI
Rescue Diver and has a U.S. Coast Guard
captain’s license.
Steven D. Gillon, DO, is a gastroenterologist
and owner of the Digestive Health Center of
Englewood in Englewood, N.J. He has been
practicing gastroenterology and internal
medicine for 30 years, and he prescribes
marijuana for selected medical cases that
meet the legal requirements.
Richard E. Moon, M.D., CM, M.Sc., FRCP(C),
FACP, FCCP is a professor of anesthesiology
and medicine at Duke University in Durham,
N.C. He is also the medical director for the
Duke Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and
Environmental Physiology. A world-renowned
researcher in anesthesiology, pulmonary,
undersea, environmental and hyperbaric
medicine, he has authored more than 100
peer-reviewed publications.
Tom S. Neuman, M.D., FACP, FACPM,
an emergency medicine physician and
pulmonologist in La Jolla, Calif., is well
known for his work in diving and hyperbaric
medicine. He has published numerous books
and scientific papers on diving physiology
and is the co-editor of the Physiology and
Medicine of Diving. Neuman is a recipient
of the DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year Award for
his contributions to dive safety.
DAN-UHMS
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Course
September 24 – October 1, 2016
Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
Developed for physicians but open to other healthcare
providers and individuals interested in diving
medicine, this program provides up to 24 hours of
continuing medical education credit for physicians.
Topics include:
• Medical and physical fi tness to dive
• Diving safety issues and current research
• Decompression physiology and pathophysiology
• Diving injuries and management
• Science and use of hyperbaric medicine
• Includes all meals, beverages and transfers
• Free Nitrox
• Tech diving available
• Nine spacious suites
Exclusive lodging/meals/diving package has been
assembled for course participants.
For more information, visit DAN.org/cme
or write to dan.uhms.cme@dan.org
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