Plain English Meaning
A doctor who specializes in treating illnesses caused by pressure changes, usually by putting the patient in a sealed chamber that simulates being deeper than sea level while they breathe oxygen.
Full Definition
A physician trained in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions caused by changes in ambient pressure, including altitude-induced decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism. Treatment is typically delivered in a hyperbaric chamber, where the patient breathes oxygen at pressures greater than sea-level atmospheric pressure to force nitrogen bubbles back into solution and resolve tissue injury.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA guidance on altitude-induced decompression sickness, where a pilot may need medical after symptoms following -altitude .