Paul Auerbach

:: Paul S. Auerbach, MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM - Science - 2006

Dr. Paul Auerbach is one of the world’s leading authorities on the clinical management of injuries from hazardous marine animals. He is a physician, writer, teacher, and researcher who has significantly supported and advanced the field of dive medicine. He champions dive medicine as an integral body of knowledge for physicians, and is a "go to" doctor whenever anyone in the greater dive community needs assistance related to his areas of expertise.

From 1969-1973, Paul attended Duke University as an Angier B. Duke scholar. From 1973-1977, he attended Duke Medical School, during which time he served an externship with the Indian Health Service in Montana. At that time, he conceived the concept of wilderness medicine. Paul completed his emergency medicine residency at UCLA from 1978 to 1980 and began to create the textbook Wilderness Medicine, which was published in its first edition in 1983 - the fifth edition was published in 2008. In 1987, Paul published original medical research on bacteriology of the aquatic environment, which remains the standard for antibiotic selection for treatment of aquatic-acquired wounds and

infections and in 1991, he published an article in the New England Journal of Medicine on marine envenomations that drew worldwide attention.

Dr. Auerbach has several recognitions from the diving and medical industries:

1993: Inducted as SSI Platinum Pro 5000.
1996: Education Award, Wilderness Medical Society.
1997: Apex Award of Excellence for A Medical Guide to Hazardous Marine Life.
1998: DAN America Award, Divers Alert Network.
1999: Outstanding Contribution in Education Award, AmericanCollege of Emergency Physicians.
2001: Founders Award, Wilderness Medical Society.
2006: NOGI Award, AUAS.
2008: Diver of the Year (Science), Beneath the Sea.

Dr. Auerbach is currently a Clinical Professor in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. Some of his contributions include referral physician to the Divers Alert Network, assisting medical professionals and laypersons; contributor to the DAN First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries training program and The DAN Pocket Guide to First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries. He has authored hundreds of definitive medical textbook chapters and original research and clinical reports; articles in the popular press (including Medical Editor, Dive Training Magazine); chapter author in The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving; clinical trials design to evaluate a novel topical jellyfish sting inhibitor; many hundreds of lectures at medical education meetings; consultant to the military, including the Special Operations Command; former member of the Committee of Diving Instructional Standards and Safety for the Recreational Scuba Training Council; consultant to Sea Studios (National Geographic television program "Sea Nasties"); and advisor to aquarium directors.

Dr. Paul Auerbach has also authored two underwater photography books: Diving the Rainbow Reefs and An Ocean of Colors. He is co-author of A Colour Atlas of Dangerous Marine Animals. His most recent book is the 3rd edition of Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine.