The Hyperbaric Chamber at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal

The single apparent and potential benefit of hyperbaric oxygen is the great increase in the blood content of dissolved oxygen achieved when pure oxygen is breathed at increased pressure. The design of an economical chamber for this purpose is presented. A large number of physiological measurements (cardiac output, electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, etc.) can be performed on patients or experimental animals within the chamber by use of unique electronic connections in the chamber wall which permits all recording equipment to remain outside. Expected arterial blood oxygen tensions have been achieved in patients studied at 2, 3, and 4 atmospheres. Safety features are emphasized. No complication has resulted in 113 dives over the period January to June 1964, one-half of which were for treatment of patients. The chamber has been used clinically as an adjunct to treatment of shock, certain forms of malignancy, anaerobic infections, coronary occlusion, and problems of ischemia, and for preservation of organs for transplantation.     

Royal College's CME initiative focuses on lifelong, practice-integrated learning

An innovative continuing medical education (CME) initiative of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is gaining worldwide attention. Emphasizing lifelong learning, the Maintenance of Competence Program gives college fellows an efficient, effective way to determine their educational needs, manage their CME activities and hone their clinical practice habits. More than half of college fellows are expected to join it by this summer. A spokesperson predicts that in 5 years bodies such as licensing authorities and hospital-privileges committees will require evidence of participation in a structured CME plan.