The following is an interview with alumna Rosemary Byrne, MS-NU ‘05.
Tell us a little bit about your current work.
Currently, I am the clinical director of Hyperbaric Medical Solutions in Randolph, MA. At HMS, we provide medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). My role involves overseeing patient care, evaluating and treating hyperbaric-related issues and complications. I also operate the hyperbaric chambers, train and oversee staff, and manage daily operations of the facility.
What was the catalyst for your working in the hyperbaric medicine space?
The catalyst was my family. My mother was a pulmonologist and later in her career also became board-certified as a hyperbaric physician. She was the medical director at this site (previously called Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Centers). My father was an entrepreneur and owned the business. I was on maternity leave from working as an NP at Planned Parenthood when my mother unexpectedly passed away. After she passed, I stepped in to bridge the gap at the clinic, with the plan of staying on until a permanent medical director was found. I loved the work I was doing, so I decided to train and become a certified hyperbaric registered nurse. As years passed, I gained more experience, training, and education regarding the use of HBOT. I have now been here for over 15 years and have cared for thousands of patients undergoing HBOT for many indications. I recently obtained a certificate as an advanced hyperbaric provider through the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society and have had the opportunity to co-author two papers examining the use of HBOT in treating both long COVID-19 and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Why do you think hyperbaric medicine is not more widely used?
Many reasons. Lack of awareness in both the medical community and among the general population is a big factor. Inaccurate preconceived notions, such as HBOT’s cost, potential side effects and availability, also impede its use. Because HBOT is not a pharmaceutical agent, the lack of funding for large trials limits the development of research in the field.
How do you think the use of hyperbaric medicine will evolve?
I see the field of hyperbaric medicine growing significantly in the future. As awareness increases and both patients and providers become more familiar with the various uses and benefits of HBOT, the applications will continue to grow. Exciting research is underway looking at investigational uses of HBOT for issues such as Crohn’s disease and colitis, traumatic brain injury, and long COVID-19. As the interest in regenerative medicine grows, the interest in HBOT grows as well.
In what types of patients have you seen the most improvement in symptoms because of hyperbaric treatment?
One condition we treat commonly at our facility is late effects of radiation, such as hemorrhagic cystitis, which is a late effect of radiation previously directed to the prostate or pelvis. This bladder injury responds very well to HBOT. Some of these patients require blood transfusions regularly to offset the continuous blood loss; but after a course of treatment with HBOT, bleeding resolves, and their quality of life dramatically improves.
Another condition that responds very well to HBOT is long COVID-19. Although it is not covered by most insurance for this indication, patients suffering with long-term sequelae from COVID-19 infections often experience a significant improvement in sleep disturbances, fatigue, and brain fog after a course of HBOT.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an approved condition for the use of HBOT that unfortunately is only covered by some commercial insurances. The key to treating this diagnosis is time. The sooner the patients treat, the better the outcome. We have successfully reversed many patients’ hearing loss with prompt treatment.
What advice would you give to a current or future healthcare professional who is interested in this path?
My advice would be to jump in! This field is a great space for mid-level clinicians. All our Hyperbaric Medical Solutions sites have NPs and PAs on staff to manage the HBOT patients. I find the physics and physiology underlying HBOT fascinating and love seeing the positive outcomes in patients, many of whom have been dealing with chronic illnesses and finally find relief through the addition of HBOT to their plan of care. If a clinician is interested in learning more, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society offers many educational options such as textbooks, journal articles, and courses. I am always available to talk to any interested students/clinicians too!