This Doctor Trains for Underwater Emergencies—at 250 Feet Deep (Ft. Dr. Mark James)
Finding Balance Beyond Medicine: Why Scuba Diving Keeps Me Inspired
Welcome back to The Interesting MD! I’m Rob Beck, your host. If you’ve ever wondered how doctors find balance, joy, and resilience beyond medicine, you’re in the right place. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Mark James—a skilled intensivist, anesthesiologist, and passionate scuba diver—to explore his journey and how diving became a lifeline against burnout.
Why Hobbies Matter for Doctors
In my years as a physician, I’ve seen firsthand the toll the work can take on even the most dedicated among us. It’s easy to lose sight of who we are outside the hospital. That’s why I started this podcast and blog: to celebrate doctors’ fascinating lives beyond patient care, and to inspire us all to pursue interests that help us reconnect, recharge, and thrive.
Dr. Mark James embodies this ethos perfectly. He grew up along the Eastern Cape of South Africa, once dreamt of marine biology, and eventually specialized in intensive care medicine. But it was the unexpected spark—from his teenage son’s curiosity—that brought diving back into his life and made it a family affair.
How Scuba Diving Rekindled Passion and Family Connection
Mark’s story is about serendipity—something that’s defined his journey more than once. Imagine getting a spontaneous call: “I’ve just signed you up with your son for an open water diving course… starting tomorrow.” What began as a whim quickly grew into a shared passion, one that bonded Mark with his sons through adventure, laughter, and learning.
Within that first year, they mastered open water and advanced certifications before flying to New Zealand for a niece’s wedding—taking the opportunity to dive world-renowned sites like the Poor Knights Islands. Exploring reefs together isn’t just exhilarating; it’s a powerful way to create memories and build trust, especially as your kids grow up and drift toward their own paths.
Technical Diving: Pushing Limits and Building Teams
If you think diving is just about floating among coral, Mark sets the record straight. He’s immersed himself in the world of technical diving, an advanced realm that takes you deeper—literally and figuratively. Technical dives, whether exploring shipwrecks off Vancouver Island or navigating underwater caves, are meticulously planned. They involve managing mixed gases like helium, decompression stops, redundant equipment, and structures that challenge even the bravest diver.
This is where the principles of medicine and diving beautifully converge. As Mark described, technical diving demands the same teamwork, communication, and human factors as a well-run operating room. In fact, many of the systems developed for aviation—crew resource management—are now used in diving to prevent errors and keep teams safe.
Through his work with organizations like Global Underwater Explorers and Human Diver, Mark is bringing non-technical skill training to the forefront. Simulations, checklists, and honest feedback about blind spots all help make everything underwater (and in the OR) safer and more rewarding.
Local Underwater Wonders: Artificial Reefs and True Adventure
Living on Vancouver Island means we’re surrounded by cold, rich waters that offer some of the world’s most vibrant diving. Artificial reefs like the HMCS Saskatchewan and sunken aircraft near Chemainus are bustling with life—from plumos anemones to large cetaceans. These sites are accessible via local dive shops and guided charters—providing everyone from beginners to experts with incredible opportunities.
A dry suit is a must here. Trust me—as someone with very low tolerance for cold, I’ll always opt for warmth and comfort. Fortunately, local shops offer courses, rentals, and supportive communities that make cold-water diving approachable and fun.
Advice for Anyone Curious About Diving
I’m often asked: “Where do I start?” My advice echoes Mark’s: find a reputable local dive shop, sign up for a Discover Scuba pool session, rent equipment, and see if it lights you up. Stick with agencies dedicated to safety—like PADI or GUE (Global Underwater Explorers)—and surround yourself with skilled, trustworthy instructors.
And yes, as Mark reminded me on air, diving is as much about curiosity and personal growth as it is about checking off certifications or plastic cards. It's about learning to solve problems as a team—whether underwater or at work.
Final Thoughts: Connection, Curiosity, and the Power of Community
The single biggest lesson I’ve learned in these episodes is the importance of reaching out and engaging with those around you. Physicians, colleagues, neighbors—all have passions that can broaden your horizon and help stave off burnout.
So—go to that dinner, have that conversation, and ask what people do outside their day jobs. You never know where it might lead. You might just find yourself exploring a sunken 737, swimming through cold Pacific waters, or starting a hobby that changes your life.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this story, subscribe to The Interesting MD podcast on YouTube and your favorite platforms, and connect with me any time through social channels or email. Interested in diving or sharing your own hobby? Reach out—I love hearing from you all.
Stay curious, stay connected—and keep finding your balance, one adventure at a time.
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