Medical Team

Part of our mission statement is the commitment to supporting medical research that explores the potentially beneficial aspects of SCUBA diving on persons with disabilities. To accomplish this goal, we have a team of medical doctors who are collaborating in developing research protocols.

The current objectives of our medical research program include, establishing guidelines to optimize the safety of SCUBA diving for persons with disabilities, accurately describing the risks of SCUBA diving for persons with disabilities to ensure they are not inappropriately restricted, and determining the physiologic and psychological benefits of SCUBA diving for persons with disabilities.

Using spirometers, we have investigated the effects of SCUBA diving on the pulmonary function of our divers. We have also recorded the dive profiles of many Stay-Focused divers using dive monitors. And, all first-time divers complete Divers Alert Network (DAN) Project Dive Exploration Data Forms, and Daily Dive Logs. This information is being utilized to develop and refine dive protocols to maximize safety and enjoyment.

Our Medical Team

		JENFU CHENG “I feel so fortunate to have been involved with Stay-Focused from the beginning. As a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician and an avid SCUBA diver, being able to introduce young adults with disabilities to this amazing sport and beautiful environment has provided me some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is an honor to be part of an organization that contributes so much to the quality of life of its participants, and its volunteers alike.”
		MITUL KAPADIA “I am a pediatric rehabilitation doctor and have been involved with Stay-Focused since 2014. During my first trip, the role I assigned to myself was to ‘keep it on the boat’ – meaning, keep the kids’ wheelchairs, crutches, and braces on the boat while they freely explored the wonders of the ocean.  As a physician supporting this amazing experience, my goal is to help manage the medical and disability-related issues, and to ‘keep in the background’, so the kids can ‘stay focused’ on learning, exploring, and growing throughout their scuba experience.”
		CASEY O’DONNELL “I am honored to be part of such a fabulous program and to help ensure the safety of our participants. It is inspiring to see how well these young adults have overcome their disabilities to participate in a sport that is challenging even for able-bodied individuals. Having been involved with Stay-Focused since the early days, I can attest to the leadership skills, self-confidence, and friendships each diver has developed. Stay-Focused has created many role models, demonstrating there are no limits to what determined individuals can do, regardless of their disabilities.”
		KOS KAYES “Stay-Focused was first introduced to me when I was getting certified in SCUBA diving and our dive instructor happened to be a volunteer with Stay-Focused. A substantial amount of my practice involves patients with special needs. These patients are always looking to pursue recreational activities and I realized Stay-Focused offers a unique opportunity for these teens. Besides an opportunity for athletic involvement, Stay-Focused enables its participants to grow and become more self-confident. I was honored and thrilled to help out with the medical coverage in the summer of 2019, and look forward to continuing to work with Stay-Focused in the years ahead.”
		DAVID HOUGH “It is an incredible privilege to be a part of the Stay-Focused medical team. While I bring medical expertise to our trips and work to ensure health and safety, I find most of the time I am the one who learns after spending time with our mentors and participants. Beneath the surface of the Caribbean, I have come face-to-face with both breath-taking beautiful wildlife, as well as some of the most resilient, impressive, and inspirational people I have ever met.”
		Lorna Collins “As a brain injury-trained rehabilitation doctor and lifelong ocean enthusiast, I am passionate about making the underwater world safely accessible to everyone. Scuba diving has allowed me to meet incredible people, explore new environments, and travel the world, and I love sharing that passion with others. Through Stay-Focused, I’ve witnessed how diving can empower individuals with disabilities, fostering confidence, independence, and curiosity. I feel truly fortunate and honored to be part of the medical team supporting this organization and its mission.””
		Mitch Goldman “Nothing has made me prouder than to work with and be affiliated with Stay-Focused. As an Emergency Physician and Pediatrician, I work with children with special needs every day. As a Master Diver, Stay-Focused combines my love of diving and medicine to help kids realize their potential that they can do anything they want to achieve. I am in awe of the participants in Stay-Focused, and they have inspired me to be active in this wonderful organization so that everyone can enjoy the sport I love!”