Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works

Oxygen is essential to keeping our bodies healthy and helping them heal. A growing body of research has shown that concentrated levels of pressurized oxygen, known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, can be especially helpful in healing and treating a variety of health conditions.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment Center of Southern Oregon now offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, in a non-hospital setting. The Center treats a variety of conditions ranging from diabetic foot ulcers and post-surgical wounds to autoimmune, neurologic, and chronic pain conditions. Treatment is easy and comfortable, with few risks or side effects. The hyperbaric oxygen chamber is roomy enough for patients to sit up and read during treatment, or simply lie back and relax.

HBOT delivers highly concentrated oxygen levels at increased pressure, which helps the blood carry more oxygen to organs and tissues in the body. It promotes healing, stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, and decreases inflammation.

“We are proud to be the first non-hospital HBOT provider in the Rogue Valley using medical grade high-pressure chambers,” says Dawn Lemanne, MD, MPH, a board-certified medical oncologist. She opened the Center with B. Monte Stewart, MD, a board-certified general surgeon who has practiced in Ashland for more than 20 years. Both physicians had seen the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen in their years of practice. They decided to create their own HBOT center, and sought an individual with special expertise in the field.

The name they kept coming across was Scott Sherr, MD, an internal medicine physician and frequent lecturer and educator on HBOT. He founded Integrative HBOT, headquartered in the San Francisco Area and he’s also a partner in a hyperbaric group based in the New York metro region called Hyperbaric Medical Solutions. “We approached Scott with the goal of being the premier independent provider of medical-grade HBOT in the region,” Dr. Stewart says. “He was excited to participate in the project and offer his expertise.”

Over last spring and summer, they installed the chamber, hired and trained staff, and became certified to perform HBOT by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).

Neurologist Zakir Ali, MD, internal medicine specialists Wendy Schilling, MD and Nancy Noyce, MD, MPH, and HBOT certified physician assistant, Katherine Sadzewicz, PA, also work with the Center.

Referrals for HBOT are welcome but not necessary. “We view HBOT as an adjunct therapy and want referring physicians to know that we work collaboratively,” says Dr. Lemanne.

The Center will be hosting an open house for the general public on Wednesday, December 14, from 4-7pm. Dr. Scott Sherr will also be featured live on The Jefferson Exchange on JPR on Tuesday, December 13, at 9am.

Patients can also call directly or contact the Center via their website, oregonhbot.com. They are located at 1801 Highway 99 N., #2, in the Bear Creek Medical Plaza. The phone number is 541-488-7012.