2022 DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year

David Charash, D.O.

Charash is a physician who is board certified in emergency medicine and undersea and hyperbaric medicine. He has been involved in the care of injured divers since 1993. Early in his career he recognized the need for quality education for both the diving community and those in the medical community who care for divers. Charash is a Level 2D Diving Medical Physician and a Level 1 Medical Examiner of Divers.

Charash has developed workshops, symposiums, and lectures that have focused on improving understanding of diving medical fitness, dive safety, and dive technology. He has collaborated with leaders and subject matter experts in dive medicine, dive safety, and dive technology as he continues to develop ongoing educational programs. He has lectured at both the United States Coast Guard Academy and the Naval Undersea Medical Institute on many topics of dive medicine and dive safety.

Early in his career, Dr. Charash recognized the need for quality education for both the diving community and those in the medical community who care for divers.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Charash has supported the diving community through lectures and webinars to promote increased knowledge in diving safety and dive medicine. He continues to promote dive safety both nationally and internationally through lectures and presentations.

To reach as many divers as possible during the pandemic, Charash produced a podcast, Fitness To Dive, available on Spotify and iTunes, which features conversations with divers, dive physicians, and scientists.

Charash is a strong supporter of the mission of Divers Alert Network (DAN), a DAN referral physician, a DAN Instructor, and most recently, a volunteer researcher. Working in the field with the DAN research team has been the highlight of his career.

Charash has supported both the commercial diving industry and the public safety diving community, offering medical care, medical fitness evaluation, education, and training. He has supported the scientific diving community and had the opportunity to participate in Mission 31 as a VIP Diver and invited guest of Fabien Cousteau. Most recently, Charash serves as an advisor to the Diving Control Board at the New England Aquarium.

Charash uses his experience as a recreational diver to better understand the technical aspects of diving and how diving can affect one’s fitness to dive. His favorite place to dive is Bonaire.