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About Dan Popa, MD, PhD
At a glance
Gender: Male
Languages: English
Age groups treated: Adult
Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
“I am committed to providing the best, personalized care by applying the latest technology along with evidence-based medicine in my care.”
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Popa specializes in Emergency Medicine and has a subspecialty in Hyperbaric and Undersea Medicine, with particular interests in critical care, especially in hyperbaric conditions, as well as diving medicine and high-altitude physiology.
Credentials
Training & education
Medical school
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Residency
Emergency Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
Fellowship
Hyperbaric and Undersea Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
Board Certifications
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Diego. Thesis: “The Roles of Inflammation and Reactive Oxygen Species in the Medulla during Ventilatory Acclimatization to Hypoxia.” Advisor: Frank Powel
Board Certified in Emergency Medicine
Board Certified in Hyperbaric and Undersea Medicine
American Academy of Underwater Sciences certified scientific diver
Awards and honors
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Young Scientist/Medical Doctor Award, 2022
My experiences & interests
Publications
- Winn A, Billingsley M, Popa D, Logue C. Predictive Modeling of the Performance of the Zoll Z Ventilator Under Hyperbaric Conditions. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine (accepted).
- Popa D, Winn A, Masters T, Grover I, Logue C. Numerous errors, inaccuracies, and poor methodology in the Kalaw et al. manuscript fail to support the claim that HBOT does not offer significant benefit in visual acuity among central retinal artery occlusion patients. Retina. 2025 Mar 4. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004452. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40064031.
- Samson M, Gottlieb M, Logue C, Popa D. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: An Evidence-Based Primer for Emergency Physicians. J Emerg Med. 2025 Mar;70:35-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2024.09.009. Epub 2024 Oct 9. PMID: 39939188.
- Popa D, Kutz C, Carlile M, Brett K, Moya Cespedes E, Powell F, Witcuki P, Sadler R, Sadler C. Hypoxia Signatures in Closed-Circuit Rebreather Divers. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2022 Dec 20;52(4):237-244. doi: 10.28920/dhm52.4.237-244. PMID: 36525681.
- Popa D, Waterhouse L, Duchnick J, Neuman T, Witucki P. Performance of the Uni-Vent Eagle™ Model 754 Ventilator Under Hyperbaric Conditions. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2021 Fourth-Quarter;48(4):409-416. PMID: 34847304.
Personal
“In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, spending time outdoors, exercising, reading, diving, and photography.”