These men realized after a series of International Symposia on Underwater Physiology, initiated by the University of Pennsylvania and the Office of Naval Research that there was a need to stimulate in the field of undersea medicine. This group consisted of diving and aerospace Dr's Edward L. Beckman, Jack L. Kinsey, Christian J. Lambertsen, Walter F. Mazzone, Earl H. Ninow, and Robert D. Workman.
A team of experts, including diving and aerospace physicians Edward L. Beckman, Jack L. Kinsey, Christian J. Lambertsen, Walter F. Mazzone, Earl H. Ninow, and Robert D. Workman, came to realize through a series of International Symposia on Underwater Physiology, sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania and the Office of Naval Research, that there was a pressing need to advance the field of undersea medicine.