Dr. Buza

Dr. Buza is the founder, president and medical director of SAMI. Established in 1999, Dr Buza developed the aerospace, diving and clinical hyperbaric medicine programs. In addition to his clinical responsibilities as a board certified neurologist, Dr.Buza has also conducted research within the fields of neurology, aviation, diving and clinical hyperbaric medicine.

Dr. Villaire

Dr. Villaire is an Associate Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, active member of the Physiology Section, Aviation Human Factors and Aviation Safety Committee of the Association.  He holds degrees form the University of Georgia, Golden Gate University, and a doctorate from the College of William and Mary in Virginia.  He is a fully credentialed Pilot, Instructor Pilot and Instrument Instructor Pilot, a FAA certified Air Traffic Controller with Tower (IFR & VFR), Radar and RFC endorsements.  He is a graduate of the School of Aerospace Medicine (Brooks, Texas), the USAF ATC Academy, USAF Pilot Training Program, USAF IPIS program and numerous survival courses.  He has been a certified Altitude Chamber professional for 40 years. He is the author of two college level textbooks – “APPLIED AVIATION PHYSIOLOGY” and “AVIATION SAFETY: More Than Common Sense,” and is currently a Full Professor at the Florida Institute of Technology.

James Briggs

James brings over 20 years of diving and hyperbaric chamber experience to SAMI and currently serves as the Technical Director for chamber operations. His extensive U.S.Navy experience in advanced diving and chamber operations was instrumental in the development of the environmental physiology unit here at SAMI. James is also the chamber operations manager for the clinical medicine program and has conducted over 30,000 patient dives. His additional training in emergency rescue makes him uniquely qualified to serve as Technical Director.

Bringing over 25 years of aviation experience to SAMI to work as part of the SAMI Team in the Program Directorship, I have the opportunity to bring the skills sets with my background in commercial & government aviation activities both from a domestic and global perspective to provide Program Support to SAMI activities. Serving in Program Management areas with Kavouras Inc, ARINC & Harris Corporation I have had the opportunity to work extensively with the pressing issues facing aviation such as the need for Hypoxia training. for the new era of pilots. As a Private Pilot my AOPA, EAA, & ATCA involvement have kept me abreast of requirements for a safer aviation community. Adding to this is my extensive connection to the academia community in R &D issues in aviation.  Married and residing In Indialantic Fl., I continue my educational pursuit of an MBA in Aviation at ERAU. My outside activities include Scuba Diving and motorcycle touring and travel. The Southern Aeromedical Institute (SAMI) provides a new and innovative approach to training both in the chamber and through CBT programs. I look forward to working in Program Development with each of you in aviation programs to make it a meaningful experience and work towards a safer aviation community.

Tom Distler

Tom brings over 20 yrs. experience in emergency rescue as a firefighter/paramedic. His extensive experience in the emergency room at a Level II Trama Center in combination with his chamber training in hyperbaric medicine makes him uniquely qualified to teach in-flight emergency rescue for SAMI. His personal interest include scuba diving ,fishing and family.

Larry Holden

Larry brings over 20 years of aviation and medical experience to SAMI. His experience in management of airline pressurization and oxygen delivery systems for commercial aircraft makes him uniquely suited to integrate crew resource management principles into the high altitude upset recovery program. Larry combine this experience with his current medical training in emergency rescue as a paramedic and is involved with the in-flight medical emergency training program at SAMI. His personal interests lie in scuba diving where he is also a dive master and teaches advanced diving.

Chef Deb Bio

The best kept secret at SAMI is the world class food provided by “Chef Deb”. She is currently a culinary professor at the Kaiser University in Melbourne, Florida. Her experience includes being a baker/pastry dessert chef at the Walt Disney Resort in Vero Beach, recipient of a culinary competition medal, and an active member of the American Culinary Foundation.  Chef Deb graduated Valedictorian of her class and is currently writing her first cookbook.