219 - The Anatomy and Outcomes of an Innovative First in the Nation Occupational & Environmental Medicine Train-in-Place Program

Session Description: Over the last couple of decades, the funding for OEM training has decreased and the number of OEM residencies cut in half. The nation continues to have a shortage of occupational medicine physicians, especially those who are formally trained in the field. In addition, many physicians find the OEM specialty mid-career and have barriers to enter residencies for formal training in their pursuit of board certification. As of January 2023, there were just about 3100 OEM board certified physicians in the U.S., serving a working population of over 160 million. The OEM specialty has a much larger number of physicians who are in the near-retirement age group, and so further OEM physician shortages are expected.

Our panel will discuss a unique train-in-place approach to ACGME accredited residency that has been in existence for over 25 years. The program is estimated to have trained more OEM trained graduates than any other traditional OEM civilian residency.

Panelists will explain steps in establishing a train-in-place OEM program, its structure, subject area rotations, mentored projects, didactics, funding, barriers and program outcomes.

Educational Gaps: Training in place is an effective approach for both mid and early career physicians seeking comprehensive skills and board certification in occupational medicine. Attendees will not only learn the key elements of the train-in-place program but also help guide physicians seeking such training and/or are in pursuit of OEM board certification.

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?: No sponsorship at this time but we may have Academic Occupational Medicine section sponsor this session.

Has this session previously been presented?: This session has not been presented before as such. We will have new data on program outcomes which would be as recent as January 2026.

The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: Formally trained OEM physicians in ACGME accredited programs will lead to healthier and safer workers. Physicians and workers with better understanding of health and occupational safety contribute to a healthy world. Overall wellbeing increases work engagement and enhances economy regionally and globally.