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Session Evaluation

AOHC 2026 Concurrent Sessions

OEM Related Management and Administration

201 - How to Start and Operate an Occupational Medicine Practice

Monday, April 20, 2026
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM CT
Location: Sheraton Ballroom IV
Claim 1.0 CME

All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.


Disclosure(s):

Andrew J. Seter, MD: No financial relationships to disclose
Session Description: The Session will focus on the items to consider when starting and operating an Occupational Medicine practice. The topics of discussion will include 1) determine your business model, 2) identify your prospective clients, 3) acquire your finances and resources, and 4) implement and monitor your sales and marketing efforts. The Session will present a variety of business models and the benefits and risks of each. Dr. Seter will supplement the presentation by presenting real-world examples based upon his own experience. The private practice of Occupational Medicine is an option which can be rewarding but is not for everyone.

Educational Gaps: I have been approached by a number of Occupational Medicine providers who are interested in pursuing private practice but don't know how to get started. The Session will provide a general outline of several business models and encourage an active and honest consideration of the options.

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?: I am a co-chair of the newly formed Business Management Section of ACOEM. The Private Practice and Finance Sections were merged into one. A goal of the Section is to discuss the business aspects of operating an Occupational Medicine practice whether public, private, or hospital based. The Section wants to open the membership to any interested individuals.

Has this session previously been presented?: I made a similar presentation at the ACOEM conference about 15 years ago. Interesting but several years later I was contacted by a medical provider who attended and started a private practice shortly afterwards. I made the same presentation at the AOHP conference two years ago which was well attended.

The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: I found the private practice of Occupational Medicine to be personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. My employees also enjoyed the collegiality and the work/life balance (8-5 M-F). The physical and mental health of the medical workforce is just as important as any other worker category.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, the participant will be able to appreciate the variety of business models that would allow them to start a practice in Occupational Medicine. Each participant can determine which model best suits their risk/benefit tolerance.
  • Upon completion, the participant will be able to identify prospective clients based upon the business model they have elected to pursue. The importance of coordinated sales and marketing efforts along with the need to regularly monitor the outcome will also be discussed.
  • Upon completion, the participant will be able to determine the financial and other resources required to pursue their business model. Several options to obtain those resources will also be discussed.