About ACOEM

Advocacy and Opportunity Committee

Reports To Board of Directors
Leadership Chair and Vice Chair
Member Composition Chair, Vice Chair, 3-7 Members at Large (Fellows, Active),
1 Associate Member, 1 Resident Member
Committee Size Limit 7-11
2024-2026 Chair John Clarke, MD, MBA, MS, FACOEM
2024-2026 Vice Chair Zaira Chaudhry, MD, MPH
Staff Liaison Allison Fitch-Markham - Director, Marketing & Communications

Committee Charges

  1. Supports the College's vision, mission, and strategic plan.  
  2. Provide support for change management.
  3. Support the scheduling of ACOEM meetings and activities to optimize attendance.
  4. Develop and implement tools for ACOEM members to support clinically competent care.
  5. Develop and implement effective communication mechanism(s) among stakeholders. 
  6. Position occupational and environmental medicine physicians, other providers, and ACOEM to be leaders in advancing education and research.
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"Advocacy" in the context of this Committee refers to advocating for physicians and clinicians who practice OEM in the real world. Note that ACOEM's Council on Government Affairs (COGA) is an advocacy vehicle specifically for the recognition of residency program funding and the recognition of the field itself by the government.

"Opportunities" refers to advocating for change and growth, and to address threats. 

Composition and Charges Updated February 2026. 
Apply for Council and
Committee Vacancies

If you are a member of ACOEM and are interested in attending an Advocacy and Opportunity Commitee meeting as a guest observer, please contact Allison Fitch-Markham for information on the next meeting.