Student Essay Contest
2026 ACOEM Student Essay Contest!
In conjunction with ACOEM's American Occupational Health Conference 2026, the History and Archives Section and ACOEM Ambassador Program are sponsoring this student essay competition. The essay topic is:
"Three key figures in the development of occupational and environmental medicine in the United States had ties to Chicago: Alice Hamilton, Harry Mock, and Clarence Olds Sappington. Which of these figures do you think has the most relevance to occupational and environmental medicine as it is practiced today, and why?"
This contest is open to medical, nurse practitioner, and physician assistant students who are members of ACOEM.
- $500 first prize
- $250 second prize!
- Winners get free registration to AOHC 2026! (a $395 value) (or Encore recordings if unable to attend in person)
- Winning essays will be published in ACOEM Quarterly!
Submit essays via this Google Form: https://forms.gle/atQQQZYHpKwzicte8
GUIDELINES
- Essays should relate to the essay topic.
- Deadline is Noon EST on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
- Essays must be the original and unpublished work of the student.
- Essays should be four (4) to six (6) pages in length, formatted 8.5” x 11” with 1” margins, double-spaced in 12 point type, with page numbers, and written in English.
- Essays must include a bibliography of cited sources (not included in the 4-6 pages).
Questions? Contact our contest coordinator, Dr. Pam Krahl, at krahlpl@si.edu
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Since 2023, the ACOEM Ambassador Program and the History and Archives Section have partnered to host the ACOEM Student Essay Contest, open to medical and Advanced Practice Provider (APP) students with an interest in occupational and environmental medicine.
Each year, winning essays spotlight the next generation of leaders in the field, offering thoughtful perspectives on worker health, safety, and the evolving role of OEM professionals.
Click on each winner below to read their essay!
2023 – Inaugural Essay Contest Winners
Topic: Proponents of Worker Health and Safety in Philadelphia
2024 Winners
Topic: Protecting Workers from the Heat
2025 Winners
Topic: Healing Cities: What Austin Teaches Us About Growth, Sustainability, and the Role of Medical Professionals