Why OEM?

Occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) is a board-certified specialty under the American Board of Preventive Medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. OEM clinicians explore the impact of work on health and health on work. The field of OEM is critical in identifying and mitigating workplace hazards and reducing the societal burden of illness and injury.

As the nation’s workplaces become more complex, occupational and environmental health specialists play an increasingly visible role in preventing diseases and promoting wellness among workers by evaluating the interaction between work and health. OEM physicians are part of a business organization and understand both management's and labor's concerns and opportunities, in addition to administering the medical program and supervising medical personnel.

Explore the pages below to learn about occupational and environmental medicine and career pathways in OEM.

Submit Your Essay for the AOHC 2025 Student Essay Contest!

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) is committed to improving the care and well-being of workers through science and the sharing of knowledge.  In conjunction with ACOEM's American Occupational Health Conference 2025, the History and Archives Section and Ambassador Program are sponsoring this essay competition.  The contest is open to all medical and APP student members of ACOEM.  You must be a member of ACOEM to enter - join now for free!

Here is the topic for the 2025 Essay Contest: "Austin is known today as a green city and center of clean energy technology, but in the past, the city’s rapid economic expansion in the electronics industry led to clashes with environmentalists.  What can other cities learn from Austin’s history about how to manage the sometimes competing interests of economic expansion and environmental preservation, and what role do you think medical professionals should play in shaping healthier workplaces and communities?"

Deadlines and Awards:

• Deadline is Noon, EST on Friday, February 28, 2025.
• Essays must be the original and unpublished work of the student.
• Essays should be four (4) to six (6) pages in length, formatted for standard 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins, double-spaced, in 12-point type, with numbered pages, in English.
• Essays must include a bibliography of cited sources (not included in the 4 to 6 page length).
• AWARDS:  This contest offers cash prizes ($500 for first place, $250 for second place), free registration to AOHC 25 for both winners (or Encore recordings if unable to attend), and publication of the two winning essays in ACOEM Quarterly.

Questions?  Contact our contest coordinator, Pam Krahl,MD. Good luck!

This page is sponsored by Enterprise Health.

 

The OccTok podcast is produced by Enterprise Health to support the ACOEM Ambassador Program. Episodes feature occupational health professionals who share their stories about how they got into OEM, what they like most about the field and what advice they have for medical professionals who are considering this career path.