Outcomes of a Survey-Based Approach to Determine Factors Contributing to the Shortage of Occupational Medicine Physicians in the United States. Issue 3 (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Green-McKenzie, Judith; Savanoor, Uma; Duran, Harry; Jones, Crystal; Vearrier, David; Malak, Paul; Emmett, Edward A.; Shofer, Frances S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health management and practice. Volume 27:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: burnout -- mid-career physician -- occupational medicine -- preventive medicine -- Train-in-Place Program; Public health administration -- United States -- Periodicals; 253.6
• DOI: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001315
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-4659

Abstract

Abstract : Context: There is a long-standing shortage of formally trained Occupational & Environmental Medicine (OEM) physicians despite OEM practitioners experiencing high satisfaction and low burnout. Objective: To explore the root causes of this shortage and suggest potential remedies. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were administered to medical students queried regarding OEM training, practicing OEM physicians queried regarding timing of specialty choice, and OEM Train-in-Place (TIP) program graduates queried regarding satisfaction with training. Results: Of 247 medical student respondents, 70% had heard of OEM, 60% through one lecture. Of the 160 OEM physicians, 17% first became aware of OEM as medical students, and most would have chosen a different path had they heard sooner. Most TIP program trainees reported that they would not have undertaken specialty training without a TIP program (89%). Conclusions: Strategies to introduce OEM earlier in medical education and TIP programs for mid-career physicians may help overcome persistent shortages of OEM specialists.