SS11-01 BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE (OEM) MUTUAL EDUCATION COMMUNITY – FOCUS ON AFRICA

Abstract

There is a global shortage of occupational and environmental medical (OEM) physicians. Many countries, especially LMICs, have no training pathways, certification processes or specialty recognition. In 2019, we conducted a survey of member societies of the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC), to understand paths to OEM expertise in their country. Only four of the 54 African nations were members of IOMSC. We conducted an internet search, including ChatGPT assistance, and contacted major OEM networks in Africa to better describe the state of OEM in Africa. We will seek attendee input about the major occupational health challenges and opportunities for OEM education in their country. We will describe the plan for virtual International OEM Grand Rounds, delivered by OEM residents supervised by OEM specialists. There are now six African nations with OEM society membership in IOMSC. One additional country was identified with a specialty society, and one more with an OEM training program. Additional results based on search and interviews will be shared in this session. We are establishing a program for physicians without access to formal OEM education using the hybrid format of e-learning, webinars and field training by a network of African occupational medicine physicians to disseminate training materials and develop specialty training pathways. Increasing access to OEM education in countries without formal pathways will increase competency in delivering occupational healthcare to workers and increase recognition of the need for formal training and certification pathways where none currently exist.