ACOEM VisionACOEM Vision

ACOEM is the pre-eminent organization of physicians who champion the health and safety of workers, workplaces, and

environments.

1916 – AAIP&S1916 – AAIP&SAmerican Association of Industrial

Physicians & Surgeons formed.

1951 – IMA1951 – IMAAAIP&S changes its name to the Industrial Medical Association.

1974 – AOMA1974 – AOMAIMA becomes the

American Occupational Medical Association.

1988 – ACOM1988 – ACOMAOMA and the American Academy of

Occupational Medicine merge to form the American College of Occupational Medicine.

1992 – ACOEM1992 – ACOEM

ACOM becomes the American College of Occupational

and Environmental Medicine.

ACOEM MissionACOEM MissionACOEM provides leadership to promote optimal health and safety of workers, workplaces, and environments by:

• educating health professionals and the public;• stimulating research;• enhancing quality of practice;• guiding public policy; and• advancing the field of occupational and environmental medicine.

OEM MissionOEM Mission

Occupational and environmental medicine is the medical specialty devoted to prevention and management of occupational and environmental

injury, illness, and disability; and promotion of health and productivity of workers, their

families, and communities.

Role of the OEM PhysicianRole of the OEM Physician

• prevents;

• diagnoses; and

• treats workplace illness and injury.

The occupational and environmental medicine physician:

Role of the OEM PhysicianRole of the OEM Physician

• identifying hazards;• detecting exposures;• protecting the workforce; and• educating people regarding workplace hazards.

The occupational and environmental medicine physician assists employers in:

The OEM TeamThe OEM TeamThe OEM physician is part of a team that includes:

Industry

• Safety Professional

• Industrial Hygienist

• Worker Representative

• Management

• Health Physicist

• Ergonomist

• Environmental Engineer

Medicine

• Nurse

• Physician Assistant

• Private Physician

• Physical Therapist

• Epidemiologist

• Clinic

• Hospital

The Team ApproachThe Team Approach

• enhanced health and safety in the workplace;

• a match between the worker and the task;

• rapid and appropriate medical management of illness/injury;

• appropriate return to work;

• effective communication for all; and

• cost effectiveness/efficiency.

Working with management and other occupational and environmental health professionals, the OEM physician achieves:

Specific Responsibilities Specific Responsibilities of the OEM Physicianof the OEM Physician

• diagnoses and treats occupational illness/injury;• conducts medical evaluations;• returns workers at an appropriate level;• coordinates with work-site personnel;• serves as a medical review officer (MRO).

The OEM Physician:

Specific Responsibilities Specific Responsibilities of the OEM Physicianof the OEM Physician

• develop and implement policy and procedures;• identify workplace hazards;• advise on state and federal regulations;• provide leadership to health benefits programs;• supervise wellness programs; and• provide case management for workers’ comp.

The OEM physician works with others to:

The Business Side of OEMThe Business Side of OEM

• selecting and maintaining a healthy work force;

• facilitating early return to work;• reducing absences and lost time;• improving productivity; and• reducing corporate liability.

The value of occupationaland environmental medicine:

OEM and Care ManagementOEM and Care Management

• workers’ comp costs increasing;• medical benefits increasing;• indemnity costs increasing;• lost time per injury increasing;• replacement costs increasing;• injuries decreasing.

Challenges Faced By OEMChallenges Faced By OEM

• Changing demographics;

• Diversity of the field;

• Recognition; and

• Volunteerism.

6%Military

46%Corporation

8% PrivatePractice

17% Hospital

9% University

5% Other

8%Government

Private Practice - 8%

Corporation - 46%

Hospital - 17%

University - 9%

Government - 8%

Military - 6%

Other - 5%

Demographics – 1992Demographics – 1992

Demographics -- 2001Demographics -- 2001

3% Military

1% Util/Case Mgmt.

1 Other%

5%Gov.

41%Private Practice15%

Hospital

27%Corporation

7% University

Private Practice - 41%

Corporation - 27%

Hospital - 15%

University - 7%

Government - 5%

Military - 3%

Other - 1%

Utilization/Case Mgmt Dept - 1%

Diversity of the FieldDiversity of the FieldSettings:

• Corporate

• Private Practice

• Academia

• Research

• Hospital/Clinic

Specialties:

• OEM

• Emergency Medicine

• Internal Medicine

• Epidemiology

• Family Practice

• Government/Public/Media Awareness:

• develop science-based position papers/position statements.

• communicate ACOEM/OEM positions on legislative issues to appropriate Washington agencies.

Recognition IssuesRecognition Issues

VolunteerismVolunteerism

• limited financial resources;

• time constraints;

• life/career stage.

ACOEM Business GoalsACOEM Business Goals

• provide an emphasis on physician education;

• enhance the specialty of OEM; and

• strengthen ACOEM.