Ss63-04 the Translation of the Advancements of New Occupational Health and Safety (Ohs) Research Into Curricula of Medical Schools: The European Association of Schools of Occupational Medicine (Easom)

Abstract Introduction Occupational medicine (OM) is a source of essential transversal skills for the practice of general medicine and most medical specialties. Nevertheless, existing studies reveal that medical students in the EU may often receive limited training in OM. EASOM has prioritized this issue consistently. Recently, an alliance between EASOM and the Section of Occupational Medicine of the European Union of Medical Specialties (OM EUMS) to improve the training of OM specialists and foster an OM-EU examination, has been extended for upgrading OM teaching and training in EU medical schools, with the aim of reviewing and analyzing the existing recommendations for enhancing undergraduate OM education. Materials and Methods A literature review was conducted on the topic, including medical databases, grey literature and improvement recommendations from international scientific societies, agencies, etc., as well as examples of good practice. Results Improving OM education in European medical schools remains a real challenge that should be addressed urgently. There is an undeniable necessity for defining, harmonizing, and standardizing minimum basic skills that undergraduate students must acquire in all EU medical schools. OM training has been shown to generate positive attitudes towards the specialty among medical students, who rate the OM undergraduate teaching as fundamental and critical to the acquisition of essential medical skills. Timely translation of new research in this field into their curricula could also boost the OM specialty's recognition. Conclusions Undergraduate training in OM at European medical schools requires standardization, harmonization, and updating. A concerted effort by European societies, regulatory bodies, universities, and policy makers is urgently needed.