O-033 Implementation of Competency-Based Medical Education in Post-Graduate Training in Occupational Medicine in Canada: Where Are We?

Introduction Since 2017, residency programs in Canada are switching to a hybrid time-based and competency-based model, called Competence By Design (CBD). Resident assessment is based on the completion of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) over 4 stages of training. Our objective was to establish a list of skills for Occupational Medicine specialists in Canada, and benefit from this transition to increase the quality of programs. Methods A national committee was established with residency program directors, members of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) subspecialty committee, and education representatives of the Occupational Medicine Specialists of Canada (OMSOC). This committee has met 3 times between 2021 and 2022 to review the scope of practice of Occupational Medicine. Results. A report has been written by the committee, listing the skills required for all occupational medicine specialists in Canada, organized in 8 sections, including environmental medicine as well. Discussion This report will serve as a preliminary step before designing the EPAs. However, implementation of CBD programs has not started yet as of spring of 2023. The RCSPC is also undertaking a review of our specialty that may end in a change in training duration and affect the design and number of EPAs. Conclusion Implementation of CBD in Canadian Occupational Medicine residency programs is currently at a pivotal moment. Educators will further work to implement CBD, with this preliminary work completed, as well as building up on the experience of other residency programs that already transitioned.