Recruitment Challenges for Physician Training in Occupational and Environmental Medicine

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to characterize experiences of current and recent trainees of occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) to inform recruitment. METHODS: In fall 2023, a survey was sent to 115 current OEM residents and approximately 250 alumni from the previous 5 years regarding demographics, career motivations, and experience with application/training process. RESULTS: The response rate was 54% (62/115) for current residents and approximately 22% (56/~250) for alumni. Only 20% learned about OEM before internship and 41% applied to only one program. The top 3 features of training programs were quality/support of faculty, research opportunities, and family/geographic preference. Eighty-four percent support a combined/paired internship program. CONCLUSIONS: The survey highlights challenges in recruitment to OEM, suggesting the need for increased outreach to medical students, opening/reopening programs in new geographic areas, and exploring combined/paired internship programs.