ACOEM Overview
The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) represents more than 5,000 physicians and other health care professionals specializing in the field of occupational and environmental medicine (OEM).
Founded in 1916, ACOEM is the nation's largest medical society dedicated to promoting the health of workers through preventive medicine, clinical care, research, and education. A dynamic group of physicians encompassing specialists in a variety of medical practices is united via the College to develop positions and policies on vital issues relevant to the practice of preventive medicine both within and outside of the workplace.
While national in scope, the College is composed of local component societies in the United States and Canada, whose members hold scientific meetings and network on a regular basis. ACOEM sponsors the annual American Occupational Health Conference, the nation's largest conference of its kind, each spring.
The College also conducts continuing education courses such as Basic Curriculum in Occupational and offers training in Drug/Alcohol Testing, Impairment and Disability Evaluation, and Board Review in Occupational Medicine. In 1997, ACOEM introduced the Corporate Health Achievement Award to recognize the finest health programs in North American companies.
ACOEM publishes the monthly Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, ACOEM E-News, MRO Update newsletter, CDME Review newsletter, and books including the Occupational Medicine Practice Guidelines.
The College periodically issues position papers and committee reports that set practice guidelines for a variety of workplace/environmental settings. These position papers/committee reports cover topics such as spirometry, mold, environmental tobacco smoke, noise-induced hearing loss, multiple chemical sensitivities, workplace drug screening, confidentiality of medical information, depression screening, and reproductive hazards. ACOEM has also established a Code of Ethical Conduct to guide occupational and environmental physicians.
ACOEM members are knowledgeable and capable of treating job-related diseases, recognizing and resolving workplace hazards, instituting rehabilitation methods, and providing well-managed care. The continual emergence of new chemicals, complex tools, manufacturing methodologies, pollution and environmental impacting activities, and health care reform have focused and mandated the need for trained occupational and environmental medical specialists.