Mar 30, 2000
Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program
Overview
The Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) Residency Program at Loma Linda University is recognized for its comprehensive training in occupational health, combining clinical experience and educational opportunities designed to equip residents with the necessary skills for a successful career in this field. The program has been a leader in Southern California for over two decades, producing proficient physicians in OEM who often steer advancements in the sector.
Program Structure and Highlights
The residency offers a unique structure consisting of a guaranteed first year (PGY-1) integrated into the clinical training program, making it the only OEM residency in the U.S. to do so. Residents benefit from:
- 6 ACGME-approved positions per year.
- A two-year residency duration.
- A 100% graduate employment rate within the field post-graduation.
Residents receive a full salary comparable to other specialties and have tuition fees waived for the Master of Public Health (MPH) program, helping to alleviate financial burdens during their training, which equates to approximately a $50,000 value.
1The program emphasizes strong clinical training through varied rotations that prepare residents for diverse career options, ranging from corporate medicine to clinical settings. It has a noted culture of prioritizing resident satisfaction, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
1Upon completion of the residency, graduates have the opportunity to pursue a fellowship track in OEM, enhancing their expertise further.
2Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum is meticulously designed to blend academic learning with practical training:
- Residents engage in rotations across the Loma Linda Occupational Medicine Clinic and the VA Hospital.
- Interns are involved in specialty clinics and can select elective rotations in areas such as preventive medicine, orthopedic surgery, toxicology, and more.
- Popular elective and core training activities are complemented by academic courses tailored to each resident's goals.
The program also provides MPH coursework at no cost, focusing on key areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health, among others, which are vital to occupational and environmental practitioners.
2Research Opportunities
Research is integral to the program, and residents are required to undertake a senior research project by graduation. Areas of research may include:
- Injury prevention and management.
- Toxicology and health promotion.
- Employee wellness initiatives.
Residents collaborate with faculty from both the OEM program and the School of Public Health to engage in research that promotes evidence-based practices in occupational health.
2Global Health Focus
The program is dedicated to global health engagement, offering opportunities for residents to participate in international service projects in collaboration with the Global Health Institute. This concentration assists residents in developing competencies in delivering healthcare in broader contexts, sharpening their skills for work both locally and globally.
4Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, primarily providing support for J-1 visas. There are specific application requirements; for instance, the program may prioritize candidates who graduated within a certain time frame and consider a maximum number of failed STEP exams.
2Comparative Competitiveness
The OEM Residency Program is considered competitive, appealing to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including international medical graduates. The program is committed to inclusivity, seeking to build a cohort reflective of the diverse workforce served in occupational medical practices.
2Living in Loma Linda
Loma Linda is ideally situated in the picturesque Inland Empire of Southern California, offering affordable housing options and easy access to a variety of cultural and recreational activities. Residents enjoy an enriching lifestyle balanced with professional demands, contributing significantly to the overall residency experience.
3Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History
Program
Program Size
3, 3 (2 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: November 12, 2025)
Composition
Training
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1.3X
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $74,880
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 16 hours
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 40 hours
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 226–264
Visa Sponsorship:H1B, J1
YOG Cutoff:5
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
Roster
Location
Loma Linda, CA
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Loma Linda, CA
Crime Rate and Safety
Loma Linda is known for its safety and low crime rate, making it a family-friendly community.
Fun Activities
Loma Linda offers outdoor activities like hiking in nearby mountains, as well as cultural events at Loma Linda University.
Climate
Loma Linda enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Races and Population
The population of Loma Linda is diverse, with a mix of races and ethnicities.
Education
Loma Linda is home to Loma Linda University, which offers various educational programs and healthcare services.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Loma Linda is higher compared to the national average, mainly due to housing costs.
Nearby Cities
Riverside and San Bernardino are nearby cities, approximately 20-30 minutes away by car. Riverside is known for its historic Mission Inn and UC Riverside, while San Bernardino offers cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Safe environment
- access to outdoor activities
- diverse population
- educational opportunities at Loma Linda University.
Cons
- Higher cost of living
- limited nightlife options.
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External Links
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/3820577123
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US0642370
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/3820577123
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/dfdfdbe5-26e0-d688-b2d1-e88352018406
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US0642370
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr
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