University of California (San Francisco) Program

The UCSF Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) residency program offers a comprehensive education in occupational and environmental health, providing both academic instruction and clinical experience tailored to individual trainee needs. The program was established in 1979 and boasts full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). It accommodates up to ten residents annually and is situated within the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH), which collaborates with UC Berkeley and UC Davis. This multidisciplinary partnership is dedicated to addressing occupational and environmental hazards through education, research, and community engagement.1

Funding for the program is available through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Health Resources and Services Agency (HRSA). Notably, UCSF hosts the only HRSA-supported OEM program nationwide, enabling trainees to engage in clinical activities and public health projects tailored to vulnerable populations, focusing on environmental and social justice issues.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation in public health, with the first year primarily focused on obtaining a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from UC Berkeley's School of Public Health. Residents who possess an MPH or equivalent may be eligible to enter directly into the second year of training, completing the program in one additional year. During the residency, trainees also engage in various clinical rotations and research activities that round out their educational experience.3

Clinical Rotations

Residents participate in a variety of clinical rotations that include:

• Kaiser Permanente Occupational Medicine Clinic, providing evaluation services focusing on musculoskeletal and ergonomic issues.
• UCSF and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Occupational Health Services, covering health surveillance and employee health.
• San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, addressing a wide range of clinical experiences including environmental medicine.
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, focusing on occupational health issues relevant to national security.3

Research Component

Scholarly work is integral to the training offered at UCSF. Residents must complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty member, presenting findings at the annual UCSF OEM conference. The emphasis on research is aimed at advancing knowledge in the field of occupational and environmental health.3

Unique Aspects of the Program

The residency program is designed to accommodate the needs of its trainees, offering a structured schedule that typically includes standard office hours and minimal weekend commitments. This aspect makes it appealing for those balancing family and personal interests alongside academic responsibilities.4

Site Visits and Field Experience

A highlight of the program is the site visits conducted during the first year. Trainees visit diverse workplaces, including industrial facilities, farms, clinics, and governmental agencies. These experiences enhance understanding of real-world occupational health challenges and solutions.3

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Applicants to the program should have completed at least one year of postgraduate training in an ACGME-accredited program. The program is open to foreign medical graduates; however, they must have completed 24 months of training in the U.S. and possess appropriate documentation such as USMLE passage and ECFMG certification. Funding support is typically not available for non-residents, making external financial resources necessary for those individuals.5

Applications are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with additional requirements for prospective MPH candidates at UC Berkeley.6

Salary and Benefits

UCSF provides a competitive salary package, including comprehensive health benefits for residents and eligible dependents. Coverage includes dental and vision plans along with life and disability insurance. Residents also gain full access to UCSF library resources and support for attending conferences.7