The Occupational Medicine Residency offered by the University of Utah Health is designed to train physicians as specialists in the preventive medicine specialty of occupational medicine. This field focuses primarily on the health, safety, and performance of workers, along with their families and broader communities. The residency program is uniquely funded and operated in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH), which is one of only 18 such centers funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1.
The residency is structured as a two-year program with distinct phases, providing extensive academic and practical experiences. The academic phase requires residents to complete a Master of Occupational Health (MOH) degree, with a focus on occupational medicine. The practicum phase encompasses various rotations in corporate and community settings 1.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the residency program is comprehensive, designed to equip residents with the necessary competencies in occupational medicine. During the first year (OEM-1), residents engage in rigorous academic coursework that includes core subjects such as Industrial and Environmental Toxicology, Occupational Epidemiology, and Applied Occupational Biostatistics. The completion of these core courses contributes to the earning of the MOH degree, requiring 32 semester hours of credit to be completed over two semesters 1.
In the second year (OEM-2), the focus shifts to combining academic rigor with field experience, including at least 14 weeks in preceptorships at various industry and government locations. These settings facilitate hands-on learning in comprehensive occupational health practices, allowing residents to handle occupational injuries and diseases proficiently 1.
Rotations
The residency features a diverse array of clinical rotations across multiple settings. The primary clinical rotation takes place within the University of Utah Occupational Medicine Clinics, where residents gain valuable experience treating patients with occupational injuries and illnesses. This includes a range of services such as fitness-for-duty evaluations and hazardous material exposure assessments 7.
Other noteworthy rotation sites include major industrial partners like Chevron, Hill Air Force Base, and NASA Kennedy Space Center, as well as regulatory agencies like OSHA and various local health departments. This exposure not only enhances clinical capabilities but also deepens understanding of workplace health regulations and employee safety 7.
Research Component
A significant aspect of the training encompasses completion of a research project, which may align with the residents' clinical interests or professional aspirations within the field of occupational medicine. This project enhances the evidence-based practice of medicine and contributes to the academic growth of the residents 1.
Visa Support
The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring H-1B and J-1 visa types. This enables qualified foreign medical graduates to participate fully in the residency program and gain the requisite training and experience crucial for their career development in occupational medicine.
Competitiveness and Career Opportunities
The Occupational Medicine Residency at the University of Utah Health is regarded as a highly competitive program. It is open to applicants from all backgrounds, including graduates of osteopathic (DO) and international medical schools (IMG). The program encourages a diverse cohort of applicants, meeting a growing demand for trained professionals in occupational medicine 5.
Application Process
To apply for the residency, candidates must submit their applications through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) in early fall, with the intent to commence the program the following July. The application process includes a thorough review by the Residency Committee, which extends interview invitations to select candidates during the fall months. The final selection process aligns with a standardized offer date consistent with national practices among occupational medicine residency programs 4.
Special Application Requirements
Prospective residents must be aware of specific application requirements, such as obtaining a valid medical license to practice in Utah, which is a requisite for all residents. Additionally, candidates with multiple failures on Step exams may be considered less competitive, although each application is evaluated holistically. Overall, the commitment to diversity makes the program approachable for a broad spectrum of applicants.
Website
- 1 .Residency Overview | University of Utah Health
- 2 .Current Residents | University of Utah Health
- 3 .404 - Page Not Found | University of Utah Health
- 4 .Current Residents | University of Utah Health
- 5 .Letter to Prospective Applicants | University of Utah Health
- 6 .Past Residents | University of Utah Health
Director
Eric M Wood, MD, MPHProgram Director, Occupational Medicine Residency Program Appointed Since October 2007Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$73,686First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Salt Lake City, UT
- Crime Rate and Safety: Salt Lake City has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major U.S. cities. The city is generally safe, but like any urban area, it's advisable to take precautions, especially in certain neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Salt Lake City offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities thanks to its proximity to mountains and national parks. Residents can enjoy skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The city also has cultural attractions like museums, theaters, and a vibrant dining scene.
- Climate: Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with snowfall in winter and warm temperatures in summer.
- Races and Population: Salt Lake City has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
- Education: Salt Lake City offers excellent educational opportunities with top-ranked schools and universities in the area. Residents have access to quality education from elementary school through higher education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Salt Lake City is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs, utilities, and groceries are generally affordable, although prices have been increasing in recent years.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Salt Lake City is a few hours' drive away from larger urban centers like Las Vegas (about 6 hours), Denver (about 8 hours), and Phoenix (about 10 hours). This allows residents to take weekend trips to explore these cities.
- Pros: Outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse population, good educational options, moderate cost of living.
- Cons: Cold winters, potential air quality issues, some neighborhoods may have higher crime rates.
Interview Questions
