Budget Ax Hovers Over Occ Med Residency Programs

Occupational medicine physicians are voicing their concern about a federal budget plan to cut the Education and Research Centers (ERCs) Program within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which would have a direct impact on OM residency programs.

The centers were established to support academic institutions, promote research, and develop occupational health and safety training programs. It is estimated that NIOSH funds more than 80 percent of occupational medicine residencies; about 70 percent of residents are trained at an ERC. If the centers are eliminated, other valuable continuing education programs in occupational health for community-based practitioners also would be affected. 

In a letter to senators, Natalie P. Hartenbaum, M.D., M.P.H., president of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Board of Directors, said the White House's FY 2012 budget "proposes to jeopardize funding for occupational medicine training programs at a time when:

1. there is a recognized shortage of physicians training in occupational medicine; 
2. a core strategy of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is prevention; and 
3. workplace health promotion and disease prevention programs are part of PPACA’s National Prevention Strategy."

Meanwhile, in a plea for support being circulated by the New England College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the proposed measure is described as “the equivalent of suddenly ending Medicare funding for hospital-based residencies like internal medicine and surgery.”  

NECOEM has prepared a sample letter for occupational health and safety professionals to send to their elected representatives. To obtain a copy, post your request here or write to kohara@naohp.com.