The MPH requires 3 semesters of formal course work. Practicum rotations begin after completion of two semesters of courses. Residents see patients in the University of Michigan clinic during all phases of the program. The occupational medicine clinic is supervised by core faculty in the Occupational Medicine Program. Both first and second year residents rotate through the clinic.
Some residents complete an optional research project.
The remainder of the year is structured to meet the needs of the individual, and may include advanced course work, rotations in unions, government, or occupational medicine practices, additional rotations in industry, subspecialty clinical rotations, or additional research time. Most physicians who enroll in the OJOC program are already working in occupational medicine, or are trained in another medical specialty, and are making a mid-career change. Over 100 physicians have completed the didactic program since its inception in 1981. Many residents in this program reside and work in states other than Michigan. Completion of the MPH curriculum takes 22 months, and includes largely the same courses, credit hours, and instructors as the full-time program.