The MCQs Working Group, composed by 3 colleagues from UEMS OM WG1 and one EASOM designated member, dedicated an extensive effort to the selection of 130 MCQs covering all the domains included in the approved ETRs, and to the evaluation of the different levels of difficulty. The MCQs were extracted from the bank of MCQs by two of the 4 members of the WG, then revised by the other 2 members, shared and discussed, to reach a final consensus on the selection, covering all the domains, the formulation and wording, and the difficulty level (easy, moderate, difficult). The final set of question was privately stored by one only of the WG member until the day of the exam.
The exam was announced in the web page of the UEMS OM website, along with all the necessary practical info, including the application form. It was also promoted through activities organized by the section delegates. Additionally, the UEMS OM president announced and presented the Exam during different OM meetings across Europe, and during a Special session organized during the ICOH Congress in Marrakesh, with the participation of the UEMS President, and of the EASOM President.
Various specialists and trainees expressed interest, and requested information regarding the exam. Ultimately, four applicants participated to the 2024 European Exam, 2 from Slovenia, one from Germany and one from Portugal. Unfortunately, a fifth candidate from Italy was unable to attend. The age of the candidates ranged from 29 to 37, some were residents, other practiced OM in different sectors.
The Brussels Office provided significant support to the organizational activities. The exam was conducted smoothly, though some minor details could be further refined.
The duration of the exam was 150 minutes: all candidates completed the test within the allocated time.
All examiners participated in the correction process, with double-checking of results to ensure accuracy.
As agreed, the passing threshold was the 62.5% of the maximum score. Three out of the 4 applicants successfully passed the exam and obtained the European Diploma in Occupational Health.
At the end of the exam all the applicants filled an evaluation questionnaire.
At the end of the exam, all candidates completed an evaluation questionnaire. The results indicated positive feedback regarding technical information, communication, customer service, and the exam venue. The allotted time for the exam was deemed sufficient, as all candidates completed the test within the given timeframe.
As a conclusion the overall evaluation from the candidate was positive.
Despite a limited number of applicants in the 2024 edition, we strongly believe that the European Postgraduate Medical Assessment in Occupational Medicine is a crucial initiative for promoting high-quality, effective, up-to-date, and equitable occupational medicine practices across European countries. Therefore, we are committed to maintaining this assessment and are actively organizing the 2025 edition. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to encourage a larger number of specialists to apply.
Fabriziomaria Gobba,
President of UEMS OM Section,
Brussels, 9 november 2024
For further information see:https://uems-occupationalmedicine.org/fifth-european-assessment-in-occupational-medicine-21-october-2024/