Higher Specialist Training (HST) in Occupational Medicine is a four-year programme completed in Specialist Registrar (SpR) posts.

On completion of HST, you will receive a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CSCST) which allows you to enter the Specialist Division of the Register with the Medical Council. 

Many doctors spend some time working abroad and building up their portfolio of research, audits and publications before becoming a specialist.

Your HST programme will incorporate the following core elements:

• At least 18 months in an industrial sector (for example, heavy and light industry, engineering, electronics, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, chemical, transport)
• A minimum of one year in the service sector (for example, healthcare, financial services, insurance, office environment)
• Work experience in units that offer a broad exposure to essential elements of occupational medicine

Over the four years of your HST programme, you will also:

• Attend at least 800 occupational health clinics, including at least 100 sessions in a health service occupational health department
• Carry out 20 industrial/worksite visits, covering a wide range of working environments. You will need to identify hazards and their assessment and control, and interact with safety officers, hygienists and environmental safety officers
• See at least 400 occupational clinical cases each year. Cases should involve audiology, psychosocial, respiratory, dermatological, toxicological, rehabilitation, disability assessment and musculoskeletal conditions
• Obtain knowledge and experience in other relevant specialties. This experience may be gained through personal reading, attendance at meetings or clinical attachment at outpatient clinics. Your trainer will help you identify which specialties would benefit you

You can apply for up to 12 months’ credit towards your Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CSCST) for research undertaken during HST.

In addition to supervised onsite training, you will attend a number of mandatory courses and study days designed to help you develop professionally and acquire the non-clinical skills and knowledge needed to provide excellent patient care.

You are also required to pass two exams during HST: Licentiate of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (LFOM) and Membership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (MFOM). You should aim to sit the LFOM at the end of your second year of HST and you are expected to obtain the MFOM by the end of your third year.

We have a dedicated team to help you through your Higher Specialist Training, that is available to deal with any questions you may have. Contact us on helpdesk@rcpi.ie