International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) Second Annual General Meeting - Minutes
Date: June 30, 2026 Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. GMT
Attendees: Richard Heron, Ron Loeppke, Peter Connaughton, Paulo Rebelo, Herman Spanjaard, Yohama Caraballo Arias, Marianne Cloeren, Kenji Saito, Igor Bello, Gijsbert van Lomwel, Cindy Vorselman, Nguyen Bich Diep, Lanre Ogunyemi, Alexis Descata, Arnoldo Mejia, Dingani Moyo, and Rajgopal Thirumala, Aseni Wickramatillake, and Lisa Alman Support Staff : Nick Pahl, Rose Wood, Julie Ording
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Ivana Kearney, Patrick Kelly, Lila Torp, and Jasmika Goldani.
2. Conflict of Interest
Members were invited to declare any conflicts of interest. No conflicts of interest were declared.
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting (June 26, 2025) were approved as an accurate record without amendment.
4. Co-Chairs Report
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Drs. Ron Loeppke and Richard Heron presented updates on IOMSC’s activities this year.
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IOMSC now comprises 52 occupational medicine societies across 48 countries, representing more than 30,000 occupational medicine professionals serving over one billion workers worldwide.
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IOMSC held a Thought Leaders Summit at the International Labour Organization (ILO) Headquarters in Geneva during World Health Assembly week in May, attended by experts from over 50 countries. Three major workstreams from the Summit produced landmark reports ( links to reports provided ) on the (1) Business value of investing in employee health and wellbeing, (2) Workplace mental health ("Beyond the Body"), and (3) Occupational heat stress and climate change. In addition, artificial Intelligence and its impact on workers was identified as a priority area for future work.
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During the Summit, IOMSC provided Global Leadership Awards to Dame Carol Black, Dr. Ivan Ivanov and ILO.
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In order to extend the reach and commitment of shared values, IOMSC has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), GOSH, and Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB).
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Lastly, members were encouraged to identify additional occupational medicine societies for future IOMSC membership.
5. Update on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Project
An update was provided on the NEBOSH-funded ASM project. Phase 1 research across Zimbabwe, Uganda, Colombia and Brazil has been completed as well as a literature search. ( see English version and French version). 443 miners participated in surveys examining occupational health and safety risks. These surveys identified poverty and informality as major drivers of unsafe work, limited access to occupational health services, and exposure to silica dust, mercury, heat stress and unsafe working conditions.
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Phase 2 funding has been secured to develop information, education and communication materials and continued advocacy with governments, mining organizations and international bodies.
In June, IOMSC and the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) launched a new project in India (Karnataka) focusing on healthcare professional training and occupational health research in ASM communities. Findings will be presented at ICOH 2027 in Mumbai.
6. Trustee Update
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Drs. Richard Heron and Ron Loeppke announced leadership transitions. They will be stepping down as Co-Chairs and Dr. Peter Connaughton will become the new Chair and Dr. Yohama Caraballo Arias will now serve as Secretary/Treasurer. Drs. Heron and Loeppke will remain on the Executive Committee, focusing on strategic development and long-term financial sustainability.
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In addition, Dr. Herman Spanjaard and Dr. Paulo Rebelo will be retiring as trustees
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Both received IOMSC Global Leadership Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to occupational medicine and their dedication and service to the IOMSC for the past 13 years.
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If there are members who are interested in serving as a trustee to please contact Nick Pahl. to him.
Approved by AGM
7. IOMSC Education Committee Chair Update
Dr. Marianne Cloeren reported on activities. The Committee has been working on the development of the new Global Grand Rounds educational program. The inaugural educational theme will focus on medical surveillance. Participants will complete an introductory online module and four webinars and will receive a certificate. Educational materials have been translated into French and Spanish using AI-assisted translation followed by expert review. Additional language translations will be explored. Development continues on an online Occupational Hygiene for Clinicians course in collaboration with Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB).
8. Financial Report
IOMSC continues to operate with modest financial resources while delivering significant international programs. The financial report was presented:
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2025 Expenditure: £23,771
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2025 Income: £24,532
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Net Surplus: £760
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Current Balance: £7,240
Approved by AGM
9. Voluntary Financial Support from Members
Members were reminded that voluntary annual contributions remain important to support IOMSC. The contribution schedule based on society size and national income classification was reviewed. A reminder letter would accompany AGM minutes. The Executive Committee also reported that work is progressing on the development of a Corporate Membership category, permitted under the IOMSC Constitution, to strengthen long-term financial sustainability while maintaining appropriate governance and independence.
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10. Any Other Business
Members were invited to attend the ICOH 2027 Congress in Mumbai (14–19 February 2027).
There was also appreciation expressed to outgoing Chairs and trustees and the recognition of the significant contributions of Julie Ording, Nick Pahl, Rose Wood, Professor Koji Mori, Professor Marianne Cloeren, Will Ponsonby and others supporting IOMSC activities. Drs. Loeppke and Herons thanked all attendees for their continued support and contributions.
The meeting closed with encouragement to continue expanding IOMSC's global impact through collaboration, education, research and advocacy.
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