Setting the Standard: Dr Tolani Osunsanya Appointed Director of Examinations for UK Occupational Medicine

09 Feb 2026

Dr Tolani Osunsanya Appointed Director of Examinations at the Faculty of Occupational Medicine 

iheed is pleased to share that Dr Tolani Osunsanya, tutor on the RCPI Professional Diploma in Occupational Medicine, has been appointed Director of Examinations at the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) in the United Kingdom. 

The appointment reflects both his standing within the specialty of occupational medicine and his commitment to maintaining high standards in professional training and assessment. 

The Role of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine 

The Faculty of Occupational Medicine is the professional body responsible for setting standards in occupational medicine training, assessment and practice across the UK. It oversees key qualifications including the Diploma in Occupational Medicine (DOccMed) and Membership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (MFOM). 

These qualifications are central to career progression within occupational health. They ensure that physicians working in workplace medicine demonstrate the required knowledge, clinical competence and professional judgement necessary to support employees, employers and public health systems. 

Robust examination governance is critical to maintaining these standards. The Director of Examinations plays a pivotal role in overseeing assessment frameworks, examiner calibration, quality assurance processes and continuous improvement of examination systems. 

Dr Osunsanya’s appointment places him at the centre of this important work. 

Supporting Standards in Occupational Medicine Training 

Occupational medicine continues to evolve in response to changes in workplace environments, regulatory frameworks and emerging health risks. From managing long-term conditions in working populations to addressing psychosocial risks and environmental exposures, the scope of occupational health practice has broadened significantly. 

In this context, examination standards must remain rigorous, fair and reflective of contemporary practice. 

The Faculty has also announced several additional examination appointments, including Deputy Chief Examiners for DOccMed and MFOM Part 2, and a new Chief Examiner for MFOM Part 2. These appointments collectively strengthen the governance structure supporting occupational medicine qualifications. 

We also extend appreciation to Dr Louise Holden, who has retired as previous Chief Examiner for MFOM Part 2, for her contribution to the Faculty and the profession. 

Academic Leadership Within the iheed Community 

Dr Osunsanya serves as a tutor on iheed’s Professional Diploma in Occupational Medicine, supporting healthcare professionals who wish to develop expertise in occupational health. 

The programme is designed for doctors seeking formal training in occupational medicine, whether as part of career progression toward MFOM, to enhance their role in workplace health services, or to broaden their clinical scope. 

Having a tutor who now holds the position of Director of Examinations at the Faculty of Occupational Medicine reflects the strength of academic leadership within the iheed faculty community. 

While the programme itself is distinct from the Faculty’s examinations, strong engagement with recognised professional standards is essential in postgraduate medical education. Appointments such as this highlight the depth of experience and sector involvement within the teaching team. 

You can learn more about Dr Tolani Osunsanya here: 
https://www.iheed.org/find-your-programme/professional-diploma-in-occupational-medicine/tutors/dr-tolani-osunsanya 

Why Occupational Medicine Matters 

Occupational medicine plays a vital role at the intersection of clinical practice, public health and employment policy. 

Occupational health physicians assess fitness for work, manage workplace injuries and illnesses, advise on disability accommodations, and contribute to preventive health strategies within organisations. Increasingly, they are also involved in areas such as mental health in the workplace, long COVID management, and population-level health strategy within corporate settings. 

As workforce health becomes more closely linked to economic productivity and organisational sustainability, the demand for trained occupational medicine specialists continues to grow. 

Formal qualifications such as DOccMed and MFOM provide structured pathways for doctors seeking to develop expertise in this area. 

Professional Development in Occupational Medicine 

For doctors considering career development in occupational health, postgraduate qualifications provide both structured learning and professional recognition. 

The Professional Diploma in Occupational Medicine at iheed offers a flexible learning model designed to support working healthcare professionals. Delivered online, it enables doctors to build knowledge in areas including occupational disease, workplace risk assessment, employment law considerations and health surveillance. 

For many participants, such programmes form part of a broader journey toward specialist recognition, expanded practice responsibilities or leadership roles within occupational health services. 

Dr Osunsanya’s appointment to Director of Examinations at the Faculty of Occupational Medicine underscores the importance of high-quality assessment standards within this pathway. 

Looking Ahead 

The appointment of a new Director of Examinations represents an important moment for the Faculty of Occupational Medicine and the broader occupational health community. 

As workplace health challenges continue to evolve, maintaining strong governance and examination standards ensures that occupational medicine professionals remain well equipped to serve both employees and employers effectively. 

iheed congratulates Dr Tolani Osunsanya on his appointment and looks forward to continuing to support doctors pursuing professional development in occupational medicine. 

To learn more about the Professional Diploma in Occupational Medicine, visit: 
https://www.iheed.org/find-your-programme/professional-diploma-in-occupational-medicine 

09 Feb 2026