AMEs are physicians (MD or DO) who are credentialed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to examine and medically certify pilots and Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS). Senior AMEs are able to medically certify First Class pilots (e.g., airline transport pilots) as well as Second and Third Class pilots and ATCS. The medical criteria which must be met for approval differ for each of the three classes and for ATCS.
OM is a subspecialty of General Preventive Medicine (GPM). Certification in OM is accomplished through the American Board of Preventive Medicine, requiring completion of specific clinical and academic training, sufficient medical experience in OM practice, and successful completion of the Board examinations in GPM and OM. Physicians trained in OM often serve as medical directors for corporations or work in private or public OM practices serving small-to-large companies in injury care, toxicology, and preventive health. Some OM physicians work with university or government organizations (state health departments, Centers for Disease Control, OSHA).