Tri-State Occupational Medicine Association Evolves Across Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania
The Tri-State Occupational Medicine Association (TSOMA), serving as a vital regional component of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), unites occupational health professionals across Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania. Established initially on October 17, 1954, as the Industrial Medical Association of Pittsburgh, the organization has undergone several strategic transformations.
Decades of Structural Expansion and Name Changes
Organizations don’t survive seven decades without adapting to their surrounding economic landscapes. On October 30, 1960, the group rebranded as the Industrial Medical Association of the Pittsburgh-Cleveland Area, signaling a broader geographic reach between two major manufacturing titans. By September 20, 1974, the organization officially adopted the name Tri-State Occupational Medical Association to reflect the inclusion of Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania.
The consolidation continued into the 21st century. Sometime in the 200X decade, the Western Ohio Occupational Medical Association officially merged into TSOMA, further solidifying its multi-state network. Today, ACOEM members residing in the designated TSOMA area or any adjacent state can select TSOMA as their official component society, connecting local clinical practitioners with national occupational standards.
Leadership and Multi-State Governance
Maintaining a cohesive medical association across three distinct states requires a balanced leadership structure. TSOMA is overseen by a dedicated Board of Directors featuring active representatives from Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, alongside an executive roster comprising a President, President Elect, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer.
According to organizational records, the leadership team features President Ned Kusti, MD, MPH; President Elect Chip Carson, MD, PhD; Vice President Davinder Bhullar, MD, MPH; and Secretary-Treasurer Ed McVay, MD, MPH, alongside Assistant Treasurer Carl Werntz, D.O., MPH. Regional governance is further reinforced by state-specific board representation, including Beth Mease, MD, MPH for Ohio; Carl Werntz, DO, MPH for West Virginia; and Teressa Salvagio, MD and Bill Majesky, MD representing Western Pennsylvania. All directors and officers are democratically elected during the business meeting held at the association’s Annual Conference.
The Ongoing Role of Occupational Medicine Societies
By collaborating under the broader umbrella of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, regional practitioners share localized data regarding heavy industry exposures, mining safety, and modern manufacturing ergonomics unique to the tri-state terrain.
Looking Ahead at Regional Workplace Health
How has your own practice or local industry adapted to recent shifts in regional occupational health standards? Share your perspective in the comments below.
