Why I Keep Coming Back to the AOHP National Conference
By Tabatha Carter, BSN, RN, COHN, COHC
Senior Occupational Health Nurse, SHL Medical
 

As I sit at my desk reviewing the Fall 2025 conference agenda and trying to choose which sessions to attend, one question keeps coming to mind—what is it about the AOHP Conference that keeps bringing me back?

Let me share my story.

I’ve worked in occupational health for 16 years, the last few as a registered nurse. When I began my career as an LPN, I learned about certification options and professional organizations that could help me grow. That’s when I found the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP)—and I joined.

In 2023, I noticed the AOHP Conference would be held just a couple hours from home in Savannah, Georgia. I signed up and attended a pre-conference workshop, hoping it might help with a long-term case I was managing. I didn’t know what to expect.

It did not disappoint.

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms. I proudly wore my “New Member” and “First-Time Attendee” ribbons and felt immediately part of something meaningful. The pre-conference workshop, led by Dr. Steven Wiesner and Dr. Rajiv Das, was interactive, insightful, and loaded with resources I could use right away.

That first conference energized me. I left with a renewed sense of purpose, a wealth of practical information, and a network of new professional friends.

So when I learned the 2024 conference would be held in Fort Worth, Texas, I was ready. This time, I signed up for two pre-conference workshops. I knew what to expect—and again, the variety of topics, the caliber of the speakers, and the spirit of the AOHP community exceeded my expectations.

Now, as I plan for Glendale in 2025, I find myself thinking:

“I don’t want to miss a single session.”

Every year, AOHP brings value I can take directly back to my job.

And I want to add something important:

“I didn’t want anyone to think that because you are not in the hospital system, that you couldn’t get answers to your questions. I work in manufacturing, and I can tailor almost all information to my industry. Now, it may take a little more digging, but I found that AOHP is a great resource and a fantastic organization to belong to. The member benefits are awesome and sometimes I wonder what I would do without ListServ!”

No matter where you work, if you're in occupational health—this is your community.

I’m so glad I gave AOHP a try. I’ll be attending for years to come.

See you in Glendale!