ATRI and Mayo Clinic Launch Joint Survey to Examine Driver Medical Exam Process

The American Transportation Research Institute and Mayo Clinic launched a set of surveys designed to solicit motor carrier and commercial driver input on the impact that the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners has had on the driver medical exam process. The NRCME was deployed in 2014 and since then, medical examiners performing DOT physicals are required to take an approved course, pass an exam and be listed in the registry before issuing medical certificates.

The research collaboration between ATRI and Mayo Clinic will quantify how effective the NRCME process is in improving the DOT physical exam process, and ensuring that medical examiners understand FMCSA regulations and guidance for issuing medical certificates, the research institute and the Mayo Clinic said in a statement.

The research includes three separate data collection surveys; one each for motor carriers, commercial drivers and medical examiners. The surveys for motor carriers and drivers are available on ATRI’s website. Mayo Clinic will be distributing the third survey to medical examiners.

“Driver health and wellness continues to be a top industry issue and area of research for ATRI. The joint research with Mayo Clinic will shed light on how the medical exam process is working since the advent of the national registry,” ATRI President Rebecca Brewster said in a Sept. 14 statement.

“We can help shape and improve the medical examination process if we can better understand how motor carriers, truck drivers and medical examiners address the changes resulting from the NRCME process,” said Clayton T. Cowl, MD, MS and principal investigator for Mayo Clinic.

Motor carriers and commercial drivers are encouraged to complete the confidential surveys available online at www.atri-online.org.

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research.