The first recipient of a grant from the new Medical Fellow Research Program will study risk factors for low back pain among commercial truck drivers.

The work will be undertaken by Dr. Eric M. Wood. The grant program is jointly supported by The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) and the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

According to ACOEM, commercial motor vehicle drivers are at an increased risk for low back disorders. The prevalence estimates range from 50 percent to 75 percent.

Wood's research will help identify the risk factors and provide information about methods to help modify the risks and reduce the suffering and costs involved.

Applications for the 2007 Medical Fellow Research Program are available by calling ACOEM at 847-818-1800. The deadline is July 15, 2006.

Next year's grant recipient will be announced at the annual fall meeting in New York.