A Brief Overview of Occupational Medicine

There are many different areas of medicine, however some just aren't easily recognized by the title of that area of expertise. Occupational Medicine is one of those sub-specialties that most are not familiar with. The misconception is that it is related to a form of occupational therapy which in itself is an entirely different specialty. As a Physician Assistant working in an occupational health setting my specialty is often confused with another area of medicine.

According to the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine specialists in this area are knowledgeable and capable of treating job-related diseases, recognizing and resolving workplace hazards, instituting rehabilitation methods, and providing well-managed care. The importance of these specialists is based on both preventative medicine as well as a quicker turn around to the work force for individuals that have had an injury or exposure while or during their time of employment.

The continue change of health care has now mandated the need for trained occupational and environmental medical specialists. There are several reasons for this and listed in more detail can be found at Wikipedia, but basically employees should not have to risk injury or hazardous exposures with their work environment. And from an economic stand point many governments have realized through the years that poor safety and/or health will result in cost to that State. By cost it can mean from social security payments through disabilities, workman's compensation for medical treatments or legal fees that may be incurred secondary to any compensatory damages.

Most occupational health facilities also perform special testing which will aid the employer in knowing if the person is physically fit for the job requirement. This may be done with pulmonary function tests for respirator use, job placement assessments which will evaluate an individual for the task at hand, vision and hearing screening as well as drug testing. Certain facilities will also do Department of Transportation medical exams as well as Fire Fighter physical exams. So as you can see there is a variety of different components in the occupational health setting, but yet they are geared to the prevention and safety for all employees as well as employers.

In this field of medicine there is always close contact with employers and organizations and this is done merely for the safety and health of the employees. Input is always shared and suggestions are made in how to improve the work environment as to make it a safer and more productive place to work. Most that have the knowledge of Occupational Medicine embrace our roles and appreciate the service that we provide. As a practitioner in occupational health I take pride in my role caring for the working individual in preventing or treating any workplace injury or illness.

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_Medicine
http://www.acoem.org/aboutACOEM.aspx
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003853.htm