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Q: What exactly is “Occupational Medicine” and what services does it provide?
A: The roots of Occupational Medicine can be traced as far back as 1556, when Georg Bauer’s De re metallicus detailed the dangers and diseases of miners. It has since played an instrumental role for workers throughout history, especially during the onset of the Industrial Revolution, which led to a surge in occupation illnesses and injuries.
In the United States, Occupational Medicine gained popularity with the 1970 passage of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Established by President Richard Nixon in the wake of growing malpractice among businesses, the Act implemented federal regulations to ensure workplace safety. The newly created Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) became responsible for regulating workplace health and safety.
In conjunction with an employer’s Occupational Health and Safety team, Occupational Medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. It also includes diagnosis and treatment of environmental illnesses, which occur as a result of pollution, spills, or in the vicinity of environmentally contaminated sites like Superfund sites. Clinical toxicology and epidemiological studies assist in understanding these illnesses.
Occupational Medicine physicians are certified through the American Board of Preventive Medicine. In addition to pre-placement employee physicals, the preventive role also includes health promotion strategies in the workplace. Increased prevalence of lifestyle associated illnesses like heart disease and diabetes has prompted many larger employers to enhance health promotional activities in the workplace and retain a healthy workforce.
Ergonomics, which aims to accommodate the job to the person (rather than forcing the person to adjust to the job), is another popular field of study for Occupational Medicine. Through research and analysis, physicians can help organizations across all professions—from administrative to manual labor—adjust their equipment and/or work areas in ways that may prevent illnesses, accidents, or injuries for their employees.
Occupational Medicine physicians are actively involved in assisting employers with regulatory compliance of OSHA standards. This is accomplished through medical surveillance,
hearing conservation, respiratory protection, and other workplace programs, as well as various training requirements. Occupational Medicine also includes disability management.
It is important to note, however, that Occupational Medicine is not equivalent to Occupational Therapy, which is a common misconception. Occupational Medicine often prescribes Physical or Occupational therapy for the treatment of occupational injuries.
Dr. De is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine. She is also a certified Medical Review Officer. She has been working with the Occupational Medicine department of Pocono Health System since 1999 and is the Medical Director.
- Dr. De
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