Occ Med Portfolio station Flashcards
Why are you interested in the speciality?
I am enthused and excited by the prospect of a career in occupational medicine for a number of reasons.
Since I graduated from Imperial College London in 2018, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of work-related health conditions amongst my colleagues - ranging from the debilitating effects of long COVID to the burnout, stress and mental illness prevalent in healthcare workers in the context of a healthcare system under immense pressure. The people of the NHS are its greatest asset, and I feel hugely motivated to work pro-actively towards improving their health and wellbeing, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.
On a personal level, having grown up with an uncle who works as a sculptor in a foundry and a father who works in engineering at a well-known biscuit factory (navigating the factory’s high halls and heavy machinery, enduring the intense heat of the ovens and being exposed to flour dust), I have seen the ubiquity of workplace hazards. Many workers, constrained by economic pressures and focused on providing for their families, are unaware of the long-term risks they face.
I’m also driven by the government’s agenda of reducing long-term sick leave and facilitating a safe return to work. Research consistently demonstrates that meaningful work is a cornerstone of mental and physical well-being, with occupation contributing to a sense of purpose, social connection and identity. I view OM as a vital field that not only allows me to contribute to the well-being of individual workers, but also enhance productivity and ensure long-term sustainability of the workforce.
What do you think the day job will entail?
As an occupational medicine physician, my role will involve assessing and managing work-related health conditions. This will include:
- Conducting pre-employment health screenings
- Providing to fitness to work assessments
- Supporting employees by advising on tailored rehabilitation and return to work plans
- Advising on workplace adaptions to mitigate risk of illness or injury
Protecting workers health, promoting productivity and creating a sustainable, healthy work environment.
How will your prior medical experience benefit you in providing a background foundation for working in OM?
What experience do you have in OM to date, what are you doing to demonstrate your engagement?
I’ve shadowed occupational health physicians to gain insights into clinical practise and a realistic idea of the day-to-day role.
I’ve met with the London Training programme director and spoken to current trainees to get a better understanding of the career and training pathway.
I’ve been immensely lucky to be linked up with an NHS Occ Med Consultant, who is kindly acting as my mentor. It has been extremely helpful having in depth conversations with her about her work and getting her advice for starting out in the field.
I’ve scoured the Faculty of Occupational medicine and Society of Occupational medicine websites for resources to help me learn more about the career, and I have joined the SOM.
Finally, as I’m eager to be involved in occupational medicine research and policy, I’ve proactively reached out to the team at the London centre for Health and Work. I’ve had a meeting with their research manager, and am due to meet eminent OH professor Dr Madan in the near future.
What are your aspirations in regards to OM? interest in becoming trainer/supervisor, board, influencing change, research, exams?
I’m keen to help raise awareness of the speciality amongst medical students and graduates through teaching and outreach. When I reach consultancy, I’d also love to be involved in the training and mentorship of Occupational Health physicians.
I have quite an extensive research background, and am eager to be involved in occupational medicine research and policy development.
What do you think is the difference between OM and other medical specialities?
We are not advocates for the patient, we are there to give impartial occupational advice and recommendations to both employer and employee
Functional assessment is the cornerstone
What do you think the principles of OH are?
Work as an Occupational Medicine physician requires a deep understanding of medical, legal and ethical frameworks.
A core responsibility is ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, Equality Act and COSHH, to protect both employees and employers.
It also requires a broad, up-to-date knowledge of clinical medicine, including the management of work-related injuries, chronic conditions, and mental health issues.
Confidentiality is paramount, as we handle sensitive health information. Informed consent must be obtained for all assessments, interventions and for the sharing of reports.
Ultimately, the role is about balancing the health and well-being of workers with the needs of the workplace, while ensuring ethical and legal standards are upheld.
- Informed consent
- Confidentiality
- Legislative knowledge
- Breadth of medical knowledge, which must remain up to date
Where would you escalate any concerns?
As an Occupational Medicine trainee, I would escalate any concerns following a structured approach in line with NHS guidelines and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM).
Initially, I would discuss concerns with my clinical supervisor or educational supervisor. If the issue persists, I would escalate to the relevant senior management or the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian to ensure my concerns are heard and addressed.
Additionally, I would make use of the Datixx reporting system to document any incidents or safety concerns, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Throughout the process, I would maintain confidentiality and adhere to NHS confidentiality policies while prioritising patient safety and ethical practice.
Consultant , ES, CS
Freedom to Speak up guardian
Datix system
MDT working
