Occupational Medicine

General description of the work Consultant Occupational Physicians undertake

The Consultant Occupational Physician is a doctor who deals with medical fitness to work. He/She assesses and advises on a person’s fitness to undertake a particular occupation. He/She normally undertakes this assessment on behalf of the employer. He/She may also advise the employer on issues in the workplace that have health implications for employees.

Most common clinical areas / procedures leading to a claim of clinical negligence

  • injuries in the workplace
  • work related ill–health
  • occupational health assessment leading to loss of employment
  • exposure to toxins at work

Sub–Specialities / Alternative and Additional job titles

The Consultant Occupational Physician may be known as a Consultant Physician with a special interest in Occupational Health.

Some General Practitioners have a special interest in occupational health and undertake some work in this field.

Usual Qualifications

The Consultant Occupational Physician will usually have MFOM (Memebership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine) after his/her name.
GPs undertaking occupational health work may have DOccMed (Diploma in Occupational Medicine) after their name.

Academic Appointments

The Consultant Occupational Physician may be a Lecturer in Occupational Health or Occupational Medicine.