Physician-occupational pathologist - who is this and why is it needed?

The field of medical activity, the purpose of which is the prevention and treatment of occupational diseases, is called occupational pathology. Its specificity is to exclude or reduce the impact of adverse factors on a person during work. Many in colloquial speech call occupational pathology the medicine of labor. It is absolutely independent medical discipline. The main objective of this activity is to support the good health of the work unit.

The pathologist - who is this?

In this area, qualified specialists are involved. A professional pathologist is a medical worker who consults patients, finds the causes of the illnesses, appoints a checkup, establishes a diagnosis and plans further treatment. Also, the doctor develops methods that allow early detection of such ailments, possibly preventing their appearance. The pathologist appoints preventive measures, as well as conducts rehabilitation of workers in the framework of health and social programs. The competence of the doctor includes the establishment of a direct link between existing diseases or disabilities with the characteristics of work activity and expertise that determines the suitability of a person to work in one place or another.

Profpathologists are daily engaged in analyzing the condition of the population, suitable for professional activity, especially that part of it that works in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. These doctors try to take all measures that will help reduce the risk levels of serious diseases. They are interested and show maximum efforts in carrying out complexes of various health-preventive measures that contribute to reducing the effect of harmful factors.

What does this doctor do?

Asking the question: "The pathologist - who is this?", It is necessary to find out what the activities of the doctor are aimed at. Services it provides:

• Consultations related to the diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation of workers, workers in unfavorable conditions, as well as those employees who have already received an occupational disease or suffered as a result of an industrial accident. Such consultation can be handled by people who have received a disability, severe trauma or poisoning in the workplace.
• Medical examination of an in-depth type of preventive nature, during which procedures are carried out to confirm the suitability of a person for some professional activity, as well as expertise that confirms the relationship of the disease to the patient's activities.
• Provision of referrals for visits to diagnostic procedures for the purpose of additional examinations, the collection of analyzes that reveal the level of ability to work.

The competence of the occupational pathologist

Again the question arises: "The pathologist - who is this, what is his activity directed at?" If necessary, use the services of this doctor should understand what actions on his part are legitimate. The patient who comes to the reception must give the most accurate and truthful answers to questions about his state of health. To confirm the words of the working doctor, the physician may be asked to provide relevant documents, references, survey results or a medical history.

Particularly important dialogue during the consultation includes issues related to working conditions. Without reliable information and truthful answers, it will be difficult for the occupational pathologist to provide the necessary assistance.

At the present time, at every enterprise there is a mandatory procedure for workers - medical examination. Seeing the list of cabinets that need to be mentioned, many may ask: "Who is this occupational pathologist?" This doctor determines the suitability of a person to work in a position, assesses how his activity affects his health, when necessary, suggests treatment or makes recommendations On the necessary preventive procedures.

Range of duties

A professional pathologist is a specialist with a higher education in the field of medicine. In addition, he must possess a certificate attesting to his postgraduate training. Such a doctor performs his work in specialized medical centers or in medical and preventive institutions.

According to what the job description of the doctor-occupational pathologist says, his activities are conducted in close cooperation with the sanitary epidemiological service. The main duties of a person in this profession are the analysis of the state of health, especially those people who work in hazardous or harmful conditions, activities aimed at reducing the risks of various diseases. The conclusion of the occupational pathologist about the state of health of the worker speaks about his professional suitability for this or that kind of work.

Diseases from the field of occupational pathology

• Pulmonary complaints of dust type (bronchitis, asthma, pneumoconiosis).
• Vibration disease.
• Microtraumas or problems of the musculoskeletal system.
• Acute and chronic intoxication with mercury, lead, manganese, fluorine, chromium, carbon disulfide, beryllium, benzene, styrene, pesticides, etc.
• Skin diseases caused by the working environment (epidermis, follicles, melasma, ulceration, dermatosis, dermatitis).