Development of a new masters program for occupational physicians in Flanders

• Published in: Safety science Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 199 - 206
• Main Authors: Vanhoorne, Michel, Van Sprundel, Marc, Depoorter, Anne-Marie, Verhaeghe, Jean-Pierre
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier India Pvt Ltd 01.08.1995; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Teaching. Deontology. Ethics. Legislation; Belgium; Europe; Human; Educational program; Higher education; Health staff; Medical specialty; Occupational training; Occupational medicine
• ISSN: 0925-7535; 1879-1042
• DOI: 10.1016/0925-7535(95)00029-G

Background: discussions with occupational physicians and a postal survey identified the shortcomings of previous programs, mainly found in the fields of occupational hygiene, ergonomics, environmental health and management. Objectives of the new program: basic knowledge (see content), the development of problem solving skills, scientific and social attitudes. Content: first year: occupational health practice, occupational hygiene, epidemiology, work physiology, toxicokinetics and dynamics and in service training (4 weeks). Second year: occupational pathology, environmental health, ergonomics, social legislation, safety, management and in service training (4 weeks). The total study load is estimated at about 1600 hours per year. Methods: interactivity is stimulated by the introduction of interdisciplinary seminars, project work in groups and Socratic dialogue. The objectives, contents and teaching and student-evaluation methods of the separate items were defined before selecting teachers. Finality of the program: a masters title sufficient to practice occupational medicine in Belgium. A subsequent postacademic training of 2 years, while at work, will be required for the title of specialist in occupational medicine, valid at European Union (EU) level. It will include preparing and publically defending a thesis. Statement: The collaboration of ex-students working in the field is essential in the development and quality assessment of adequate teaching programs.