Locum Occupational Medicine: Keeping Workers Healthy and Productive
When you think about Occupational Medicine professionals, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it’s treatment of an extreme workplace injury. Maybe it’s tracking down exposure to hazardous chemicals. Or, maybe it’s a pre-employment physical.
When you consider all the roles that an Occupational Medicine physician can fill, it’s easy to see why some characterize this healthcare specialty as being a physician who’s an investigator at heart.
Responsibilities
Occupational Medicine physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. They not only treat injured workers, but manage the process of returning to work. And since most occupational medicine providers have a solid understanding of OSHA guidelines, their recommendations and treatment plans will help employers stay compliant with regulations.
Some of their key responsibilities include:
- Accessing workplace environments and identifying potential risks.
- Developing employee health programs that monitor workers exposed to occupational hazards.
- Designing and implementing health programs aimed at educating employees concerning health and safety practices. This could include workshops, training sessions and health improvement/safety campaigns.
- Providing care/treatment when employees are affected by work-related injuries or illness.
- Managing disability cases and recommending workplace accommodations.
- Advancing knowledge in their field through research, leading to best practices
Locum tenens Occupational Medicine providers working in clinical settings may see patients for a variety of occupational health issues such as work-related injuries, illness and medical evaluations. In some cases, these roles will also include providing preventive care.
Benefits
But what are the benefits? The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports “occupational medicine physicians have a low rate of burnout and high satisfaction rates.”
In addition, occupational medicine roles provide a good work/life balance with a typical Monday through Friday schedule and good pay. For example, the average pay for locum tenens occupational medicine physicians ranges from $153,000 to $271,000 per year, depending on location, experience and certification.
Plus, there’s the satisfaction of knowing your work is making a difference in the lives of real people, all while keeping factories running, transportation systems rolling and our country’s industry and workforce on track.
Next steps
If job flexibility, an increase in pay, rewarding outcomes, a little bit of adventure and the knowledge that you’re improving the local workforce is something you’re searching for, locum tenens may be for you – and we can help.
SUMO Medical Staffing has a proven track record in helping healthcare professionals find locum jobs that best fit their specific needs. Our staffing representatives are ready to discuss your career goals and future. Request a consultation with a locum tenens staffing specialist today.