Faculty of Occupational Medicine (United Kingdom)

Faculty of Occupational Medicine (United Kingdom)

The Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) is a professional and educational body committed to promoting and supporting health at work. It is based in the United Kingdom and operates under the auspices of the Royal College of Physicians. The FOM plays a crucial role in developing standards for the practice of occupational medicine, providing training and qualifications for doctors and health professionals in the field, and conducting research to advance knowledge and practice in occupational health.

History

The Faculty of Occupational Medicine was established in 1978, in response to the growing recognition of the importance of health in the workplace and the need for a formal body to oversee the standards of practice in occupational medicine. Since its inception, the FOM has been instrumental in setting professional standards, advocating for the health and well-being of workers, and promoting the specialty of occupational medicine within the broader medical and business communities.

Functions and Objectives

The primary functions and objectives of the FOM include:

• Setting standards for professional competence in occupational medicine.
• Providing postgraduate education and training for doctors and other healthcare professionals in the field.
• Conducting research on occupational health issues.
• Offering guidance and advice on occupational health matters to the government, industry, and the public.
• Promoting the importance of good health at work and the benefits it brings to individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

Qualifications

The FOM offers several qualifications to doctors and health professionals who wish to specialize in occupational medicine, including:

• Diploma in Occupational Medicine (DOccMed)
• Membership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (MFOM)
• Fellowship of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FFOM)

These qualifications are recognized benchmarks of professional competence in the field and are essential for those looking to advance their careers in occupational medicine.

Membership

Membership of the FOM is open to doctors and other health professionals who have an interest in the health of workers and the workplace. Members benefit from access to a wide range of resources, including educational and training opportunities, research findings, and professional networking events.

Research and Publications

The FOM is actively involved in research on various aspects of occupational health, including the impact of work on health, the management of occupational diseases, and the effectiveness of workplace interventions. The Faculty publishes guidelines and position statements on occupational health matters, as well as a peer-reviewed journal, Occupational Medicine, which disseminates research findings and best practices in the field.

Challenges and Future Directions

The field of occupational medicine faces several challenges, including adapting to changes in the nature of work, addressing emerging health risks, and ensuring access to occupational health services for all workers. The FOM continues to work towards addressing these challenges, advocating for policy changes, and promoting the integration of occupational health into public health strategies.

See Also

• Occupational Health
• Royal College of Physicians
• Occupational Disease
• Workplace Health Promotion