Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Occupational and environmental medicine physicians study and treat problems related to people's jobs and their surroundings. Work-related stress, repetitive motion disorder and lead paint poisoning are all examples of the problems treated within the sphere of occupational and environmental medicine. The main thrust of the specialty is prevention. Practitioners focus on the ways in which physical and chemical conditions of the workplace impact workers' health and performance. Occupational and environmental medicine specialists often consult with employers to improve workplace conditions with the goals of protecting workers' health, reducing injuries and lost time, and improving job performance.