Management of an occupational health program within an industrial setting. Perspectives of a corporate medical director.

In this review, I have tried to identify and call to the attention of occupational health program managers what I consider to be some of the major occupational health issues and concerns facing industry. It is obvious that we have a sizable task ahead as we stand back and contemplate the scope and complexity of these matters. One of my colleagues coined an apt phrase: "We need to master the probable and manage the unpredictable." In the midst of all these opportunities, and faced with the constraints of the economy, the occupational health program manager must carefully evaluate his/her company needs vis-à-vis society's desires and requirements, and then prioritize and plan accordingly. In this plethora of challenges, I would encourage you to be innovative and to welcome the new, but not discard those features of past occupational health programs that have stood the test of time. Let us remember, too, that a good physician and nurse should always be available to counsel employees and help them address their needs. Our concern for our employee-patients should be more than a preoccupation about potential exposures to chemicals, radiation, and other toxic substances. However, even in the case of occupational exposures and illness, through that physician or nurse-patient relationship we may be the only individuals in a position to learn of subtle, adverse health effects. Personal interaction between the employee and the physician or nurse must be maintained and, in the long term, technological advances may in fact allow them more time to counsel and heal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)