What would you like to share on this Workers Memorial Day, particularly in the context of the past year?
Workers Memorial Day reminds us of all the essential workers on the frontlines during these treacherous times who protected all of us. Many of them lost their lives. We need to remember their sacrifices and work to continue to protect all workers and provide them with safe workplaces.
Can you discuss the role of occupational medicine practitioners during Covid-19?
We were plunged into a pandemic that impacted all of us in a profound way. Occupational medicine practitioners worked on the frontlines to protect our precious healthcare workers who were serving very sick patients. They were instrumental early on in establishing safe workplaces for everyone. Occupational medicine providers worked tirelessly with infectious disease colleagues and other collaborators, creating new innovative processes within the healthcare enterprise and other industries. From testing for SARS-CoV-2 infections to COVID-19 vaccine delivery to vulnerable working populations, occupational medicine providers shared their expertise and intellect for a seamless process across multiple industries. We have the expertise to take care of our patients and also the health of the population.
What are you optimistic about for occupational medicine as we look beyond Covid?
I am extremely optimistic about the future of occupational medicine. My faith in human resilience has been confirmed as we were challenged by adversity; collectively, we prevail.
