Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #120221

Peter Orris, MD, MPH, Division of Occupational Medicine, Cook County Hospital, 1900 W. Polk, Rm. 500, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-864-5520, porris@uic.edu

In a world of conflicting interests the occupational health professional can not hope to stand apart on a pristine island. Surely the codes of ethics of professional societies and the standards of practice of groups like the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics are important tools for occupational health professionals in their efforts to practice impartially. Yet if the economics of the social system provide strong incentives and disincentives that run counter to these codes of ethics - in time they will erode. It is in this context that the occupational physician or other professional who is supported by the labor movement plays a critical role in balancing the scales. This role is not solely limited to the professionals' own actions but limits the actions of others, not so supported, by example and critique.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to

• Describe and discuss the contribution of professional societies and groups like the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics to the practice of occupational medicine. 2)Analyze and discuss the role of organized labor in occupational medicine.

Keywords: Occupational Health Care,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation