DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW MASTERS PROGRAM FOR OCCUPATIONAL PHYSICIANS IN FLANDERS

Background: discussions with occupational physicians and a postal surv ey identified the shortcomings of previous programs, mainly found in t he fields of occupational hygiene, ergonomics, environmental health an d management. Objectives of the new program: basic knowledge (see cont ent), the development of problem solving skills, scientific and social attitudes. Content: first year: occupational health practice, occupat ional hygiene, epidemiology, work physiology, toxicokinetics and dynam ics and in service training (4 weeks). Second year: occupational patho logy, environmental health, ergonomics, social legislation, safety, ma nagement and in service training (4 weeks). The total study load is es timated at about 1600 hours per year. Methods: interactivity is stimul ated by the introduction of interdisciplinary seminars, project work i n groups and Socratic dialogue, The objectives, contents and teaching and student-evaluation methods of the separate items were defined befo re selecting teachers, Finality of the program: a masters title suffic ient to practice occupational medicine in Belgium. A subsequent postac ademic training of 2 years, while at work, will be required for the ti tle of specialist in occupational medicine, valid at European Union (E U) level. It will include preparing and publically defending a thesis. Statement: The collaboration of ex-students working in the field is e ssential in the development and quality assessment of adequate teachin g programs.