Teaching of occupational medicine to undergraduates in UK schools of medicine.

Abstract

To assess any recent change in the commitment to teaching of occupational medicine in UK undergraduate medical curricula. A questionnaire survey of the teaching of occupational medicine to undergraduates in all medical schools listed in the UK Universities and Colleges Admissions Service prospectus for 1999-2000 (n = 24). Nineteen UK medical schools returned a completed questionnaire, giving a response rate of 79%. A comparison of results from this survey with previous surveys of teaching of occupational medicine to undergraduates in the UK shows that fewer schools now provide lectures, project work or ward-based tuition in the subject. Workplace visits were not undertaken by any institution. Only two of the schools setting an examination question also had a syllabus. Despite the prominence given to issues related to occupational health in recent UK government policy, this study suggests a declining commitment to occupational medicine on the part of UK medical schools. Urgent action needs to be taken to address the lack of training in occupational medicine in UK medical schools.