Some doctors choose to go into preventive medicine.
Physicians can be "board certified" in several areas of preventive medicine. Board certification is granted by the ABPM, the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and preventive medicine is included on the list of medical specialties put out by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Practitioners of preventive medicine can receive board certification in aerospace medicine as well as occupational medicine and general preventive medicine. The field of preventive medicine is not generally included in medical school "rotations," so many doctors are unaware that board certification can be obtained in the area.
General Preventive Medicine
Some doctors who specialize in disease prevention concentrate on the health of communities and other defined populations. Doctors who practice preventive medicine for the general public bring their public health skills to the task, as well as their experience in clinical preventive practice in a range of situations. The ABPM awards board certification in public health and general preventive medicine.
Health in the Workplace
Doctors who promote the health of workers practice occupational medicine. They foster the health of employees so that they are able to perform their jobs. Practitioners of occupational medicine address issues in the environment of the workplace, including the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the environment. They also deal with the social environment of the workplace. The goal is to prevent injury, illness and disability in the workplace, and to manage these situations should they occur.
Aerospace Industry
Aerospace medicine practitioners use preventive medicine to promote the health and safety of crew members of airplanes and space vehicles. They also provide research, clinical care and operational support for passengers and support personnel who operate air and space vehicles. Aerospace medicine can be a challenging field because doctors may work in stressful situations. Often, they are based in remote locations with extreme environments and deal with environmental hazards and situations requiring engineering countermeasures.
Becoming Certified
Individuals interested in becoming board certified in an area of preventive medicine can submit an online application to the American Board of Preventive Medicine along with fees by June 15, with all documentation due by July 15. If the requirement is not completed until after the July 15th deadline, the Board will expect documentation as soon as it is available. Upon completion of the online application, the Board office notifies applicants of any missing documentation. By August, applicants will receive a notice that the application has been approved, disapproved, or that it is pending further documents. Once the application is approved, the applicant is advised of the examination site. In 2011, examination results will be sent by mail in December.
Tags: preventive medicine, American Board, occupational medicine, Aerospace medicine, American Board Preventive, board certification
