The workers' compensation system is complex and can be frustrating because of the multiple opinions required. However, since somewhat fewer than 50 occupational medicine specialists practice full-time in Minnesota, treatment of workers' compensation patients often falls to physicians trained in such specialties as family practice, internal medicine, orthopedics, neurology, emergency medicine, and neurosurgery. Each fall it cosponsors a 2-week institute with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. The center also offers additional courses of special interest throughout the year. Participants' opportunities for networking with occupational medicine specialists who practice in Minnesota or western Wisconsin are considerable.
Membership is open to all interested physicians.
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, offers courses in epidemiology, statistics, environmental health, and industrial hygiene. These courses are taught at the master's degree level within the university's standard day-school format. Included are a basic curriculum in occupational medicine and specialized courses in medical review officer and drug training, Americans with Disabilities Act issues that are of concern to physicians, and disability evaluations. The Internet Several World Wide Web sites provide a wealth of information about occupational and environmental medicine and links to other resources. McCunney RJ, ed.