The corporate medical department and AIDS

HIV infection in the workplace reflects the dimensions and distribution of the problem in the community at large. Despite this, accommodation of ill employees has been the general pattern and disruptions of any kind the exception. Corporate medical departments can be important participants in the clinical and social response to AIDS. Recognition of the illness itself, collaboration in the provision of health services, referral when necessary for treatment and counselling, assistance with medical benefits, and arranging for appropriate workplace modifications are among ways in which medical departments can assist concerned or ill employees. Confidentiality is essential in all of these interactions. Education of the workforce about AIDS is especially important from a public health as well as from an administrative standpoint. Providing input on relevant corporate policies and in determination of corporate philanthropy can be other dimensions of corporate medical departments' response to AIDS.