[Questionnaire survey of full-time occupational health physicians in Japan]

In August 1987 the University of Occupational and Environmental Health conducted a mail questionnaire survey on occupational health physicians (OHPs) located throughout Japan. The objective was to obtain preliminary information concerning the actual situation of OHPs together with their opinions on post-graduate training in this field. A summary of the results based on 187 valid responses (valid response rate = 59.4%) is as follows: 1. Age distribution of the respondents was in excess of 55 years of age (mean age of 61.4 yr), suggesting aging of the work force. 2. Comparison of the present age with period in present position revealed that a significant proportion of the respondents assumed their current position following retirement from clinical service. 3. Routine work schedules such as clinical activities and making site visits within factory tended to be influenced by the number of employees. 4. Conduct of special physical examinations on workers in hazardous environments was rated the highest among the necessary abilities of OHPs. 5. It was found that 30-34 years of age and 2-5 years of clinical experience were the minimal qualifications for a full time OHP.