Core competencies in occupational medicine from the perspective of the different fields of professional activity

Occupational physicians are expected to be ethical, technical, and humanistic professionals, working to promote and prevent work-related illnesses and to preserve worker's health. The Competências Essenciais Requeridas para o Exercício da Medicina do Trabalho (Core Competencies Required for the Practice of Occupational Medicine) guidelines should be a reference in their professional practice. This article aimed to analyze whether the domains currently proposed in the competencies of the specialty are reflected in the professional practice of those interviewed. This is a qualitative study including 12 interviews with occupational physicians in different fields. The narratives were recorded and the content was categorized according to the competencies matrix of the specialty. The analysis of the speeches showed that all the participants addressed the five domains of the Competências Essenciais Requeridas para o Exercício da Medicina do Trabalho. The interviewees stressed the positive and critical aspects of training and professional practice and the need for constant learning updates. According to the interviewees, the competencies are suitable for the various fields of work in occupational medicine. Special attention should be paid to ethical and moral dilemmas, which are a permanent challenge for occupational physicians who deal with conflicting interests between employers and workers on a daily basis.