Current controversies in occupational medicine education in Europe

The progressive implementation of the framework directive concerning occupational health and safety into che legislation of single European Union members is leading to changes in the role of occupational health professionals. It is important that Schools of Occupational Medicine contribute to training for competence and that occupational physicians continue to provide a high quality occupational health service in a changing environment. This could lead to a new and emerging role for the occupational physician, a key figure in prevention and health protection, capable not only to act as an expert but also as an advisor able to comply with employee and employer needs. The changing role of occupational physician will require new educational models which should allow the occupational physicians to be able to cope with problems and situations which can be encountered during their professional life. This will require a better harmonisation of educational and training programmes across the European Schools of Occupational Medicine. In fact, a variety of educational and training methods are currently adopted, although there is a substantial agreement about core values, core knowledge and core skills, which characterise the speciality.