Studying at the Department of Occupational Health

Undergraduate Education

The undergraduate education organized by the Department of Occupational Health includes ca. 40 h of lectures and seminars as well as visits to local work places. The course is part of a larger entity titled The Medical Doctor and the Society. The aim of the course (1,5 ECTS) is to understand the goals and principles of preventive actions in occupational health as well as the connections between and cooperation with other parts of the public health care system (public and private) in Finland. The main themes of the course are 

• the relationship between work and health
• the occupational health system
• risk assessment of biological, physical and chemical risks at work
• work related diseases; and
• occupational diseases.

Additionally, the basic principles of rehabilitation and social insurance system are introduced. For the moment, all courses are given in Finnish, but courses in English by occupational health, occupational medicine and environmental medicine are under preparation. English speaking doctoral students are encouraged to contact professor Tuula Putus by e-mail.

Specialist Training

The specialist training in occupational health is coordinated by the ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The first two years consist of work in the primary health care system in Finnish municipalities and hospitals, and the specific training program includes two years in occupational health plus at least three other specialties, six months in a rehabilitation centre and another six months at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health or outpatient clinic of occupational medicine in Turku University Hospital. The education is given in Finnish and foreign medical doctors are required to present an approval of national authorities (VALVIRA). The national examination can be written in Finnish or Swedish.