[Systematic training for occupational physicians in schools of public health in the US and its application to Japan's system--Master of Public Health Program at Harvard School of Public Health]

Abstract

Objectives and results: Globalization has progressed tremendously resulting in far-reaching changes in the work environment. In Japan, occupational health and safety (OSH) activities are performed under and improved by regulations. However, this system is not likely to satisfy the unceasing diversification of social demand for OSH in recent years. The US adopts a self-imposed OSH system with responsibility carried by employers under a system of minimum regulation. This paper introduces the systematic training for occupational physicians in schools of public health in the US, which is creating a base of OSH professionals who can meet social demand.

Discussion: To satisfy the diverse demand for recent OSH, it is essential to improve the basic skills of occupational physicians and other OSH professionals by offering systematic training in Japan. Some examples of systematic training for occupational physicians in schools of public health in the US are discussed with the goal of improving Japan's future OSH.