Environmental Medicine
Overview
The MU Environmental Medicine Program performs routine medical surveillance for individuals who need employment-related medical exams, testing or services. Persons whose jobs entail special medical risks are usually protected in part by federal rules which require the employer to offer medical examinations or services that should discover and/or prevent work-related injuries. Examples are persons exposed to hazardous materials, such as emergency responders, inspectors of hazardous waste sites, construction workers, and members of the military. Examinations are performed according to federal regulations, and other applicable standards and recommendations. Aside from their occupational or environmental risks, these individuals are similar to the general population. It is always both challenging and gratifying to practice preventive care in this unique setting. Smoking cessation, for example, is a particular priority for persons who have additional cancer and/or respiratory risks because of their work exposures.
Staff
Environmental Medicine has two full time staff members, Wayland N. McKenzie, Jr., Ph.D., head and founder of the program, and Mary P. Andersen, M.S., Sr. Research Specialist. Pulmonary physicians perform the medical examinations. Other members of the Pulmonary Division round out the team for medical and administrative services.
