A close examination of the origin and roots of ANZSOM, why it was established and what was its purpose, can assist us as occupational physicians to reclaim and rectify our practice in the years ahead, and hopefully respond to the current pattern of occupational medicine becoming generally responsive to the needs of insurers and regulators, rather than treatment based.
ANZSOM has always had its feet close to the grass roots of the practice of occupational medicine on a day-to-day basis in the workplace and we firmly believe occupational medicine is as relevant today as it was when it began 50 years ago.
ANZSOM is a Foundation member of HASANZ, a representative organisation for health and safety professionals. HASANZ is an expert advisory group guiding health and safety policy in New Zealand. To read more about ANZSOM’s involvement with HASANZ and how you can become involved, visit the “Health and Safety Association of NZ” page.
For any occupational or environmental medicine enquiries ANZSOM can help you find an appropriate occupational medicine advisor. Find a Consultant.
History of ANZSOM
The early history of ANZSOM – New Zealand and early developments in occupational medicine in New Zealand 1965-1984
This brief history (from the downloadable pdf below) was first published in the journal, The Occupational Health Nurse, in the summer edition of 1987.
The photos and appendices were added at the time of the ANZSOM conference in Wellington in 2011. The success of this 40th anniversary conference meeting in Wellington was a tribute to the enthusiasm and commitment of successive branch executives, presidents, secretaries and members over the past four decades.
ANZSOM, as an organisation, has always had its feet close to the grass roots of the practice of occupational medicine on a day-to-day basis in the workplace. At a time when occupational medicine is looking closely and critically at its future, the role and the continuing existence of ANZSOM is vital.
Darryl O’Donnell’s Presidential Report from 1973 (attached as Appendix 1) is as relevant today as it was then, and one hopes will be in the years ahead.
A close examination of the origin and roots of ANZSOM, why it was established and what was its purpose, can assist us as occupational physicians to reclaim and rectify our practice in the years ahead, and hopefully respond to the current pattern as commented on by Des Gorman in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2004. In his editorial he was concerned that… “There are few positive health outcomes related to occupational medical practice. This is variously because: occupational medicine has become generally responsive to the needs of insurers and regulators and hence assessment and not treatment based”.
The future is in our own hands. We either practice occupational medicine in the workplace or sit in the office carrying our medical assessments for the insurance industry.
Bill Glass, 2011