Not enough occupational physicians in Luxembourg
The Luxembourg occupational health association is alerting political decision-makers on Monday to a shortage affecting the sector. She puts forward the project of training in Luxembourg to attract future occupational physicians.
There is currently a shortage of 25 occupational physicians in Luxembourg. A situation which should worsen further in the next five years, according to the Luxembourg association for occupational health (ALSAT), since by 2027, 50 new specialists will be recruited. According to the association, this figure should barely keep the profession afloat in the Grand Duchy. The European standard mentions one occupational doctor for 3,500 employees. With the objective set by ALSAT, this will amount to one specialist for 5,000 employees.
In a press release, the association warns of the consequences of this shortage. Significant delays in making appointments, less access to professional reclassification measures for employees and above all a lack of direct presence in the company for the 70 occupational doctors in Luxembourg. Absences that directly impact “the well-being and health of employees as well as companies”.
Training to attract candidates
“It’s a job that remains poorly known,” explains Dr. Nicole Majery, vice-president of ALSAT, to explain the lack of passion for the sector. “Hence the importance of training that would enable medical candidates to be made aware of this profession”. This project has been developed by the association since 2016 but is slow to be proposed to the University of Luxembourg. Today, similar courses exist in neighboring countries. A situation which has the consequences of seeing potential occupational physicians leave the Grand Duchy to settle, for example, in France or Belgium.
“The training offered in neighboring countries has existed for many years but deserves to be renovated”, notes Nicole Majery. “With the proper training, we will succeed and keep the candidates staying.” The press release published by ALSAT highlighted the proposal “for attractive and innovative training in the Grand Duchy”. A course which would be partly integrated around the curriculum defined at European level and which would adapt to “the rapid evolution that the world of work has experienced in recent years” and “to the specificities of the labor market in Luxembourg”.
The daily life of an occupational physician
“These are consultations that all doctors like consultations when hiring”, describes Nicole Majery. “We check whether the employee’s state of health allows him to carry out his daily tasks and we also ensure that the design of the position does not involve any risks. If this is the case, we can provide advice on adaptations or risk awareness”.
In its press release, ALSAT emphasizes the essential role played by the occupational physician “in the field of mental health and the prevention of psychosocial risks”.