Changes in the working world mean new challenges for occupational medicine. Firms today expect competent medical advice to help cope with the mental stress and psychosomatic problems from which employees suffer increasingly. The occupational medical health concept requires the occupational physician not only to provide medical support for individuals but also to direct attention to aspects of work design which affect health. These responsibilities demand a comprehensive spectrum of medical competence which includes not only knowledge of the basics of psychosomatic medicine but also experience in meditation techniques, group therapy and stress management.
