April 11, 2008

SIU Med School Offers Agricultural Occupational Health Training

A unique partnership of medical, environmental, safety and public health experts are presenting an extended training conference in May and June focused on important health care needs of rural areas.  “Agricultural Occupational Health Training” is the topic of a medical education conference for EMTs, emergency department staff, nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physician assistants, physicians,  veterinarians and others who provide health care for agricultural workers.  It will be held in Springfield, Ill., May 21 - 23 and June 18 - 20.

The conference is jointly sponsored by Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine, University of Iowa, University of Illinois Great Lakes Center for Occupational Safety and Health, SIU-Edwardsville School of Nursing, SIU-Carbondale Department of Health Education and the AgriSafe Network.

“The conference brings together many experts to help develop and share important understanding about treatment and prevention options for injuries, respiratory problems and other medical conditions prevalent in the agricultural community,” said Dr. David Steward, the course director and professor and chair of the internal medicine department at SIU’s medical school.  He will be joined by 13 guest presenters and 10 SIU presenters.

The six-day workshop which will feature a series of presentations about various agricultural health issues including acute injuries, health effects of agricultural pesticides, behavioral health issues in the farming community, musculoskeletal diseases and ergonomics, cancer, skin diseases, the elderly farmer and keeping kids safe as well as a farm tour.

Each 2½ day session, starting at noon on Wednesday May 21, and Wednesday, June 18, will be held at the SIU-E School of Nursing, 409 W. Calhoun St., Springfield.

The registration fee is $300 per 2½ session.  Continuing medical education credits are available for physicians and nurses.  Additional information and registration details are available online at www.siumed.edu/cme or by contacting SIU's Continuing Medical Education Office, 217-545-7711 weekdays.

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