WOHC 2021 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

PG UPPER EXTREMITIES/POWER ORTHO

PRESENTED BY
Mark Greenfield, DO, FAOAO, FAAOS

Kayla Leary, DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS

Carter Lipton, MD

Julie Kenny, OTL, CHT

DESCRIPTION
A panel discussion focusing on the upper extremities from the perspective of a general and a hand orthopedic specialist, as well as a physical and a hand therapist, including demonstrations of exam techniques, treatments, and therapeutic approaches.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

OCCUPATIONAL SPIROMETRY TESTING

PRESENTED BY
Mary Townsend, Dr.PH

DESCRIPTION
Lung function testing is central to occupational health surveillance and clinical practice. Spirometry has been the most widely used test in the occupational setting for the past 40 years since abnormal spirometry results may indicate pulmonary impairment. But to have such a high predictive value of a positive test, spirometry must be performed and interpreted correctly. Spirometry is central to meeting OSHA requirements, impairment evaluation, clinical diagnosis, and public health surveillance. Join us to learn how and when spirometry should be done, including real-time demos. Note: The speaker will be live-streamed on a large screen. 

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

PG SKILLS TRAINING: OPHTHALMOLOGY - BURNS, TRAUMA, AND MORE!

PRESENTED BY
Matthew Heller, DO

DESCRIPTION
A comprehensive guide to chemical burns, trauma, foreign bodies, abrasions, and lacerations in and around the eye.  Will also cover fractures of the orbit, as well as other hazardous occupational and environmental exposures.

12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

WORKSITE VISIT

Barrow Neurological Institute

DESCRIPTION
The tour kicks off with presentations by brain injury specialists Christina Kwasnica, MD, and Javier Cárdenas, MD, followed by a visit to the rehab areas where attendees experience various robotic devices used during the rehabilitation process.

Worksite tour includes a discussion of clinical considerations and treatment needs for someone with workplace injury experiencing a concussion; will also discuss consideration and rehabilitation needs for workplace neurologic injuries. Will tour the facility with discussion and hands-on experience with the cutting edge robotics being used to enhance neuro-recovery during the rehabilitation process following such as workplace injury.

Space is limited to 25! Sign up now.

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

BOARD MEETING AND DINNER

Thursday, September 30, 2021

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Lunch on own 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

DOT MEDICAL EXAMINER CERTIFICATION PREP COURSE

PRESENTED BY
Anne-Marie Puricelli, M.D., J.D., National Medical Director Transportation, Concentra

Michael W. Berneking, MD, FACOEM, FAAFP, FAASM, Medical Director, Concentra

DESCRIPTION
This FMSCA Certified Medical Examiner Training Course is a high-quality training course providing a focused learning experience. It will help the DOT examiner become more knowledgeable about DOT regulations and driver medical and physical qualifications for safely operating commercial motor vehicles. The curriculum can be used to prepare for the exam set by the FMSCA. Topics will include the medical examiner’s role, driver medical history and exam, testing, certification, and reporting.

Click here for the agenda

To register for the DOT Medical Examiner’s Certification Prep Course, complete the registration for the conference and select the DOT Course. You do not need to register for the full conference.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

HEAT ILLNESS: RISK ASSESSMENT, CLINICAL EVALUATION & TREATMENT

PRESENTED BY
Richard A. Vinroot Jr MD MPH, Vice President-Global Medical Director, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold

DESCRIPTION
A discussion on how best to evaluate and treat heat illness through application within multiple case studies, how to describe innovative ways to prevent heat illness, and jobs at greatest risk for heat illness.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

HEAT ILLNESS-RELATED STANDARDS AND MEASUREMENTS

PRESENTED BY
Rustin Reed, IH

DESCRIPTION
A heat illness standards presentation, including differences between western states’ standards and federal requirements, how best to meet heat illness standards requirements, and the pros & cons of different types of measurements and monitoring.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

PROACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT: EXPERIENCES FROM THE FIRE SERVICE AND THE WASHINGTON STATE FIREFIGHTER INJURY AND ILLNESS REDUCTION INITIATIVE (FIRE)

PRESENTED BY
David Bonauto, MD, MPH, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington 

Jeff Burgess, MD, MS, MPH, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

John Gulotta, Safety and Wellness Chief, City of Tucson Fire Dept

Gerald Poplin, Branch Chief, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

DESCRIPTION
Dr. Burgess will discuss his firefighter and mining worker toxic exposures and cancer risk research, then Capt. Gulotta will provide his lived experience with this risk. Dr. Poplin will review the impetus, design, execution, and lessons learned from a 4-year quasi-experimental research project that introduced and implemented a proactive risk management safety system approach within the Tucson Fire Department in an effort to reduce injury incidence and loss. Dr. Bonauto will discuss risk management approaches, epidemiological surveillance, and prevention strategies for high-risk occupations. The talks will be followed by time with the panel for Q&A.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

WELCOME RECEPTION

Friday, October 1, 2021

7:00 AM - 7:45 AM

OCCUPATIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

PRESENTED BY
Anne Rorie Gelber, PhD, RN, NP

Victoria Michalchuk, PhDc, RN, AGPCNP

Rachel Odes, PhDc, RN

DESCRIPTION
Nurse Ph.D. candidate research presentations (3), including:

- Workplace predictors of duration of breastfeeding, duration of expressing breast milk in the workplace, and adherence to CDC recommendations for cleaning of a breast pump among employee nurses

- The Relationship Between Workplace Characteristics and Physical Activity in Workers with Low Occupational Activity

- What can we learn from California's new Workplace Violent Incident Reporting System for Hospitals? An overview of California's workplace violence prevention standard (Title 8, Section 3342), incidents reported by California's hospitals over the first three years of implementation (2017-2020), and the differences in reporting practices among hospitals and implications for research.

7:45 AM - 8:15 AM

OPENING REMARKS

8:15 AM - 9:00 AM

KEYNOTE:
PERSPECTIVES FROM A CAREER IN PREVENTIVE AND OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

PRESENTED BY
Robert Orford, MD, CM, MS, MPH, FACP, FACOEM, FAsMA, FACPM, Mayo Clinic

DESCRIPTION
Follow along on Dr. Robert Orford’s fascinating journey as he discusses Lessons from a Career in Preventive and Occupational Medicine. His long career spans government, academia, and industry in Canada, the US, and the UK.  He has freely given his time and expertise to various public health committees and professional associations at the local, state, national and international levels. This inspirational keynote draws from decades of experiences and touches on career mobility, adversity, continued learning, self-care, and much more.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

DOT DIFFICULT CASES: CHALLENGES AND PITFALLS

PRESENTED BY
Anne-Marie Puricelli, M.D., J.D., National Medical Director Transportation, Concentra

Michael W. Berneking, MD, FACOEM, FAAFP, FAASM, Medical Director, Concentra

DESCRIPTION
This expert panel presents difficult cases, the challenges they presented, and how they were addressed.  Attendees are invited to present their interesting cases to generate a valuable discussion.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

BREAK AND EXHIBITS

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

UPDATES IN THE ACOEM EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE GUIDELINES

PRESENTED BY
Matthew A. Hughes, MD, MPH, MRO, FACOEM, University of Utah

DESCRIPTION
An overview of recent ACOEM Guidelines updates in evidence-based recommendations.

12:00PM - 1:30 PM

LUNCH ON OWN 

or WOMEN'S POWER LUNCHEON

PRESENTED BY
Taben Hale, Ph.D., University of Arizona

DESCRIPTION
Physician leadership is important in leading a strong team that cares for the patients as well as the healthcare workforce. There are more women physicians now than ever, although there is still a gap when it comes to leadership roles. Women physicians, in particular, women physician leaders, face challenges that may impede their continued growth and success. The luncheon will enhance understanding of such challenges and how to lead more effectively with confidence and grace.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS ROUNDTABLE

 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

THE REALITIES AND RELEVANCE OF REGULATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

PRESENTED BY
Misael Cabrera, Director, Arizona Department of Environmental

DESCRIPTION
A discussion of federal and state regulatory frameworks, their implications, performance, and limitations with respect to environmental exposures. Alternative approaches and suggestions will also be shared.

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

BREAK AND EXHIBITS

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

COVID-19 CHALLENGES AND EXPERIENCES AMONG DINÉ FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA

PRESENTED BY
Lynn B. Gerald, Ph.D., MSPH, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

DESCRIPTION
COVID-19 spread rapidly through the Navajo Nation in 2020. The high rate of COVID-19 infection was influenced by many underlying issues prevalent on the reservation, such as lack of access to quality healthcare, poverty, and community behavior. In this session, participants will learn about asthma and the management of COVID-19 among the Diné people. Dr. Lynn Gerald, a nationally known expert in the area of asthma management programs, will address health disparities among Diné children. She will describe her collaborative work to address some of these disparities.

Approved by the Navajo Nation #NNR-16-247

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

DIVERSITY AND DISPARITIES IN OEM

PRESENTED BY
Chyke A. Doubeni, MBBS, MPH, Mayo Clinic

Alyx Porter, MD, Mayo Clinic

Lynn B. Gerald, PhD, MSPH, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

DESCRIPTION
The presentation will describe health disparities across the care continuum, root causes, role of racism, and offer solutions. The audience will have the opportunity to learn about the current state of racial and ethnic diversity in medicine along with the challenges and opportunities experienced by those considered underrepresented in medicine.

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

NETWORKING RECEPTION

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

RESIDENTS NETWORKING WITH WOEMA LEADERSHIP

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

SIGNATURE EVENT: FIESTA TIME!

DESCRIPTION
This outdoor evening event surrounded by the downtown Phoenix skyline will be full of fun with colleagues and friends. Our Fiesta theme features authentic Mexican heritage cuisine, music, and other surprises. Bienvenidos a la fiesta!

Saturday, October 2, 2021

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

WINNING RESIDENTS POSTER PRESENTATION

The Differences in COVID-19 Mortality to State Business Lockdown Measures, Trevor Pugh, DO

Return to Work, Demographic Predictors, and Symptomatic Analysis Among Healthcare Workers, Zaira Chaudhry, MD, MPH

Engineering Controls for Reducing Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Among Patients and Health Care
Workers During Indoor COVID-19 Testing Procedures, Alex Rytting, MD

Diving Into The Unknown: A Hazard Analysis for the Denver Fire Department Dive Team, Kelsey Smithart, DO, MPH

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

WOEMA AND ACOEM PRESIDENTS ADDRESS

PRESENTED BY
Robert M. Bourgeois, MD, MPH, FACOEM

Scott Krasner, MD, MPH, FACOEM

8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

AFTER THE PANDEMIC: WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER NEXT TIME

PRESENTED BY
Will Humble, Executive Director, Arizona Public Health Association

Michael Hodgson, MD, MPH, Faculty, George Washington University

Alison Steinbach, Journalist, Arizona Republic

Cynthia Stonnington, MD, Mayo Clinic

Constantine Gean, MD, Liberty Mutual

DESCRIPTION
Join a roundtable discussion with outstanding speakers on the roles of public health, macroeconomics, the media, occupational health systems, and employee well-being in mobilizing society’s response to a pandemic. This interdisciplinary session will focus on “lessons learned” and together, we’ll discuss key information to inform occupational medicine practitioners and your role in preparing for the next pandemic. 

CLICK TO WATCH
Panel member Alison Steinbach, journalist with the Arizona Republic, discusses her experience in covering the Covid pandemic, offers ideas on how public health can amplify its message, and shares highlights from her past year of reporting.

CLICK TO WATCH
Panel member Dr. George Poste discusses pandemic planning and institutional malaise, preserving the institutional memory of the pandemic, how to instill trust in communicated information, and explores novel avenues for public health preparedness.

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

BREAK AND EXHIBITS

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

AFTER THE PANDEMIC (CONTINUED)

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

LUNCH ON OWN

 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

OEM JEOPARDY

PRESENTED BY
Akbar Sharip, MD

Anthony Biascan, MD

DESCRIPTION
Test your knowledge in this fast-paced, friendly team competition all about OEM.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

CULINARY ASPECTS OF HEALTH

PRESENTED BY
Linda Shiue, MD, Chef and Author, Director of Culinary Medicine, Kaiser Permanente

DESCRIPTION
Learn about the health benefits of spices in everyday cooking and healthy and nutritious substitutes for popular dishes. Previous conference sessions focused on the importance of lifestyle medicine and food as medicine. This session takes it a step further and bridges the gap by empowering occupational medicine providers with practical tools and tips. A live cooking demo by Dr. Shiue will be a highlight of the conference (and possibly the option to taste the delicious food afterward!).

More about Dr. Shiue…

Doctor Turned Chef Finds Medical Wisdom in Her Spice Cabinet, an article in Bon Appétit

Kung Pao Tofu, as featured in the Washington Post

A Conversation with James Beard award-winning chef, educator & author Bryant Terry.

Author of Spicebox Kitchen and blogger at SpiceboxTravels.com

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

PULMONARY/RESPIRATOR TESTING 2025: EMERGING ISSUES

PRESENTED BY
Philip Harber, MD, MPH

DESCRIPTION
The session will present topics that are relevant today and will be especially important in 2025:

• Beyond spirometry: Impulse Oscillometry (IOS), FeNO, Quantitative imaging, Wearables
• Practical trends for interpreting spirometry:  RIP “% Predicted”, Trajectory of change in surveillance.
• Lessons from the pandemic: How respirator and pulmonary testing will be permanently changed.

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

AWARDS PRESENTATION

AWARDS LECTURE - COVID-19 AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE IN THE US: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

PRESENTED BY
Robert Harrison, MD

DESCRIPTION
COVID-19 transmission in the workplace has caused an unprecedented burden of occupational disease, death and disability, with complex relationships between community, home and work exposures. COVID-19 has revealed critical gaps in conducting comprehensive occupational exposure assessment, disease surveillance, workplace investigations and prevention implementation in the United States. As we look for ways improve occupational medicine and public health practice, there are important lessons to be learned from our experience with COVID-19.

3:45 PM

CLOSING REMARKS