The teaching of occupational medicine in the posgraduation course at the Faculty of Medicine of São Paulo

The Occupational Medicine as a medical specialty appeared in England in the 19th century after the industrial revolution. There is a shortage of studies that describe and analyze educational experiences in this area. Aims: Describe the experience in teaching the discipline of Occupational Medicine for pos graduation Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo. Compare the experience with literature data. Methods: This is a description of the Occupational Medicine course at the pos graduate School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, followed by literature review. Results: The curriculum model of the discipline of Occupational Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo aims to teach pos graduate students to recognize potentially generating work situations health risks, know the skills and performance of the labor doctor and recognize major occupational diseases. This teaching model is similar to that proposed by the University of Campinas in which the teaching of occupational medicine and occupational health, there is appreciation of the integration of theoretical and practical content, also through visits to environments job. The model of visits to workplaces is also implemented by medical schools in Europe and Mexico. Discussion: It is noted that as described as good experiences in occupational medicine teaching in national and international literature described teaching model combines techniques with clinical case discussions, lectures, seminars and company visits; resembling the model proposed by the Faculty of Medicine of São Paulo. Conclusion: encouraging the enhancement of occupational health teaching in medical schools to promote the recognition of this medical specialty is required.