In 2020, Celien Wauman, living in Haasrode but originally from the Waasland region, graduated as a doctor. She immediately started at Premed. This year, she also obtained her diploma as an occupational physician, to be even better informed about health risks at the workplace.
What exactly does your job entail?
As an occupational physician, I belong to preventive medicine; we try to prevent illnesses, conditions, discomforts, or accidents caused by work. It is our task to keep all employees mentally and physically healthy while performing their jobs.
Additionally, we also strive to be health promoters. We study the general profile of employees (regarding smoking, BMI, risk of diabetes, among others…) and provide advice for a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, we work multidisciplinarily, meaning in consultation with occupational psychologists, ergonomists, occupational hygienists, and, of course, the nurses.
What does a typical workday look like?
Every day looks different. For example, the day might start with periodic examinations, reintegrations of long-term sick employees, or medical screenings for a truck driving licence. In between, there might be a meeting with, for instance, an HR employee from the company where I am present, and the day might end with a company tour.
Most of the time, we are somewhere different every half-day, which makes the day very varied, but sometimes we also stay on-site for a whole day. That way, one also gets to know the company very well.
Why did you choose to work at Premed?
At Premed, we are one big family. Everyone knows each other and is there for one another. Due to the flat structure, management is also very easy to reach with questions or problems. That's very helpful for quickly learning new things.
Why are health & safety at work so important to you?
People spend a large part of their lives at work, often 40 years or more. It is therefore essential that they can do this in safe and healthy conditions, so that they remain physically and mentally fit. Only in this way can they not only successfully complete their career, but also enjoy good health and their well-deserved rest after retirement.
What would you still like to achieve professionally?
At the moment, I am primarily focused on continuing to learn and gaining valuable experience, in optimal collaboration with the companies for which I am currently responsible.
And for the last question, what do you like to do outside working hours?
In winter, you often find me on the ski slopes. Nothing beats gliding down in the fresh mountain air, surrounded by the delightful scent of pine trees. At other times, I like to stay active and head to the Meerdaal Forest, which is almost in my backyard, or I enjoy a good book.
