Bedrijfsarts Michelle van De Arbodienst: “Je staat met dit beroep middenin de maatschappij”

At De Arbodienst , we have a quirky take on dealing with absenteeism. Today we highlight the work of the company doctor at De Arbodienst through a personal interview. Michelle van Beek works as a company doctor at De Arbodienst and tells in this interview all about her work: how she became a company doctor , the prejudices she had about the profession and what makes the work fun and less fun.

"A company doctor bridges the gap between health and work. Basically, we are trained as doctors. A (company) doctor at De Arbodienst supports in various ways. This can be preventive, to prevent illness. I then look at how someone can remain employable in the long term and together we try to prevent drop-out. A company doctor also comes into the picture when someone is ill for a long time. We investigate what exactly is going on. We also encourage employees to think for themselves about where the symptoms are coming from and what they themselves can do."

"Employees often feel that they shouldn't complain. It can also be that they don't report complaints because then they saddle their colleagues with even more work. Sometimes the culture on the shop floor is not right and people do not feel free to talk about their complaints. This is a great task for us. Ideally, employees come for a preventive interview. We therefore encourage managers to regularly ask their people how they are doing, so that a culture is created in which it is easy to raise the alarm."

"I worked in ophthalmology for several years. Working in the hospital was great, but also hectic. I barely had time to explain to people exactly what the disease meant. At a certain point I thought: did I go into care for this? Then occupational medicine came my way. I had quite prejudices about it myself, but as I delved into it I became more and more enthusiastic."

"Preconceptions that many people with medical backgrounds have, I think, are that occupational physicians are unmotivated doctors or that they couldn't get a job anywhere else. I've changed that image. Occupational physicians have a very important role in society. In this profession, too, you help people stay healthy or become healthy. I notice that employees sometimes have prejudices about company doctors. That we are on the side of the employer and actually only kick employees back to work. Sometimes we hear from employers, "This employee needs to be rushed to the company doctor because I'm sure he's not sick. That sounds strange, and it is. Company doctors are not referees; they have a neutral role. Moreover, like all doctors, I have professional secrecy. Of course, I have to give some feedback to the employer, but it's always about what someone is temporarily unable to do anymore, what can still be done and what the expectations are."

"You are at the center of society with this profession. In addition, we often have more time available than a general practitioner to explore problems in depth. What I like most is the in-depth contact with people. You not only look at the person, but also at the environment. How things are at home, with the family for example, but I also ask how people are doing financially. Sometimes employees have large debts that stress them out. Then I can refer them to the right helpline. Sometimes people are reluctant to go back to work. Our help can mean a lot then. I counseled someone who was very anxious. Under the guidance of a psychologist , she dared to stay in the office longer and longer. From the beginning she was in tears every conversation, but I saw her pick up more and more. If she had not received this help, she would probably still be sitting at home now, anxious."

"Some days are pretty tough. Especially when you hear a number of harrowing stories in a row. What helps then is to get my heart out to a colleague. Or to talk about it with my partner after a long day, without mentioning details of course. What I also love is to take a walk with my dachshund."

"Until retirement and maybe even beyond. Working is healthy for people, if what you do suits you well. Besides, being busy is much healthier than doing nothing. If I'm still fit by then, I definitely want to stay involved for a few more hours a week."

Collega worden van Michelle? Dat kan! Bij De Arbodienst staan verschillende vacatures open. Zo zoeken we voor verschillende regio’s adviseurs, maar ook (bedrijfs)artsen. Vind uw ideale baan bij De Arbodienst!