Ultraviolet Keratitis in a 20-Year-Old Engineering Student and the Role of Physician Advocacy in Workplace Safety: A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v24i3.877Keywords:
Ultraviolet Keratitis, Population at-risk, Physician Advocacy, Workplace Safety, Case ReportAbstract
Background: Ignorance of workplace hazards leads to increased morbidity and mortality among workers. Primary care physicians are best suited as gatekeepers in healthcare systems to identify at-risk populations. Physician advocacy is one veritable tool that can be used to ensure workplace safety.
Case Summary: This report discusses the management of ultraviolet keratitis in a new engineering student exposed to arc welding without appropriate personal protective equipment. He and his course mates were largely ignorant of the health hazards associated with the workplace. An at-risk population was identified, and physician advocacy yielded great results in protecting the health of this population.
Conclusion: Effective patient advocacy requires skill, training and practice and this is highly recommended for all primary care Physicians.
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