In this blog, Dr Natalie Nobar shares her career journey and why she believes working in the sector can make such a powerful impact.
What was it about occupational health that interested you?
I think the phrase “good work is good for your health” is absolutely true. I was working as a GP in a deprived area and saw how being out of work affected people. The longer someone stayed off, the harder it became to return. I also noticed inequity of access to occupational health. Those who did have access often had better outcomes. You see that lack of work can be detrimental, including a loss of purpose and social isolation.
How did you transition into occupational health?
I did the Diploma in Occupational Medicine and then arranged shadowing. The diploma is designed for medical practitioners who are working part-time in occupational medicine or who have an interest in occupational medicine. I started doing occupational health work alongside general practice and began to see how diverse the field is. There are opportunities in the NHS, in industry, and different areas you can specialise in.
What do you see as the difference you make, working in occupational health?
One of the most rewarding parts is seeing people who might not otherwise be accessing healthcare. Some of the employees I see have not seen a GP in years. We are not treating doctors in OH, but we can have time for health promotion. You also see the whole employment journey from pre-employment checks to ill-health retirement. It is satisfying to be part of keeping people in good, healthy work, or helping them leave when that is the right outcome. It is fascinating seeing patterns across organisations; spotting referral trends, for instance, and feeding that back to help create wider change. You are working one-to-one, but you also have that wide-angle view of workplace health. And it is not just about the individual. The impact of occupational medicine extends to families. When someone cannot work, it affects home life financially and emotionally. So, helping someone return to work, or supporting them through leaving, can also improve the lives of those around them. I hope that in the future there will be equitable access to occupational health across all sectors.
What transferable skills have helped in occupational health?
The communication skills I developed as a GP have been invaluable. In occupational health, you often need to ask for information people might be anxious to share because they worry about job implications. You have to manage difficult conversations - sometimes telling someone they cannot drive or continue a particular role. And then there is a new layer: dealing with employers as well as employees. You are the independent party, offering impartial advice. And sometimes neither the employee nor the employer is happy with your recommendations - that’s part of the role.
What advice would you give others interested in occupational health?
There is a financial and time commitment. When I did the diploma, there was a leap of faith involved. I kept my options open initially by working part-time in general practice and part-time in occupational health until I was ready to make the move.
One of my former colleagues had transitioned into occupational health, and they gave me advice which included networking. It really is key - attend events, reach out to people, and do not be discouraged if you do not hear back straight away. And if you are nervous about the leap, hold on to what you are doing until you are confident. The specialty is broad enough that everyone can find a niche where your skills fit. I do not know anyone who’s transitioned into occupational health and then gone back. It is such a wide and varied field - a place that matches your skills, lets you grow, and allows you to do something genuinely meaningful.
Dr Natalie Nobar is an Occupational Medicine Registrar with Cordell Health and moved into occupational medicine in 2023 following her earlier career as a GP.