Occupational Health

Board-Certified Physicians and
Experienced Clinicians

Sindecuse Health Center’s clinical expertise begins with board-certified physicians, licensed therapists, trained medical technicians, and a range of other health care professionals. They will coordinate worker’s compensation, progressive early return to work assignments, rehabilitation, ergonomics evaluations, pre-placement examinations, environmental medicine consultations, and disability management for the University.

Employment-Related Physicals

• Pre-Placement Physicals help departments answer the question: "Does this job applicant have the physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of this job?"
• Regulatory and Compliance Examinations establish a medical baseline for employees according to certain regulations (DOT, OSHA, etc.), and include periodic medical monitoring when indicated.
• Fitness-For-Duty Examinations confirm that employees returning from medical leave can perform their job duties.

Physical Examinations

Our physicians will carefully review your medical and occupational history before proceeding with the physical examination.
A thorough medical examination will include at least the following:

• Complete occupational/medical history
• Musculoskeletal examination
• Evaluation of the respiratory system
• Gastrointestinal examination
• Examination of head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Skin and lymphatic examination
• Neurological evaluation
• Evaluation of the cardiovascular system
• Visual acuity and vital signs, including blood pressure, urine dip test

We can also coordinate additional testing such as:

• Laboratory testing
• Urine Drug Screens
• Pulmonary function testing
• Audiometric testing
• Respirator questionnaire
• Respiratory fit testing
• Audiometric testing
• X-ray services
• Functional Capacity Evaluations

To schedule an appointment, please refer to contact phone numbers below.

Ergonomic Chair Room

For Faculty/Staff:
If you have difficulty with your chair or desk, or if your neck or back are becoming sore as you work through your duties – Sindecuse Health Center may have a solution. We have a variety of seating solutions from Haworth and Steelcase for you to try. We will demonstrate the products personally and guide you through purchase decisions if applicable. You may schedule a visit to the Chair Room through Deb Karnemaat at (269) 387-3283.
Please note the chairs on site are for testing only.

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Primary Injury Care

What it is—and Who It's For

Primary injury care is caring for non-emergency injuries sustained at work. Typical examples include cuts and bruises, injury from falls or lifting, abrasions of or foreign bodies in the eyes, and sprains of backs, ankles, and other joints.

When an injury occurs in the work setting, supervisors or managers typically direct patients to Sindecuse Health Center for treatment. If the injury isn't work-related the patient will be treated as an urgent care patient and then referred to primary care providers.

Following is a link to WMU HR forms required in the event of accident or injury:
http://www.wmich.edu/hr/forms.html

Dedication to Patient Care

Sindecuse Health Center providers practice evidence-based medicine. With this approach patients return to work, to play, and to life faster and more affordably. At Sindecuse, we:

• Assess the injury and the urgency of treating it (triage).
• Question the patient to learn how the injury occurred, the medical history of the individual, and other important information.
• Counsel the patient on next steps and what to expect during the treatment plan.
• Institute evidence-based treatment regimens.
• Direct the patient to return to reduced or normal activity, see a specialist, or rest at home.

Benefits to the WMU Community

Assurance of Care
Our patients receive quality medical care. Our focus is on best practices to both treat injuries and return patients to normal functioning.

Better Outcomes
By monitoring and managing treatment throughout a patient’s care, our clinicians can produce better outcomes for the injured worker.

Convenience
With on-site pharmacy and physical therapy, patients receive immediate medical attention at one facility and during one visit.

Lower Costs
Our efficient, cost-conscious health care leads to lower medical costs.

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Contact Phone Numbers

To schedule a physical or other appointment
please call Carol Bukant, (269) 387-4214.

For questions regarding the Occupational Health program
please call Dr. Michael Shelden at (269) 387-4636.

For more information or general inquiries
please call (269) 387-3287.

Michael A. Shelden, D.O., MPH