The South Carolina, South Carolina Agromedicine Program
PUBLIC SERVICE
Medical consultation is provided at no cost to the state's health care professionals for the accurate diagnosis and management of pesticide associated illnesses and for other health concerns in agriculture. Faculty from the Department of Family Medicine of MUSC as well as other MUSC specialists provide medical consultation.
Access to university-based agromedicine expertise is a valuable resource for the busy practitioner as more patients are asking about acute and chronic chemical exposure, respiratory hazards on the farm, diseases transmitted by insects and animals, and allergic reactions to plants, chemicals and stings.
Calls from the public for information are also welcome.
EDUCATION
Seminars, lectures and workshops are provided to health care professionals, farm families, graduate and undergraduate students and community organizations. Topics range from pesticides (safety, quality of food, water and the environment, acute and chronic health effects including cancer and birth defects) to skin cancer, heat illness, noise induced hearing loss, venomous insect stings and first responder training for farm accidents. The role of women as promoters of healthier and safer life styles is emphasized.
The Agromedicine Program works closely with the Cooperative Extension Service, civic groups and a statewide network of volunteer Agromedicine Program Consulting Physicians (APCP). Presentations are flexible and are designed to meet the special needs of the audience.
RESEARCH
Research is required to expand the knowledge of agricultural medicine and to meet its ongoing challenges. On-site investigations, case-by-case medical consultations and applied research provide the data base for educational programs.
Examples of research include:
· epidemiology of pesticide poisoning
· insect transmitted diseases
· stress management in farm families
· cancers in farmers
· noise induced hearing loss
· dermatitis in horticultural workers
· food safety
· APCP case studiesResearch findings are shared with the public and are published in scientific journals.
BACKGROUND AND MISSION STATEMENT
The Agromedicine Program was established in 1984 by the College of Agricultural Sciences of Clemson University and the College of Medicine of the Medical University of South Carolina.
- Its mission is to promote safer, healthier and more efficient production of food and fiber using the latest advances in agricultural technology, integrated pest management and preventive medicine. Agricultural and medical professionals serve the same community of clients through Extension and private practice. By working together, they improve the quality of life of all citizens.
- In 1987 the W.K. Kellogg Foundation recognized the Agromedicine Program as a leader in agricultural medicine. A four year grant helped develop our program into a model for other states to adopt. As a result, the Agromedicine Consortium was founded. Agricultural and medical colleges from member states are working together to share skills to better serve agricultural needs and health goals in a growing number of states. The consortium, now "The North American Agromedicine Consortium", meets annually alternating a medical site with an agricultural site.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
- William M. Simpson, Jr., M.D.
Medical Director
simpsowm@musc.eduMUSC
SC Agromedicine Program
295 Calhoun St.
Room 103
PO Box 250192
Charleston, SC 29425-0192Phone (843) 792-2281 (8:30-5:00 / M-F)
FAX (843) 792-4702
Meduline (800) 922-525
Division of Public Health and Public Service
Agromedicine Program / OEM
Department of Family Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina Agromedicine Program
295 Calhoun St.
Room 103
PO Box 250192
Charleston, SC 29425-0192Phone (843)792-2281 • FAX (843)792-4702