photo by: LMH Health

Dr. Tom Deskin

Dr. Tom Deskin stepped away from a career in emergency medicine after 30 years, but he wasn’t ready to stop caring for patients. He just wanted to do it differently.

As the face of LMH Health’s Workplace Medicine program, he’s found a role that combines his clinical expertise with his passion for building relationships and providing a positive impact on the community.

“In the Emergency Room, you treat the folks who walk through the door, and then they’re admitted to the hospital or they go home,” Dr. Deskin explained. “Now I get to build relationships with patients, with companies and with the community.”

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EVERY WORKPLACE

Occupational medicine, also called occupational health, focuses on preventing and treating workplace illnesses and injuries. It also helps ensure that employees can work safely, and that can begin even before their first day.

LMH Health’s Workplace Medicine team provides services across the spectrum, including:

• Pre-employment physicals

• Drug and alcohol testing

• Agility testing

• Respiratory and hearing tests

• DOT (Department of Transportation) exams for commercial drivers

The work doesn’t stop once an employee is on the job. If you are injured at work, having that previous contact with Workplace Medicine is beneficial for both the worker and employer.

“When an employee comes to see us again because they’ve been injured, that relationship is crucial. We have records from their hire, allowing us to provide faster, more personalized treatment,” Dr. Deskin said. “It helps us to take better care of the employee.”

One other note: While it can sometimes be hard to see your primary care physician, Dr. Deskin clarified that Workplace Medicine isn’t a substitute.

“We only handle work-related issues, but we make sure employees get the care they need to stay safe and productive,” he said.

PHILOSOPHY BUILT ON CARE

Dr. Deskin’s approach to workplace medicine is focused on a simple belief: healthy employees benefit the community. And in a field where some focus on volume and profit, LMH Workplace Medicine takes a different approach. There are no quotas and appointments aren’t rushed. The team provides personalized care and communication.

“It’s in a company’s best interest to have healthy employees,” he said. “When I make recommendations for a patient, I do what I would if they were my own family. We want to be a partner who helps keep employees working safely because when that happens, everyone benefits.”

LOOKING TOWARD NEW SERVICES

With Dr. Deskin’s arrival, LMH Workplace Medicine now provides Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exams. These tests ensure pilots meet strict health standards to safely operate an aircraft and ensure passenger safety.

Dr. Deskin is a certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and has special training enabling him to perform the exams. It’s a vital service for aviation – and one where there’s a shortage of certified providers.

“There’s a smaller number of physicians providing these types of exams in our area,” he said. “I recently saw someone from St. Joseph, Missouri, who wasn’t able to get an appointment closer to home.”

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

You won’t always find Dr. Deskin in the clinic. He also visits local businesses to get a firsthand look at the environments that employees work in. These tours help him tailor care and recommendations for each business.

“It’s absolutely fascinating and helps me build relationships with the company and employees,” he said. “We form a team and show that we’re invested in their success.”

After three decades in emergency medicine, Dr. Deskin has found a role that feels just right.

“LMH practices the type of occupational medicine that I believe in,” he said. “Doing a great job caring for employees is good for the whole community, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

Autumn Bishop is the marketing manager and content strategist at LMH Health.

FIND OUT MORE

LMH Health Workplace Medicine is redefining occupational medicine in Lawrence and beyond. With a focus on communication, relationships and comprehensive care, we help businesses keep employees safe, healthy and thriving.

Ready to learn more? Call 785-505-3114 to schedule a consultation.