SOM’s Diamond Days is a limited-edition podcast series celebrating 90 years of the Society of Occupational Medicine.

Each episode brings together voices from across generations to explore the evolution, challenges, and bright future of occupational health. In this episode, hosts Amy McEwen and Anna Jones sit down with Dr. Mike Goldsmith, founder of Medigold Health, and his son Alex Goldsmith, the company’s current CEO.

Together, they share a fascinating intergenerational look at how occupational health has evolved — from its “industrial medicine” roots in the 1970s to today’s AI-driven, wellbeing-focused practice.

Mike reflects on the early days of setting up Medigold, the challenges of pioneering occupational health when few doctors were trained in the field, and how he helped shape professional standards still used today. 

Alex discusses his unexpected journey from finance to healthcare, the pivotal role of technology and AI in the sector’s future, and why he believes the next generation is inheriting a stronger, more respected industry than ever before.
Key Topics & Moments

• (00:33) Introducing SOM’s Diamond Days 90th Anniversary Series
• (01:04) Mike Goldsmith: founding Medigold in the late 1970s
• (03:28) Early days of industrial health & the challenges for OH nurses
• (05:12) The changing perception of occupational health: from reactive to proactive
• (07:20) Alex joins Medigold – a career change sparked by family and opportunity
• (08:46) Maintaining quality and self-regulation in a growing industry
• (10:18) The role of AI and the digital future of occupational health
• (12:24) Father and son reflections: lessons, clashes, and shared pride

Guest Bios

Dr. Mike Goldsmith – Founder of Medigold Health, a pioneer of modern occupational health practice in the UK. Over five decades in medicine, Mike helped define the standards and training pathways for occupational physicians and nurses.

Alex Goldsmith – CEO of Medigold Health. Alex has led the company’s growth into one of the UK’s largest OH providers, championing innovation, technology, and clinician wellbeing.

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.