The SOM Podcast

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming workplaces and what occupational health professionals need to know to support organizations and employees through this evolving landscape. Dr. Lara Shemtob shares insights with Kat Barnard on the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for managing AI integration in the workplace.

In this episode:

• The broad impact of AI beyond office roles, touching healthcare, education, and manual trades
• The importance of a coherent narrative for AI adoption and addressing employee anxiety
• Historical parallels: Digital transformation, social media, cloud computing, and lessons learned
• How organizational culture influences AI adoption, including ground rules and experimentation
• The critical role of communication, research, and internal feedback in supporting a smooth transition
• The significance of understanding job roles and tasks to identify AI opportunities
• Managing uncertainty and change using cyclical, human-centered frameworks like the Prochaska model
• Practical advice for occupational health teams supporting psychological resilience and adaptability

Resources & Links:

• Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross’s Transtheoretical Model of Change
• Megan Wright and John Higgins' research on spaciousness
• Huberman Lab Podcast - Neuroscience of Change
• Working the Future - Advisory firm on Work Trends

Connect with Kat Barnard:

• LinkedIn

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.

In this episode, Werner Stipp - Consultant in Occupational Health and member of the SOM Special Interest Group in Sleep - joins host Steve Randall to discuss the critical intersection of sleep health and workplace performance.

Stipp outlines how OH professionals can utilize sleep assessments to improve worker wellbeing and mitigate safety risks, particularly in safety-critical roles like train driving. The conversation covers the physiology of REM sleep, and the unique challenges faced by shift workers.  

Key Takeaways

• The Sleep-Stress Cycle: There is an inverse relationship between stress and sleep health; stress leads to poor sleep, which in turn reduces a person's ability to manage daily pressures.
• Physiological Benefits of Deep Sleep: During sleep, support cells in the brain act as a "pump" to wash out stress hormones through five 90-minute "ultradian" cycles.
• The Myth of "Catching Up": Sleep debt is like a mortgage that cannot be easily paid off; sleeping in on weekends is often a sign of "decompensation" rather than a solution.   ·        Shift Work Strategies: Successful shift workers often wait to sleep until they are truly tired after a night shift rather than forcing immediate rest.
• Screening for "Red Flags": OH professionals should first exclude treatable conditions like narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnoea, which affects an estimated 8 million people in the UK.  

Connect with Werner Stipp on LinkedIn.


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.

In this episode, Steve Randall speaks with with Dr. Emma Wallace, a recipient of the SOM Golden Jubilee Award. Emma shares her journey from anaesthetics to occupational medicine and her recent research expedition to Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost permanent settlement.

She discusses the physiological challenges of extreme cold, the hidden risks of UV exposure in icy climates, and how the unique social structure of Arctic research stations could offer valuable lessons for workplace wellbeing back home.  

Key Takeaways

• The Transition to OH: Dr. Wallace highlights how the blend of toxicology, physiology, and a holistic approach to patient interaction drew her away from anaesthetics and into occupational medicine.
• Research in Extremes: Driven by a passion for physiology in extreme environments (diving, altitude, and thermal stress), Emma conducted a site risk assessment for the British Antarctic Survey in the Arctic. 
• The Journey North: Reaching Ny-Ålesund involved multiple flights, culminating in a 13-seat cargo plane flight over glaciers and fjords—a journey strictly monitored due to carbon footprint concerns.
• Environmental Risk Mapping: Using a handheld monitor, Dr. Wallace cataloged ambient temperature, humidity, noise (decibels), UV levels, and PM2.5 (particulate matter) while shadowing bio-ecologists in the field.
• Cold Stress in the UK: A major takeaway is that "Extreme Cold" (defined by ISO standards as <0°C) occurs frequently in the UK—notably 15 days in January in Belfast—yet is often underestimated compared to Arctic environments. 
• The "Midnight Sun" Effect: Despite no formal physiological monitoring on this trip, Emma observed how 24-hour daylight quickly disrupts sleep routines and mealtime consistency. 
• The Power of Community: The research station featured a unique social environment: no phones at tables, no TVs, and shared mealtimes among 15 different nations, fostering deep communication and connection. 

Future Research

Dr. Wallace is currently working toward a PhD focusing on Cold Exposure in the UK, specifically looking at how OH services can better protect vulnerable workers with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, or hypertension.  

Connect with Dr Wallace on LinkedIn.

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.

Our monthly SOM News Update brings you the latest stories and insights from SOM and the wider OH world. Hosted by Steve Randall.

--

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Prof Neil Greenberg Letter to the Editor in The Observer.

Occupational Health Awareness Week 2026, 21st-27th Sept, brief here.

Annual General Meeting of SOM 2026, 16th June 5.15-6.15pm - A draft agenda is here. 

SOM/FOM Conference: Occupational Health 2026, Tuesday 16th-Wednesday 17th June - register here


World Day of Safety and Health at Work 2026 - Launch of ILO Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace here.

AI document from EUOSHA here.

The At Work Partnership: OH Report Writing Workshop, Tuesday 9th June

The At Work Partnership: Certificate in Managing Mental Health at Work, Wednesday 10th-Friday 12th June

The At Work Partnership: Foundation Course in Occupational Health, Wednesday 24th-Thursday 25th June



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.

In this episode of the SOM Podcast, we welcome back Lanre Ogunyemi, independent occupational health physician and former president of the Society of Occupational Medicine, to explore what it really takes to build a successful independent career in occupational health.

Lanre shares his personal journey from the NHS into independent practice, including how he managed the transition, the importance of financial stability early on, and why taking gradual steps can make all the difference.

The conversation covers the realities of working independently – from setting up a business and managing contracts, to building networks, maintaining clinical governance, and knowing when to bring in additional support. Lanre also discusses:

• Why keeping “one foot” in a secure role can ease the transition
• The importance of building long-term client relationships
• How to scale your work through networks and subcontracting
• Balancing clinical work with business responsibilities
• The flexibility and autonomy that come with independence
• How to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance

We also explore the current market opportunities for independent OH professionals, including working with larger providers, securing local contracts, and offering specialist or ad hoc services. Finally, Lanre shares practical advice for anyone considering this path – including the value of speaking to others who have already made the move.

Key takeaway:
Going independent is a big step, but it offers unmatched flexibility and the chance to shape a career that truly fits your goals – as long as you plan carefully and stay self-aware along the way.

Host: Steve Randall https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverandalluk/

Lanre's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanreogunyemi/

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.

Our monthly SOM News Update brings you the latest stories and insights from SOM and the wider OH world. Hosted by Steve Randall.

--

Links mentioned in the podcast:


The Right to Disconnect: https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/media/ambs/content-assets/documents/news/right-to-disconnect-report.pdf 

Major cultural shift needed in workplace fertility support: https://www.som.org.uk/major-cultural-shift-needed-workplace-fertility-support-international-womens-day 

Sleep health study: https://warwickwmg.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dnBBSnJd7ei3Ulo

Menopause guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offer-occupational-health-advice-for-employees-experiencing-menopause/offer-occupational-health-advice-for-employees-experiencing-menopause


--

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.

In this special episode of The SOM Podcast, Amy McKeown speaks with Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Menopause, following an International Women’s Day event at the Houses of Parliament focused on keeping women in work.

Carolyn shares the progress that has been made in raising awareness of menopause over the past five years — from improving access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in England to embedding menopause considerations across government policy and workplace practice.

The conversation explores why menopause remains poorly recognised in healthcare training, how symptoms are often misdiagnosed as mental health conditions, and the significant impact menopause can have on women’s participation in the workforce.

They also discuss the critical role occupational health can play in supporting women to stay in work through practical adjustments, training, and proactive conversations.

Key topics covered

• Why menopause awareness has grown significantly since 2018
• Gaps in medical education and menopause diagnosis
• The introduction of the HRT prepayment certificate in England
• The impact of menopause on workforce participation and career progression
• Why workplace menopause frameworks and action plans matter
• The role of occupational health in early identification and workplace support
• The importance of flexible adjustments and dignity at work
• Why peer support and open conversations are still vital

Carolyn also outlines how occupational health professionals and organisations such as the Society of Occupational Medicine can support ongoing policy change by championing menopause awareness and advocating for workplace frameworks.

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.

In this episode of the SOM Podcast – Global CMO Series, host Dr Lara Shemtob speaks with Dr Katherine Carandang Chua, Chief Medical Officer for APAC at Pfizer, about the evolving role of occupational health and why workforce wellbeing must be viewed as a strategic business investment.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in occupational medicine, Dr Chua shares how Pfizer delivers holistic, culturally sensitive colleague wellness programmes across one of the world’s most diverse regions.

🎧 Key themes covered:

• The modern CMO remit in APAC
  Leading multidisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, psychologists and therapists across Asia-Pacific.
• Holistic worker health
  Moving beyond physical health to include emotional, mental, social and even spiritual wellbeing.
• Culture over “one-size-fits-all”
  How global organisations can maintain consistency while adapting health initiatives to local cultural needs.
• Prevention-first strategies
  Nutrition, education and early intervention as core pillars of occupational health.
• Lessons from COVID-19
  How the pandemic elevated the importance of mental health, EAPs, and integrated wellness teams.
• Digital health, AI & analytics
  Using AI-enabled check-ins, data-driven programmes, and technology to scale prevention and support globally.
• Managing workforce change and AI anxiety
  Supporting employees through technological transformation to reduce stress and improve productivity.
• Measuring impact differently
  Why success in occupational health should be measured in lives touched, not just metrics.
• A call to business leaders
  Why “talk the talk and walk the walk” through clear policies and leadership commitment is essential for healthy, productive workplaces.

💡 Memorable quote: “People are not an expense — they are an investment. If you invest in workforce health, you invest in your business.”

Guest Bio:

Dr Katherine Carandang Chua is an Occupational Health Physician and Occupational Medicine Specialist with nearly 17 years of experience in workforce health. She currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Asia Pacific at Pfizer, where she leads occupational health and colleague wellness strategy across a diverse and complex regional footprint.

In her role, Dr Chua oversees multidisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, psychologists and therapists supporting employees across manufacturing, R&D and commercial sites throughout APAC. Her remit spans physical health, mental health, and holistic wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention and culturally responsive health programming.

A passionate advocate for viewing workforce health as a strategic business investment, Dr Chua has championed the integration of digital health tools, AI-enabled employee assistance services, and data-driven wellness initiatives to enhance accessibility and scalability across global teams.Her leadership reflects a deep belief that occupational health extends beyond the individual employee — positively impacting families, communities and organisational performance.

LinkedIn: https://ph.linkedin.com/in/katherine-marie-carandang-chua-md-moh-fpcom-a4442536

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.

Our monthly SOM News Update brings you the latest stories and insights from SOM and the wider OH world. Hosted by Steve Randall.

--

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Precarious work risks: https://academic.oup.com/occmed/advance-article/doi/10.1093/occmed/kqag006/8489195?login=false 

Mental health apps MHRA guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-issues-new-guidance-for-people-using-mental-health-apps-and-technologies


Neurodiversity at work guidance from Acas: https://www.acas.org.uk/neurodiversity-at-work

Some SOM Events in April:

• SOM/Wellbeing at Work/Qualitatas joint event: Integrated Health Summit in London, Tuesday 14th April 9.15am-5pm - register here
• Visit to University of Lancashire Wellness Centre, Wednesday 22nd April 2-5pm - register here
• SOM Occupational Health Practitioners Conference in Cardiff, Thursday 30th April 9am-4pm - register here

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.

In this episode of The SOM Podcast, Steve Randall is joined by workplace health and mental health expert Amy McKeown for a practical, insightful discussion on what good occupational health and wellbeing really looks like in modern organisations.

Drawing on over 20 years of experience—from early mental health tech startups to designing global workplace health strategies for organisations like Burberry, Samsung, and the EU Parliament—Amy shares what works, what doesn’t, and where workplace health is heading next. This episode cuts through one-off wellbeing initiatives and focuses on sustainable, strategic approaches that deliver real impact for employees and employers alike.
🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Why having any occupational health provision at all is the first critical step
• What a gold-standard, multidisciplinary workplace health strategy looks like
• Why off-the-shelf wellbeing initiatives often fail
• How to design occupational health services that actually fit your organisation and culture
• Using virtual occupational health and triage models to scale support effectively
• The hidden value of occupational health data for prevention, early intervention, and ROI
• Moving beyond absence management to reasonable adjustments and prevention
• Common misconceptions about occupational health—and how to fix them
• Why occupational health is often overlooked in wellbeing strategies
• Future trends shaping workplace health, wellbeing, and mental health in the UK

🌱 Key Takeaways

• Occupational health is not just about return-to-work reports—it’s a powerful tool for prevention
• Smart design and procurement of OH services can dramatically improve access and outcomes
• Integrating occupational health into wellbeing strategies unlocks measurable ROI
• The future of workplace health lies in strategic, collaborative, and innovative models involving employers, employees, providers, and government

🔮 Looking Ahead Amy shares why she’s optimistic about the future of workplace health—highlighting a shift toward strategic, multidisciplinary thinking and a real opportunity to rethink how health and mental health are supported through work.
👤 About the Guest Amy McKeown is a workplace health and mental health consultant with over two decades of experience designing and implementing strategies across global organisations, public institutions, and fast-growing companies. She regularly writes and shares insights on LinkedIn. 👉 Learn more at: https://amymckeown.com

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.