We have been working hard to constantly improve our patient experience, from work-flow re-organization (getting blood sampling done early), and pro-actively scheduling appointments, to providing results via electronically to candidates.
1. Make an appointment, prepare critical information
Start by providing us your contact information. Good things to have prepared are: i) current medical vaccine certificates ii) offer of employment and any details about your job or corporate ID iii) any critical historical health issues.
We will get you scheduled for an appointment that meets your schedule so you don't have to worry about getting the required information back in time.
2. Complete diagnostic medical
A typical medical check-up includes a 'fasting glucose test' - this diagnostic makes sure your body is processing sugar correctly. An accurate result requires you to fast for 12 hours before your appointment. We suggest applicants come in first thing in the morning so they can have a small amount of blood drawn and can finally have something to eat (breakfast) while they wait for the rest of their tests to be completed.
Other typical tests include:
- Scan/X-ray of your lungs - to confirm no presence of Tuberculosis (TBC).
- Hearing and vision tests - for deck and navigational crew
- Physical examination, including range of motion assessments.
- Several basic blood tests to confirm your internal organs are all working as they should.
- Urine samples to confirm your kidneys are working and you have not been using narcotics.
- Candidates who will handle food often need to provide a fecal sample to confirm no parasites are present in their bodies. Don't worry we're not grossed out by this, we do these tests hundreds of times per day. We will give you all the collection gear you need.
- Many employers also want you to have some basic vaccinations so you aren't at risk of transmitting disease or getting really sick while you are at work.
After all that is done, a senior doctor will review all of your results and, following the guidelines provided by your employer, will make a declaration if you are fit for work. You will get a copy of all of these tests along with the electronic copy of your medical certificate.
3. Receive complete health report in 3-5 days
Your official medical certificate will be available 3-5 days after your appointment, depending on the types of diagnostic tests that are included in your employment medical. You will receive a Whatsapp or email with the complete medical check-up document, and if you want/need it, you can also come back to the clinic to pick up an official paper copy.
In the event that we find one or more problems with your fitness for duty, we will do our best to build a treatment plan that will get you ready for work in no time. We have specialists for almost every part of your body on staff.
4. We answer all of your questions
The idea of a medical check-up can be scary. Past crew say they don't always know what to expect and don't always understand the information (results) they get back.
Don't worry. We can help. Hopefully by reading through the steps above you have a better idea of which type of tests you'll receive when you come for your check-up. But after everything is all done, you may have more questions about some of the numbers or test data you get back. Just ask! We have medical staff specially dedicated to explaining what your medical information is telling you, how you can think about it in words you understand, and how you might improve your health if you want. All this is included in the cost of your employment medical, so take advantage of this great service we provide.
