HISTORY OF THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF OCCUPATIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE   

   
In the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Nicholas Alexiou was one of the principal 
leaders of FAOEM. Dr. Alexiou was a Pediatrician by training who recognized 
the specialized nature of Occupational Medicine early in his career and 
obtained his Masters Degree in Public Health. For many years, he was a 
faculty member of the University of South Florida School of Medicine where he 
served as a mentor for medical students and was a role model for the 
Occupational Medicine practitioner. 
Dr. Alexiou was a passionate champion for the health and welfare of the 
worker and the role of preventive medicine. He viewed work injuries and 
illnesses as a safety and occupational health program breakdown and an 
opportunity to prevent future work-related disorders. 

Dr. Alexiou was well regarded by employers and on-site occupational health 
nurses throughout the state. Under his leadership, for many years the Florida 
Association of Occupational Health Nurses and FAOEM met jointly for annual 
meetings. The meeting site rotated throughout the state, depending on the 
location of the 
FAOHN chapter which was hosting the meeting. Dr. Alexiou was always involved 
in 
developing the physician educational program during this annual event. He 
promoted the "team approach" and value of collaborative efforts between the 
two health providers. In addition, for a number of years in the 1980s and 
early 1990s, he served as the Specialty Program Coordinator for the 
Occupational Medicine educational tract, at that time a requirement of the 
Florida Medical Association for presentation during annual FMA meetings.

Submitted by

   Mike Webb, MD

   Sept 2001