WorkCare, an occupational health firm based in Orange, California, merged with the practice of Dr. Donald Whorton, an internationally-recognized epidemiologist based in Alameda County, California. The merger will combine clients and operations of both practices under WorkCare, creating the nation's first multi-specialty occupational health firm, owned and operated by a group of physicians, board-certified in toxicology, epidemiology, internal and occupational medicine.
The merger, approved on Tuesday by WorkCare's board of directors, will increase the company's client base by 30%, expand its growth into new sectors such as labor unions and the fertilizer industry, and serve more than 125,000 client employees. No staff reductions are planned, and both practices will maintain operations at their respective locations.
The merger was initiated to expand and enhance WorkCare's capacity in delivering full-spectrum corporate health services to private and governmental clients.
Commenting on the merger, WorkCare President Dr. Peter Greaney said that combined resources of both practices will fulfill a much-needed service in occupational medicine.
"Corporate health has evolved from the occasional wellness program to a management-embraced philosophy that recognizes the benefits of a healthy and safe workforce," said Greaney. "Our mission is to fulfill this need by providing clients with a broad range of resources that enable them to effectively manage and resolve diverse and complex corporate health issues. Through this merger with Dr. Whorton, we can now offer clients expanded services in occupational and community epidemiology."
Whorton brings 29-plus years of experience to WorkCare. His broad and varied accomplishments have earned him the distinction of being one of the nation's leading experts on epidemiological morbidity and morality studies. Whorton has served as a consultant to the States of Maryland and California, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Whorton is also one of the selected members of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science.
Speaking on the merger, Whorton stated that he was pleased to join WorkCare.
"It's a natural fit because we are fundamentally aligned in our vision of occupational medicine," Whorton said. "Combining resources can only further our mission."
WorkCare is the first occupational health firm staffed by a team of three doctors who hold dual board certifications in occupational medicine and toxicology, combined with a dual board certification in epidemiology and occupational medicine. WorkCare's staff also includes six registered nurses.
WorkCare's Chief Operating Officer Al Wallace stated that the synergies generated from the merger will benefit WorkCare clients as well as employees.
"We are very excited about this transaction and anticipate it will yield long-term benefits for our clients and employees," Wallace said. "We welcome our new employees and look forward to working with them."
WorkCare was established in 1984 by Greaney and has grown to become one of the largest providers of occupational health services. The company has more than 100 clients, providing services in medical surveillance, occupational health audits, health benefit utilization/cost analysis, Incident Intervention, case management, travel medicine and corporate medical director. Its clients include CH2MHill, Ogden Martin Energy, Pacific Maritime, IBA Group, CF Industries, Sempra Energy, Los Angeles County Sanitation District, 3-Day Blinds, US Filter, Clorox, Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, Foster Wheeler, NASA and URS Corporation.
