June Spector

My primary research interest is in understanding and preventing adverse health effects that arise from a combination of ambient environmental exposures present in the work environment and other factors specific to the workplace. In particular, I am interested in the effects of heat stress, which includes exposure to high ambient temperatures, humidity, and internal heat generated from heavy physical work, on health in vulnerable working populations, including Latino outdoor agricultural workers.

The overarching goal of my work is to prevent adverse health effects and improve biological adaptation to heat and to reduce disparities in the prevention and management of heat health effects. Although my work focuses on current heat exposures and health, this topic is relevant to climate change, as heat event frequency and intensity is projected to increase in the future. I additionally conduct research in the areas of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and work disability prevention.

I am also a physician trained in internal medicine and occupational medicine, and I see patients at the UW occupational and environmental medicine clinic at Harborview Medical Center. In my clinical practice, I strive to use the most up-to-date, evidenced-based information to inform patients about occupational and environmental exposures, how they might relate to health concerns and options for management. Our clinic aims to help facilitate a safe and successful return to work and life activities after an environmental or work-related injury or illness.