Introduction to community medicine

Community Medicine

What is Community Medicine?

The study of health and disease in the population of defined communities or groups in order to identify their health needs,
and to plan, implement, and evaluate health programs to effectively meet these needs.

What are the Goals of Community Medicine?

Protection & Promotion of Public Health.

How Community Medicine differs from other branches of Medicine?

Community Medicine reaches out to people to provide services for prevention of disease (such as immunization, pre-natal care, health screening etc.), promotion of health (such as safe water supply and sanitation, vector control measures, tobacco control policy etc.) and provision of primary medical (health) care (treatment of common ailments such as diarrhea, pneumonia, TB, leprosy, malaria, hypertension etc.) whereas other branches of medicine largely provide diagnostic and treatment services to patients who seek treatment.

Is Community Medicine different from Public Health?
In India Community Medicine is synonymous with what is known as Public Health Medicine or Public Health in other countries.

Who are Community Medicine Specialists?

Medical doctors who have done MBBS and a three year Doctor of Medicine (MD) course in Community Medicine during which they are trained in

Epidemiology and Bio-statistics
Health Planning and Health Management
Health Education and Health Promotion
primary Medical (Health) care

Community Medicine Specialist is a Five Star Doctor

Epidemiologist
Health Manager
Health Advocate
Health Communicator
Family Physician

A Community Medicine Specialist

Has in-depth understanding of the determinants of health and diseases.

Diagnoses and manages common illnesses and emergencies encountered in the community.

Adopts integrated approach to develop policies to meet the health needs of the individual, family and the community.

Conducts epidemiological investigations of communicable and non­-communicable diseases and suggests appropriate solutions to public health problems.

Conducts investigations into the problems of health services of the community.

Plans, organizes, implements and evaluates health services and health programs.

Interprets records and reports of health services at various levels of health care delivery system.

Performs research and applies research findings to improve health services of the community.

Undertakes teaching and training assignments in the field of community medicine for various categories of medical
and paramedical personnel.

functions as an effective member as well as a leader of the health team.


Career Options for Community Medicine Specialist

Epidemiologist in Health Services or in Research Organizations

Public Health Officer in State or Central Health Services

Public Health Project Manager in UN & other NGOs

Research Officer in Medical Research Organizations & Pharmaceutical Industries

Family Physician in Health Care or Health Maintenance Organizations

Teacher in Medical Colleges & Public Health Schools


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