Public health

Abstract

Key Points: The mission of public health is to provide for the best possible health of the community through assessment of community health needs, development of health policy, and assurance of the availability of preventive and health services for all. Many physicians find that the community focus of public health training and career opportunities is an outstanding complement to the individual patient focus of medical practice. Formal training in public health can allow physicians to better interpret the ever-growing body of medical literature and help translate it to their patients and colleagues.