FUNDAMENTALS AND PRACTICES OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Abstract
Preventive medicine is a specialty that focuses on the health of the population as a whole, rather than on specific diseases in individual patients. Its underlying philosophy is that health is a valuable asset that enhances quality of life and productivity, and that disease, injury, and other health problems should be prevented whenever possible. Public health is often viewed as synonymous with preventive medicine, as its objective is to improve and protect the health of the community and establish policies that prevent health problems. Preventive medicine and public health practitioners play a vital role in this by designing, implementing, and evaluating effective interventions.
The aim of this text is to provide a concise overview of preventive medicine and public health fundamentals, covering definitions, history, resources, levels of prevention, the epidemiologic triangle, and examples of public health intervention. It is hoped that this overview will be useful in understanding and conserving community health, and that it will inspire further public health endeavors. Preventive medicine and public health are terms that are often used interchangeably. Preventive medicine is a specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties that traditionally aimed to prevent diseases and injuries in specific populations, such as children in private practice. However, the emphasis transitioned to public health.
Public health is a broader field that encompasses preventive medicine professionals and non-physicians engaged in similar activities, including epidemiologists and health planners. Health is defined as "a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being," not just the absence of disease. This definition has been contested, as it implies that those who are elderly or disabled are unhealthy. Health is a valuable asset that enables individuals to lead happy lives, enhances productivity, and is fundamental to national growth and development.
