Class of 2011:

Community Health and Service provides an opportunity to view medicine in the context of the "big picture" of health. The MDED 58x series of courses provides an introduction to community medicine. Programs in community medicine traditionally are involved in developing and delivering an integrated program of medical services to a community, in the epidemiological and statistical assessment of health problems, in supporting the development and engagement of national, state and local organizations to meet a community's health care needs, in communicable and chronic disease control, and in maternal-fetal and child health programs.

The courses in Community Health and Service are designed according to an experimental learning model: the community is your textbook. Experiences in Community Health will, of necessity, be diverse and non-uniform. While this non-uniformity may be somewhat anxiety provoking, the student who approaches these experiences enthusiastically and reflectively will have no trouble fulfilling the course objectives and should have an enriching experience. Being proactive and communicating with the site coordinator will increase the positive aspects at each site.

Each community health site is uniquely different in its client base and services provided. Your Community Health experiences should leave you with a better understanding of the broad concepts of health and illness, the many determinants to good health, community resources for health, and the role of the physician in supporting and advancing the health of our community.

There are many external factors that shape the health of an individual. Personal behavior, environment, and socioeconomic status are examples of important health determinants. However, family units and public and private organizations are no less important. Community Medicine recognizes that the local community impacts the health of individuals. Thus, intervention programs aimed at families, communities or populations can be very effective ways to improve the health of individuals. Public health efforts of the past have laid the groundwork for the health status we now take for granted. In addition, organized activities at a grassroots level can permit communities to improve the health of their members in ways that reflect their cultural and social values. Collaborations between the health care community, local organizations and government social services continues to hold great promise in developing new and unique ways to meet a community's health care needs.

It is also important to recognize that public policy outside the sphere of health can sometimes result in serious negative health consequences. For example, increasing the speed limit on state highways can increase the risk of serious injuries and death for individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents. This in turn can result in higher health care costs for the community as the health care system tries to deal with the problem of injured uninsured motorists.

Understanding the "big picture" of health can permit the primary care physician: 1) to be more effective in health education and promotion activities, 2) to improve collaboration between social services and community support groups, 3) to be involved in the development of community policies which support good health, and 4) to become an advocate for policies which promote health. Thus, the primary care physician is an integral part of the foundation of community medicine and the orchestrator of patient care through preventive medicine and community involvement.

Return to the Top of the Page