Put simply, public health has a bold mission: “protecting health and saving lives— millions at a time.” In medical fields, clinicians treat diseases or injuries, one patient at a time. But in public health, we prevent disease and injury. As researchers, practitioners and educators, we work with communities and populations. We identify causes of disease and disability, and we implement largescale solutions. For example, instead of treating a gun wound, we identify causes of gun violence and develop interventions. Instead of treating premature or low birth-weight babies, we investigate the factors at work and we develop programs to keep babies healthy. Instead of prescribing medication for high blood pressure, we examine the links between obesity, diabetes and heart disease, and.
