Community Medicine is a speciality in medical curriculum

Updated on: Thursday, August 23, 2012

Community Medicine is a speciality in medical curriculum that is of prime importance but few people understand its significance and, even fewer are aware of the job opportunities that a degree in the subject can open up.

Efforts are being made to increase the number of seats in Community Medicine in government-run medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. Every city, town or village requires a health officer who is responsible for maintaining the health of the citizens in the locality. These officials do not come in contact with the public but they shape the well-being of the residents. The Health Department of Tamil Nadu had recognised the importance of the subject several decades ago and ensured that community medicine is taught from the first year of MBBS course. The students are introduced to the need for maintaining a healthy atmosphere and sanitation through field visits. Their learning of the subject continues throughout the four years of the medical course and during the house surgeonship period.

Though the students are exposed to community medicine they do not take exams until the third year. They are also taught research methodology as it is a primary component of the speciality. During house surgeonship, they are posted in primary health centres or urban health centres. A degree in community medicine is a requirement for those who wish to teach the subject.

Today, community medicine has permeated the entire gamut of health, says a senior community medicine expert. With non-communicable diseases taking root in the country, the students learn about prevention and control of NCDs. A person who has a degree in community medicine could join the government service and become the Deputy Director or Joint Director in the Directorate of Public Health. At present, there are only four seats for MD in Community Medicine. Of this, two are set aside for students appearing under the all-India quota. “The government has understood the need for the speciality and efforts are being made to increase the number of seats. While the Madras Medical College will have a few more seats, a few other colleges including the Kilpauk Medical College is expected to receive allocation from the government,” according to a senior community medicine expert.

Graduates can look forward to jobs even in private organisations or companies which now give importance to health under their corporate social responsibility schemes.

Community Medicine is a speciality in medical curriculum

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