The practice of public health medicine is unlike any other branch of clinical or non-clinical medicine. Its goals are long-term, its outcomes can be difficult to measure, but its rewards can be great.

Public health practitioners have a prominent role in the definition of health care needs, monitoring and evaluation of services. In a health service setting, public health physicians have a non-clinical, advisory role at health authorities, and influence the way in which the health service is provided and managed. In an academic setting, public health medicine provides opportunities for SpRs to participate in health services research and health policy research, as well as undergraduate teaching.

Entry to the specialty is at Specialist Registrar grade, although there are a few SHO posts within the region. SpRs must have undertaken a minimum of two years post-registration training in another branch of medicine before entry. Many SpRs are experienced specialists from other fields, including General Practice. There is usually a 5-year period of training at the end of which, a successful SpR will be awarded the CCST (certificate of completion of specialist training) and may apply for Consultant positions in the NHS or elsewhere in the EU.

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Last modified: December 09, 1999