1.2 What is Public Health?

080818-N-9620B-009 BETANIA, Nicaragua (Aug. 18, 2008) U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. Gary Brunette cleans and applies fluoride to the teeth of a young Nicaraguan boy so the enamel of his teeth can strengthen over time. Brunette is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), which is supporting the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise 2008, an equal-partnership mission between the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erik C. Barker/Released)

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, the student will be able to:

  • List and describe the three core functions of public health.
  • Expand on the three core functions of public health and discuss how they relate to the 10 essential function of public health.
  • Define and give examples of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of disease.
  • Discuss modern concepts of population health.
  • Briefly explain how “Public Health 3.0” differs from earlier approaches to public health.
  • Explain the rationale and approach of HI-5 (Health Impact in 5 Years).
  • Outline the overall structure of global public health.
  • Outline the overall structure of United States public health.

Developed by Wayne W. LaMorte, MD, PhD, MPH, Assistant Dean for Education, Boston University School of Public Health.

Course Information

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