In this episode of Specialty Café, the host will delve into the core functions of public health and shed light on what a career in Public Health & Preventive Medicine looks like. This podcast series is produced by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to provide a glimpse into different specialties.
Specialty snapshot
Public health and Preventive Medicine (PhPm) is the branch of medicine concerned with the health of populations. These specialists use population health knowledge and skills to play leading and collaborative roles in the maintenance and improvement of the health and well-being of the community.
To become a Public health and Preventive Medicine specialist in Canada, an additional 5 years of approved residency training is required, following attainment of a Medical Doctor (MD) degree. This training includes:
- 1-2 years of basic clinical training;
- 3 years in a Royal College-approved, university-sponsored program that includes course work in the sciences of community medicine and experience and responsibility in community medicine;
- 1 further year of training in a Royal College-approved, university-sponsored program which may include residency in a clinical specialty relevant to the practice of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (normally internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics or psychiatry); or with selective clinical experiences related to disease prevention and health promotion for specific populations or groups.
Is PhPm the right career for you?
Protect, promote, and optimize the health of your community. Does this mandate resonate with you? Join host Andrew Pauls as he chats with Medical Officer of Health for Peel, Ontario - Dr. Lawrence Loh, MPH, FCFP, FRCPC, FACPM, and Dr. Samantha Cheuk (PGY-3, Public Health & Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta). Dr. Loh and Dr. Cheuk delve into the core functions of public health and shed light on what community engagement looks like. Not only do they highlight the wide variety of opportunities available with this specialty - they also impart some advice to medical students on seizing moments and what a healthy work/life balance can look like. If you are patient, determined, curious, compassionate, a good communicator, and a natural leader - a career in Public Health & Preventive Medicine just might be for you.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Additional resource:
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – Public Health & Preventive Medicine Specialty Training Requirements
- CMA - Public Health & Preventive Medicine Profile
- Canadian Public Health Association
This article originally appeared on the RBC Healthcare - Advice & Learning
Specialty Café / Café des spécialités is produced by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the podcast does not receive funding or other support from RBC Healthcare. This Podcast is promoted by Royal Bank of Canada with the permission of the Royal College. © The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, 2022. All rights reserved.