Preventive Medicine

Preventive medicine focuses on the health of individuals and defined populations in order to protect, promote, and maintain health and well-being, and to prevent disease, disability, and pre-mature death. The distinctive components of preventive medicine include:             

1) Biostatistics and the application of biostatistical principles and methodology; 2) Epidemiology and its application to population-based medicine and research; 3) Health services management and administration including: developing, assessing, and assuring health policies; planning, implementing, directing, budgeting, and evaluating population health and disease management programs; and utilizing legislative and regulatory processes to enhance health; 4) Control of environmental factors that may adversely affect health; 5) Control and prevention of occupational factors that may adversely affect health safety; 6) Clinical preventive medicine activities, including measures to promote health and prevent the occurrence, progression, and disabling effects of disease and injury; and 7) Assessment of social, cultural, and behavioral influences on health. Preventative medicine is heavily involved in influencing public policy, public health, and designing health care systems to prevent and control the spread of diseases.

Association of American Medical Colleges. (2021). Careers in medicine: Preventative medicine. https://www.aamc.org/cim/explore-options/specialty-profiles/preventive-medicine

This guide was created for patrons looking for general consumer health information. These resources are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For questions related to advice, diagnosis, or treatment please contact a licensed medical provider.