In line with major changes in medical education over the last decade, Health and Illness in the Community stresses the importance of the community and the health of the population which play an integral part in becoming a good doctor. Through the use of case histories, summary panels, bullet lists the book looks at the context within which illness is experienced, health is sought and medicine is practised. It explains to the reader how the determinants of health and illness are much wider than the influence of medicine, or indeed healthcare. It is generally recognised that the effectiveness of clinical decisions made for each patient is increased if the doctor takes account of the patient's family and community setting. Equally the impact of these decisions is mediated through the environmental, economic and political conditions of the day.

This concise multi-disciplinary textbook for medical students takes a practical approach to the subject, integrating the subjects that are being taught within the community. Taking health and normality as a starting point, the book considers the environmental and social factors which influence the health of a community, discussing the nature, distribution and determinants of illness. Students need a solid understanding of medicine in the community encompassing elements of public health, general practice, child health, geriatrics, mental health, psychology and sociology and this book provides the material required.