Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine

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Haj-sheykholeslami A, Mollarahimi-Maleki F, Nojomi M. Reviewing the History of Community Medicine Specialty Formation and the Necessities of Its Existence in Health System. IJMEHM 2021; 14 :128-139
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6164-en.html

The purpose of this study was to perform a narrative review and documentary research in the history of community medicine specialty formation and the needs for its existence in health systems. We searched and reviewed related literature and documents in English and or Farsi (printed or online). Data was extracted and findings were categorized, summarized, and reported. About a century ago community medicine specialty was formed to respond to major health challenges of that time such as neglecting the effects of social determinants on populations’ health and total separation between clinical care and public health. Community medicine professionals are able to address many of the current health problems such as inequalities in health, fair financing problems, increasing demands and costs and disease-based health system approaches. They can be the leading advocates to emphasize the importance of social determinants in health of populations. They can promote communications with influencing institutions outside the health system to improve the health of the communities. This discipline can pave the way for the health systems to tackle the most important contemporary health challenges. Lack of attention to this discipline may hinder the achievement of sustainable development goals and health promotion of the communities. More support from officials and utilizing the skills of community medicine specialists can help health systems not only to better respond to the health needs of the society but also to facilitate the achievement of their main goals.