| Abstract: | In orcler to provide adcquate heaIth protection for all classes ofthe population, it is essential that physicians sliould receive propertraining in moclern hygiene. This need was evident in all the countriesvisited during the study tour. The role of the medical practitioner inpuhlic health is much more important than one would assume from thetime devoted to the teaching of hygiene in medical faculties." Thercsponsibilities of the private practitioner as regards the health servicesorganised by the State and by local authorities and his relationship tosocial insurance instiLutions and other medico-social organisations requireou his pare a considerahly greater knowledge than he now possessesconcerning modern public health practice ana medico-social probIems.He should acquire this knowledge during his medical course. Thelectures, demonstrations and practical work given by the staff of theDepartment of Hygiene of the university do not suffice; the spirit ofpreventive medicine should permeate the whole of the curriculum.While these principles are generally acceptcci, thcy are very rarely putinto practice, with the result that medical graduares are not adequatelypreparcd to meet the social and public health responsibilities withwhich they are confronted. |
