But there seem to be three conceptions of what it really means. The third meaning emphasizes the community and the extent to which we are increasing the community's ability to care, to be healthy, and to support people. While I have been offering the third perspective here, it is important to realize that there are times when you do need professional power to deal with other groups. One of the current controversies is cigarette advertising. Working through the British Medical Association and the Royal Colleges, we have put tremendous pressure on the government to limit advertising.
Advocacy can be very successful.
On a local level, I think the combination of professional power and community involvement can improve the health of our population.