The amount of medical information available in a free society is remarkable. Some segments of the population may be puzzled by a glut of seemingly contradictory information, while underserved groups have access to very little. It is a primary responsibility of public health experts to continually scan the horizon for the latest, best medical science. Then we must make sure the information is distributed to all who can benefit from it. Surgeon General David Satcher has challenged all of us to shorten the time that occurs between the discovery of new science and its use in actual practice.
Estimates are that two years elapse between discovery and use.
We can do better. And so can you. Schools of public health should make the dissemination of new scientific findings the cornerstone of their continuing education efforts. Roles of Government in Public Health Creating a health care agenda whether at the national or local lever is always a dynamic exercise, with changing tactics and players at every turn. As soon as you think you have one problem solved, another is sure to crop up to take its place.