Vision

The Department of Community Medicine envisions to excel in medical education, community-based research, fostering continuous professional growth, and addressing the health needs of the communities.

Objectives

• Prepare students to function as competent community and first-level physicians, aligned with institutional goals.
• Raise awareness about the holistic approach to patient care.
• Teach preventive techniques for addressing health issues at individual, national, and global levels.
• Orient students to the Indian Health System, National Health Programs, and Policies.
• Instil a scientific mindset by teaching research principles and methodologies.

Academics

The department follows the curricular norms set by the National Medical Commission and The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R University. In addition to didactic lecture sessions and community exposure visits, we facilitate ‘small group’ interactive teaching sessions, to maximize learning on the topics which are relevant to public health problems in India. For MBBS students, we offer hands-on learning through initiatives like the Family Adoption Programme, where students are paired with families to address their health needs over time. Students are also exposed to research through active participation in research projects under the guidance of faculty members, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge in community health research.

Additionally, the department features a museum, research laboratories, and library facilities, providing essential resources for academic and professional development.

RHTC & UHTC

We operate two outreach centres: the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC) Maduranthakam and the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) Venmalagaram, equipped with outpatient department (OPD) and inpatient facilities. These centres facilitate a range of outreach activities, including health camps, health day celebrations, and health education programs, aimed at improving community health and awareness.

Epidemiology Unit and Biostatistics section

The epidemiology unit is led by a teaching faculty and a trained bio-statistician in the department. The main objectives of the unit are to provide,

• Expert advice and consultation in research methodology including design, statistical analysis, etc.
• Support and services in outbreak management, surveillance and reporting as required by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from time to time.
• Students and faculties with the necessary knowledge and understanding of epidemiological principles and procedures, and their application to health

We have computers with basic software programs installed in them that help various aspects of scientific research related to health which includes sample size calculation, data entry, data cleaning, data analysis and reference management.