Attainment of optimum health.

The history of the worker in public health is reviewed, his present activities are assessed, and predictions are made concerning his future role. It is emphasized that the public health specialist is but one member of the total health team in the community. His interdependence with other disciplines must be accepted if optimal health care is to be provided.Although prepared specifically for public health workers, this article has direct relevance to the future of the medical profession as a whole. In view of the present intense interest in the future pattern of health care in Canada, the viewpoint of a physician with a dual background in public health and medical school administration and teaching is considered to be particularly pertinent.