The story begins with a classic public health parable: Two physicians observe people floating down the Brown River. Some were alive and struggling, but with eyes glazed.The doctors spring into action, pulling as many people as possible from the river.As the flow of bodies continues unabated, the epidemiologist jumps out of the water and begins to run upstream. Her colleague protests, “For God’s sake, help me save these people!” Instead, she ventures upstream to determine the cause of this carnage.With this parable, every reader gains a basic appreciation for the important yet ethically challenging work of public health: Despite the significance of immediate need for rescue and treatment, the cause must ultimately be understood so as to prevent further devastation.
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