public health physician

(in Britain) a doctor of consultant status with special postgraduate training in public health medicine. Formerly known as community physicians, they undertake public health functions in the National Health Service, either as Directors of Public Health or as consultants in public health. In some districts the Director of Public Health may act as proper officer to the appropriate local authority, giving epidemiological and other medical advice to the Environmental Health Officer. More usually, however, there are specific posts as consultant for communicable disease control (CCDC), who undertake the role of proper officer.