Can medicine and public health extend beyond treating illness to promote true flourishing? This thought-provoking paper explores the role of medicine, psychiatry, clinical counseling, public health, and public policy in fostering well-being within society. The study highlights the unique contributions of each discipline while acknowledging the limitations of narrowly focusing solely on health. The author proposes a framework for understanding the proper scope of each practice in advancing flourishing. It argues that restricting attention only to health, narrowly conceived, limits what each of these practices can in fact accomplish. The paper emphasizes the importance of considering aspects of flourishing that extend beyond each practice’s purview. Ultimately, a clearer understanding of the boundaries of each discipline and practice has the potential to better enable the pursuit of societal well-being. The research offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve health outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life.
As a journal focused on epidemiology and community health, this paper’s exploration of "flourishing" fits well within the journal's thematic scope. The research directly addresses public aspects of medicine and considers factors beyond traditional healthcare that influence societal well-being. By examining the roles of various disciplines, this paper is significant for advancing public health strategies.