Dr. Purva Shoor emerges as a distinguished voice in the domain of Community Medicine with her latest scholarly contribution, Social Dimensions of Health and Social Pathology. In this compelling work, she addresses a critical yet underexplored aspect of medical education in India—the social determinants of health and their deep-rooted impact on disease prevention and overall well-being. Drawing from her extensive teaching experience, Dr. Shoor identifies a notable gap in understanding among medical students, particularly in theoretical and practical applications of social health concepts. This book is her response—a comprehensive, accessible, and academically grounded effort to bridge this knowledge divide.
Crafted with the collaborative effort of faculty members from across the country, the book combines traditional public health terminology with current case studies to contextualize social pathology within the Indian healthcare landscape. It highlights how social environments, cultural norms, and systemic disparities influence patient outcomes, thereby urging a shift from purely clinical to socially-informed healthcare practices. With comparisons to health systems in developed nations like the USA, the book offers a balanced global perspective while staying rooted in local realities. This duality enhances its relevance for students, educators, policymakers, and practitioners alike.
Dr. Shoor’s academic journey and research record lend authority to this vital narrative. With over 15 published research articles and previous books in Preventive and Environmental Cardiology, she brings a multidisciplinary lens to every topic she undertakes. Her deep commitment to health education extends beyond academic circles, evidenced by her development of two bilingual health education booklets for children under the Project Cheshta initiative. Her inclusive approach to knowledge dissemination reflects her belief in grassroots-level impact as a pathway to broader systemic reform.
This book is more than just a textbook—it is a call to rethink how we view and teach health. By emphasizing the intersections of medicine with social justice, education, and community engagement, Social Dimensions of Health and Social Pathology compels future doctors and healthcare workers to see patients not just as biological entities, but as individuals shaped by their social contexts. In a healthcare landscape increasingly influenced by global forces, such an approach is both timely and necessary.
Dr. Purva Shoor’s leadership in this project is complemented by the meticulous editorial support of Professor B. Rupini, whose experience at IGNOU and in environmental and educational health further enhances the academic rigor of the work. Together, they ensure the book is well-rounded, deeply researched, and pedagogically impactful.
With this publication, Dr. Shoor not only enriches medical academia but also paves the way for a more holistic, compassionate, and socially accountable healthcare system. Her dedication to improving educational outcomes and her commitment to addressing social inequities in health reflect the true spirit of public health advocacy.
