Social Dimensions of Health and Social Pathology by Dr. Purva Shoor is a timely and necessary exploration of an often-overlooked aspect of medical education: the intricate social framework in which health and disease manifest. Drawing from her extensive academic and teaching experience, Dr. Shoor has compiled this volume as a corrective measure to the poor performance of medical students in the social health components of their curriculum—both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The book is not merely academic in intent but emerges from a deep-rooted concern for the disconnect between medical training and the lived realities of patients, especially in a culturally diverse country like India.
With clarity and compassion, the book presents a thorough understanding of how social health impacts disease prevention and the promotion of well-being. Dr. Shoor delves into the nuances of social pathology by incorporating terminology rooted in public health traditions, while simultaneously broadening its applicability to real-life challenges in both urban and rural settings. The narrative structure is scholarly yet accessible, ensuring the content remains engaging for students, practitioners, and educators alike. One of the major strengths of the book is its comparative lens—Dr. Shoor juxtaposes Indian public health dynamics with those of countries like the USA, highlighting both the limitations and strengths of local approaches and suggesting a more inclusive framework for understanding health.
What sets this book apart is its multidimensional approach. Rather than treating social pathology as a peripheral concept, the book weaves it into the core of medical understanding. It illustrates how social evils such as stigma, poverty, illiteracy, and gender bias not only influence the onset and outcome of diseases but also complicate patient care at every stage. The text becomes particularly relevant in today’s globalized context, where healthcare professionals must navigate the intersection of local challenges and global standards. By presenting case scenarios, real-world comparisons, and structured theoretical frameworks, the book encourages critical thinking and practical application—something sorely needed in India’s medical training environment.
The collaborative nature of the book is also worth acknowledging. It has been developed with contributions from seasoned faculty members of Community Medicine across India, adding regional diversity and depth to its insights. The intellectual vision and editorial leadership of Dr. Purva Shoor bring cohesion to this multi-authored work, uniting various perspectives into a single, authoritative narrative. Professor B. Rupini’s involvement as the editor further reinforces the academic credibility of the book. Her leadership at IGNOU’s Department of Environmental and Educational Health ensures that the book aligns with both pedagogical integrity and public health goals.
Dr. Shoor’s own body of work reflects her deep commitment to community health and education. With a strong portfolio of research in Preventive and Environmental Cardiology and multiple educational publications to her credit, she has built a reputation as a thought leader in her field. Her outreach work through Project Cheshta, including health education booklets for children in Hindi and English, is another testament to her dedication to accessible and impactful health communication.
Ultimately, Social Dimensions of Health and Social Pathology is not just a book—it is a much-needed intervention in medical education. It compels readers to rethink the purpose of medicine, beyond biological repair, to include social healing. It also provides a robust educational tool that will shape more empathetic, informed, and socially responsible healthcare professionals for the future. Through this important work, Dr. Purva Shoor offers a blueprint for integrating compassion with competence in the evolving landscape of public health.
