Public health is at a turning point and is high on the political agenda and public concern particularly in regards to infectious diseases. This book reviews the current status of specialist public health practice and the role of the specialist in health protection health improvement and social care equality. It analyses the tools that specialists bring to public health and the possibilities for future developments. This book is vital reading for public health specialists in training postgraduate students on MSc Public Health courses practitioners and managers in public health. It will also be of interest to academic institutions involved in teaching public health skills and policy makers and shapers. ‘This book provides a timely and welcome addition to the public health literature. Its approach demonstrates the ways in which the development of public health practice and delivery have evolved to ensure we have high-quality health improvement and health protection services through a period of dynamic change. It recognises the enormous contribution of our specialist workforce in providing leadership direction and working with others to improve people’s health. I believe that the public health system in its broadest sense will find this a useful resource to develop their links into the specialist workforce and their thinking on their own and colleagues’ potential roles in taking forward our challenging public health agenda.‘ Fiona Adshead in the Foreword