The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine first appeared in the College of Medicine Calendar in 1958. It was to concern itself with the epidemiology of the major disease groups, with the social factors in health and disease, and with the organization of community health services. In collaboration with the medical sciences departments it prevented a statistical viewpoint and with the clinical departments it studied the problems of medical care. The main research activities in recent years have been connected with the Saskatoon Community Health Unit, Home Care, and the Northern Medical Services. In 1988 the Department changed its name to the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology. The following have served as department head: A. Robertson (1958-1962); R.F. Badgley (acting 1962-1963); D.J. Hosking (acting 1963-1964); V.L. Mathews (1965-1987); B.F. Habbick (1987- ).