The current round of mergers between Health Authorities and Family Hea
lth Service Authorities (FHSAs), when set in the competitive context o
f markets, has profound implications for training in Public Health Med
icine. This paper considers the phases in the management of change and
the costs, benefits and principles for trainers, trainees and organis
ations as mergers take place. Particular emphasis is placed on underst
anding the motives of and learning from the change that is taking plac
e.