A public health epidemiologist

A public health epidemiologist specializes in the investigation of disease and many other public health issues, to stop them from spreading or from recurring. They then report their findings to the government and to the public.

Epidemiologists frequently work for the government and for universities, as well as research institutions. They often collect and analyze data to do in depth research of health issues. Most frequently, epidemiologists focus on infectious diseases, but they can focus on other areas as well.

Sometimes epidemiologists will work in private companies, including health insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.

According to a survey in 2009 by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, local government epidemiologists work most often in these areas:

• Infectious diseases
• Bioterrorism
• Maternal and child health
• Chronic diseases
• Environmental health
• Injury
• Occupational health
• Substance abuse
• Oral health

An epidemiologist has to have a master’s degree in epidemiology, or a master’s degree in public health (MPH) with a focus on epidemiology. Some top epidemiologists may have a Ph.D. in the field.

Some of the most common coursework in this field at the master’s level includes:

• Public health
• Biology
• Biostatistics
• Statistical methods
• Causal analysis
• Survey design
• Regression
• Medical informatics
• Biomedical research

Epidemiologist Job Description

• Plan/direct detailed studies of public health issues to discover ways to prevent them and to treat the issues.
• Perform the collection and analysis of data, by using observations, interviews, surveys and blood samples – to discover what is causing certain diseases.
• Communicate study  findings to policymakers, practitioners and the general public
• Provide management of health programs by doing program planning, monitoring program progress and doing data analysis.

Epidemiologist Skills and Qualifications

• Communications skills
• Critical thinking
• Detail oriented
• Math and statistics
• Speaking
• Writing