Introduction
The epidemiologist studies diseases through different data. It may, for example, be the place, but also the population or the risk factors favoring the appearance of specific pathologies.
Thanks to statistical analyzes and specialized tools, the epidemiologist can follow the evolution of certain diseases and carry out propagation simulations at several scales.
His role is, therefore, to monitor, but also to alert if necessary. The results of its analysis lead to the taking of measures corresponding to the situation.
Epidemiologists are detectives that study the causes and also consequences of diseases and diseases on a population basis. Their research informs public health policy and disease management strategies nationally in countries around the world.
What is Epidemiology?
It is a science that studies within populations (human, animal, even plant), the frequency and distribution of health problems in time and space, as well as the role of the factors that determines them.
Epidemiology is the fundamental scientific discipline of public health enabling the measurement and analysis of health risks in a population both the health of populations and the methods specific to clinical epidemiology.
Responsibilities
- Set up protocols for the surveillance of pathologies
- Construct samples for studies on populations
- Collects information, ensures its quality, analyzes it, and also draws conclusions.
- Directs or carries out research aimed at better understanding and also controlling the mechanisms of the spread of contagious diseases.
- Develops health and medical measures to prevent the appearance of these diseases
- Participates in the implementation of local, national, or international health control or vaccination programs
- Development of information and also prevention campaigns.
- Create an action plan for potential health crises
- Create reports detailing potential threats
- Make presentations to policymakers
- Engage with public health policymakers
- Manage multiple projects at once
- Create and also manage public health programs
- Undertake studies to obtain more information
Education
To work as an epidemiologist, most positions require at least a master’s degree from an accredited institution in the field of public health (For example, an MPH degree), ideally with an emphasis on epidemiology. Graduate education in public health will include courses in biostatistics, behavioral research, health services research and management, immunology and toxicology, and other items.
Academic or higher-level positions in clinical or epidemiological research fields almost always require a medical degree (MD) or other doctoral degrees (Ph.D.).
Advancement
As a first step towards becoming an epidemiologist, many go on to pursue an advanced degree (such as an MD or Ph.D.). This allows epidemiologists to work in larger facilities and take on positions of greater responsibility and higher pay.
A medical degree, in particular, would qualify epidemiologists to manage drugs during clinical research and trials — positions that tend to be the highest paying, so competition for them can be fierce. Professional, continuous fieldwork and years of experience qualify epidemiologists to manage others with less seniority or experience.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of an epidemiologist in the United States ranges from $49,140 to $126,040 annually. This is, however, dependent on the qualifications, industry of work, and experience level.
Skills
- Excellent knowledge of analysis methods
- Knowledge of tools for collecting and also managing statistics
- Solid foundations in epidemiology.
- Carry out scientific research
- Apply statistical analysis techniques
- Communicate analysis results
- Collect experimental data
- Use scientific methods
- Ability to manage multiple projects at once
- Vast skills in mathematics and also statistics
- Ability to communicate issues effectively
- Ability to design public health studies
Qualities
- Rigorous
- Methodical
- Good analytical mind
- Responsiveness
- Ability to solve complex problems
- Strong presentation skills
Knowledge
An epidemiologist must know the following;
- Biometrics
- Project management
- Scientific research methodology
- epidemiology and also statistics
- Preventive medicine
- Communicable diseases
- Public health
- In-depth knowledge of public health policy
Career opportunities and Environment
Epidemiologists work in a wide range of settings and a variety of settings. These include
- Public sector research organizations
- Health insurance funds
- University laboratories and also university hospitals in epidemiology and clinical research
- Study and evaluation units of health administration and management bodies
- Health safety and also surveillance agencies
- Pharmaceutical industry
More than half of epidemiologists work in government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. These professionals can also work for private research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and universities.
Fieldwork or public health emergencies may occasionally require nights, weekends, or holidays. In most cases, however, epidemiologist jobs are considered low risk, except for some epidemiologists who work directly with hazardous chemicals or pathogens
