Epidemiologists are like medical detectives—
searching for clues to determine
how and why people get sick.
They look for patterns of disease in
human populations and develop ways
to prevent and control outbreaks.
Epidemiologists collect data in many forms,
then analyze and interpret it,
using statistics to help uncover patterns.
When they have enough information,
they write reports and present their findings
to government groups and the public.
Like any detective,
an epidemiologist must sometimes go
on location to find out more about
the cause and effect of a disease
in a particular community.
They may conduct interviews to identify
who is at most risk,
and to develop explanations for
how a disease is spread.
They often publish important findings
in medical journals,
which may lead to beneficial
new public health programs.
Most epidemiologists work for
government agencies such as the national
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
or state health departments.
Epidemiologists also work at universities,
hospitals, research facilities,
and pharmaceutical companies.
They may specialize in an area such as
environmental epidemiology…
emergency preparedness…
or chronic diseases.
Most enter the field with a master’s degree in
public health with a concentration
in epidemiology.
From finding the cause…
to advocating treatment…
and improving health outcomes,
an epidemiologist needs
patience and persistence
to support society’s well-being.