How to become An Epidemiologist

• Applied Epidemiologist
• Research Epidemiologist
• Clinical Epidemiologist

What do Epidemiologists do?

An Epidemiologist would typically need to:

• Seek ways to improve programs to improve public health outcomes by identifying causative agents or conditions that result in reduced or adverse health effects
• Plan and direct studies of public health problems; find ways to prevent and treat them if they arise
• Develop and implement methods and systems to acquire, compile, synthesize, extract, and report information
• Collect and analyze demographic data to investigate health issues; determine who is at the highest risk for a particular disease
• Research and investigate the trends in populations of survivors of certain diseases, such as cancer, so that effective treatments can be identified and repeated across the population
• Collect and analyze data through observations, interviews, surveys, and by using samples of blood, other bodily fluids
• Plan public health programs and contribute to study reports; assist in the formulation of progress reports and related documents to assess program progress
• Communicate analysis results through presentations and publications; share their findings with health practitioners, policymakers, and the public
• Network with cross-sector specialists and global colleagues to identify how their expertise and experience can enhance their approach
• Collaborate with government agencies and other global health partners to assist in developing positions and recommendations on key policy issues
• Support international health diplomacy strategies and activities, such as the planning, coordination, and hosting of international conferences and workshops related to diseases
• Provide statistical insight into the interpretation and discussion of study results; monitor public health programs’ progress by analyzing data
• Maintain focus and delivery against commercial objectives, especially if working in the private sector
• Supervise professional, technical, and clerical personnel; manage disease surveillance systems for the public
• Monitor outbreaks and assist in emergencies; keep track of rapidly mutating diseases and newly emerging diseases to assess any risks to public health such as the various strains of influenza
• Design statistical analysis plans, perform and guide analysis, and maintain records and databases
• Provide critical analysis and thinking, advice and recommendations on issues based on accepted scientific understanding of infectious and emerging diseases in a global context

Work environments can vary widely because of the diverse nature of epidemiological specializations. You will tend to work independently on specific projects and then report your research outcomes to the wider team.

Most Epidemiologists spend their time studying data and reports in an office setting. Work in laboratories and the field tends to be delegated to specialized scientists and other technical staff. Epidemiologists may also work in clinical settings or in the field, where they support emergency actions.

Since modern science has greatly reduced the incidence of infectious disease in developed countries, Infectious Disease Epidemiologists are more likely to travel to remote areas and developing nations to carry out their studies. Epidemiologists encounter minimal risk when they work in laboratories or the field because they have received appropriate training and take extensive precautions before interacting with samples or patients.

Epidemiologists working in government public health departments may be more active in the community. They may need to travel to support community education efforts, administer studies and surveys, attend or present at international conferences. The dress code for Epidemiologists depends on the location, sector, size, type of company, and work environment.

Most Epidemiologists work full time and have a standard work schedule. Working hours in a research setting are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday to Friday, although you may need to be flexible. Evening or weekend work may be a feature of work in a clinical setting.

Occasionally, Epidemiologists may have to work long or irregular hours to complete fieldwork or tend to duties during public health emergencies. The working week is varied, and you will need to be able to switch tasks easily. Some opportunities exist for part-time work or job sharing.

Epidemiologists work for organizations involved in the study of patterns of health and disease in diverse populations. Specialist recruitment agencies advertise vacancies. Career breaks are possible, but you will need to keep up to date with developments in the field. Self-employment is rare.

Epidemiologists are generally employed by:

• National, International, Public & Private Organisations
• Nonprofit Companies
• Hospitals
• Health Insurance Companies
• Global Pharmaceutical Companies
• Colleges & Universities
• Research Institutions

Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for Epidemiologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications.

• Fieldwork in epidemic locations requiring periods of overseas living
• Working in unpleasant and infectious settings

Many master’s degree programs in public health, as well as other programs that are specific to Epidemiology, require students to complete an internship or practicum that typically ranges in length from a semester to a year. Employers prefer that aspirants already have at least two years of training under their belt.

Pre-entry work experience in a hospital, pharmaceutical company, or statistics-related role is useful when applying for Epidemiology jobs. Tailor your experience to the area of work you wish to enter. You can also get relevant experience in a public health-related role.

A significant number of Epidemiologists have a PhD or an MD in Epidemiology or medicine. Relevant fields include biological sciences, mathematics, healthcare sciences, biomedical sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, nursing, physiology, statistics, and medicine.

Applied Epidemiologists will typically have a master's degree in Epidemiology or public health, whereas Research Epidemiologists will have postgraduate degrees in biochemistry, medicine, or statistics.

Coursework in Epidemiology includes classes in public health, biological and physical sciences, and math and statistics that emphasize statistical methods, causal analysis, and survey design. Advanced courses emphasize multiple regression, medical informatics, reviews of previous biomedical research, comparisons of healthcare systems, and practical applications of data. Learning how to use statistical software packages, such as SAS (Statistical Analysis System), Stata, or R, can also be helpful.

Some Epidemiologists have both a degree in Epidemiology and a medical degree. These scientists often work in clinical capacities. Certification, Licenses, and Registration Certification demonstrates competency in skills or skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three.

Successful certification programs serve and protect the public welfare by investigating Epidemiologists that practice outside of the program’s Code of Ethics. They help a profession secure its future by earning trust and respect. Additional certification for an Epidemiologist that can be supported by an officially recognized center for disease control in your location is invaluable.

Certification demonstrates competency in skills or skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three.

Successful certification programs serve and protect the public welfare by investigating Epidemiologists that practice outside of the program’s Code of Ethics. They help a profession secure its future by earning trust and respect. Additional certification for an Epidemiologist that can be supported by an officially recognized center for disease control in your location is invaluable.

An Epidemiologist can aim for the highly coveted post of Chief Scientific Officer. There is a structured career path within government organizations. Once qualified, you can progress through the grades by gaining experience and completing further study and research.

Once you have gained the right combination of skills, qualifications, and experience, you can progress to a higher level role such as Lead Epidemiologist or Field Epidemiologist. As your career develops, whether in the public or private sector, you are likely to take on a more supervisory role with responsibility for your work and the work of others. Registration with professional bodies and many years of experience can lead to consultant Epidemiologist roles.

There are also opportunities to develop a career in academic research. If you have trained as a doctor, you may choose to specialize in clinical academic medicine, splitting your time between practicing as a doctor and carrying out research into Epidemiology.

Some entrants are finding healthy competition for jobs. Still, applicants who are willing to work in any of the various specialties found in this occupation, rather than those tied to one specialty, may have less difficulty finding work.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for keeping up to date with changes and developments in the profession. If you do not already have a master’s or PhD in Epidemiology, you may wish to study for one part-time.

Relevant training, courses, and workshops are available through relevant professional bodies. There are various levels of membership available, depending on the Epidemiologist’s experience and qualifications. Membership is also useful for networking with peers and keeping up to date with the latest developments and research. Qualified members of any relevant professional organization need to undertake CPD to remain registered.

Once you have experience working in public health, health protection, or Applied Epidemiology, you may want to apply for training programs aimed at roles that involve field investigation in Epidemiology and allow you to develop your specialist skills further. With experience, you may be able to train to become a consultant in your specialty.

Epidemiologists are also expected to attend and present at national and international conferences and events and publish research in peer-reviewed journals. Financial and commercial training will help Epidemiologists wishful of joining the private sector.

What is it that Epidemiologists Do?

Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.

You'll work either in a research setting, focusing on populations as a whole, or as a clinical Epidemiologist, concentrating on specific patients. Epidemiologists typically specialize in one or more of the following public health areas: infectious diseases, chronic diseases, maternal and child health, public health preparedness and emergency response, environmental health, injury, occupational health, oral health, substance abuse.

In a Research Setting

In a research setting, you'll focus on the patterns and causes of diseases using statistics and model-building to discover how they occur. You'll study samples of the population that include healthy and unhealthy individuals. You won't usually collect the data directly from affected groups but will analyze data given to you.

In a Clinical Setting

In a clinical setting, you'll study the disease in individual patients and focus on how it has developed. This area of work is usually carried out by medically-qualified Epidemiologists.

Disease Surveillance

Viral diseases that can mutate rapidly constitute a significant cause of pandemics, and identifying new flu variants, their virulence, and potential risk is an essential responsibility of Epidemiologists.

Disease surveillance also means being on the lookout for newly emerging diseases and assessing public health risks. The discovery of "mad cow disease" in the 1980s is a good example. It turned out this neuro-degenerative condition was caused by a new type of pathogen called a prion found in the brain of diseased animals, but it can only be spread by eating contaminated meat.

Ways to Enter the Field

Suppose you do not have a relevant MSc. In that case, you could work as an Information Analyst or Officer, developing your skills and knowledge in data and statistics management, and then take further study to progress into an Epidemiologist role. It's also possible to move into Epidemiology after working in public health or public protection.

Working with International Charities and Nonprofit Companies

Employers offering the possibility of hands-on fieldwork include international charities targeting disease outbreaks overseas. These include Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), United Nations (UN), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Those in nonprofit companies often do public health advocacy work. Epidemiologists involved in research are rarely advocates because scientific research is expected to be unbiased.

Epidemiology means ‘the study of what is upon the people’. The word is derived from the Greek terms ‘epi’ (upon or among), ‘demos’ (people or district), and ‘logos’ (study, word or discourse).

Epidemics have been the scourge of humankind for generations. Epidemiologists strive to use education - the most powerful weapon at the disposal of humanity to ensure life, as we know it, goes on.

Epidemiology is in large part a collection of methods for finding things out on the basis of scant evidence, and this by its nature is difficult. As our world continues to generate unimaginable amounts of data, more data lead to more correlations, and more correlations can lead to more discoveries.