Epidemiologists
Overview
Epidemiologists are like disease detectives who investigate outbreaks and health patterns to protect communities. They collect and analyze data from surveys, interviews, and lab samples using advanced statistical software and research methods to understand what causes diseases and how to prevent them. These public health professionals work with government agencies, hospitals, and research institutions to develop health policies and educate the public about staying healthy. Many epidemiologists have backgrounds in biology, statistics, or public health and often collaborate with diverse teams while working in both office and field settings.
Did you know?
Most epidemiologist positions in the US require a master's degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field, with many senior roles preferring doctoral degrees.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$81,205.37 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Persuasion
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
- Identify and analyze public health issues related to foodborne parasitic diseases and their impact on public policies, scientific studies, or surveys.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings.
- Write articles for publication in professional journals.
- Write grant applications to fund epidemiologic research.
- Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, government health officials and others regarding medical applications of sciences, such as physics, biology, and chemistry.
- Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
- Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention.
- Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
- Plan, administer and evaluate health safety standards and programs to improve public health, conferring with health department, industry personnel, physicians, and others.
- Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
- Prepare and analyze samples to study effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, or microorganisms on cell structure and tissue.
- Provide expertise in the design, management and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis.
- Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
Career Considerations
Advanced Education Requirements
Most epidemiologist positions in the US require a master's degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field, with many senior roles preferring doctoral degrees.
Diverse Employment Sectors
Career opportunities exist across government agencies like the CDC and state health departments, private pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and healthcare consulting firms.
Professional Certification and Licensing
While not always required, obtaining certification through organizations like the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology can enhance career prospects and some states may require public health licensure.