Epidemiologists
What is an Epidemiologist?
Epidemiologists are public health professionals who study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. Their primary goal is to reduce the occurrence of disease and improve health outcomes. They investigate the distribution and determinants of health and illness in populations, utilizing statistical analyses and field studies to identify risk factors and outbreaks. Epidemiologists play a crucial role in responding to public health emergencies, such as infectious disease outbreaks and environmental health issues, conducting research, recommending interventions, and guiding policies that protect and promote community health. They often collaborate with healthcare providers, government agencies, and organizations to influence health policies and implement prevention strategies based on their findings.
Tasks
- Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
- Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
- Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
- Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention.
- Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Geographic information system
- Data base user interface and query software
- Object or component oriented development software
Tools Used
- Notebook computers
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Desktop computers
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Personal computers
Knowledge
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Skills
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Post-doctoral training
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Doctoral degree
Work Activities
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Detailed Work Activities
- Communicate with government agencies.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Direct medical science or healthcare programs.
- Research diseases or parasites.
- Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$54950.0 - $132230.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.