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What is an Epidemiologist?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: Mar 02, 2024
Views: 97,862
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An epidemiologist is a person who studies patterns of diseases or health risks in population groups, societies, and cultures. He or she may look at how diseases affect certain populations, the emergence of viruses in geographical locations, or he or she may track certain diseases. His or her goal is to reduce public health risks by studying the pattern of disease or several diseases, as well as other health risks like injury from car crashes or other accidents. Many epidemiologists can then make predictions about likelihood of disease occurrence, and develop prevention strategies.

Most epidemiologists have a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences and a graduate degree in epidemiology. Important studies at the graduate level include learning about chronic and infectious diseases, studying psychology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, environmental impacts on humans, toxicology, biostatistics, and health service administration. Having not only a good background in science but also good math skills, especially in the areas of statistics and probability are prime requirements, since so much of what epidemiologists do is dependent on interpretation of data.

In addition to the studies listed above, an epidemiologist can also specialize in certain areas of interest. For example, the epidemiologist might study cancer, if he or she is looking at ways to prevent it, or might study pandemics, reproduction, or nutrition. There are numerous specializations, but some take on more general work, depending upon where their interest lies.

Epidemiology is one of the central features in determining public health policy. An individual epidemiologist may work in a variety of fields. Most commonly government agencies employ epidemiologists to help research public health crises and to help set public health policy. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) employ many public health experts. Someone in this position might also work at a private research facility, a university, or as a consultant for both private and public agencies. Some work for government law enforcement agencies to develop plans for coping with terrorist attacks that may create a large number of injuries or that use chemical weapons.

The work of the epidemiologist is varied, given the many causes of disease and injury. On any given day epidemiologists might perform some of the following:

  • Participate in daily research on a specific disease.
  • Design a study on a public health issue.
  • Speak, write about, or advocate for changes that will address a public health issue.
  • Write reports on a finished research project.
  • Collaborate with doctors and other health care workers to address specific health issues.
  • Develop plans for coping with certain identified disease issues or risks.
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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a Practical Adult Insights contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.
Discussion Comments
By anon251999 — On Mar 03, 2012

What is the work pace of this job?

By anon233423 — On Dec 06, 2011

how much do they get paid

By anon184907 — On Jun 09, 2011

@needinghelp, the only thing you could realistically get from feral cats is toxoplasmosis, and the reason you would get it is lack of hygiene.

If you are handling outdoor soil (gardening) and don't use gloves and wash your hands before you eat, you could potentially get this, but in adults this rarely causes complications. Odds are what ever you have, it is not from the feral cats.

By anon133614 — On Dec 11, 2010

@needinghelp~realistically: none. since by definition feral cats are not able to be touched or handled by humans there is no disease you would get from them any more than you would get from the squirrels in the trees or the raccoons in your garage cans. stop trying to blame feral cats for whatever is ailing you and maybe you'll get a doctor to take you more seriously.

By anon115979 — On Oct 05, 2010

A great job to do to change the future. people just need to push themselves and have an eternity of commitment to do such a job, working day and night.

By anon103906 — On Aug 14, 2010

I have a friend that has been treated for about a year for Fibromyalgia with not much relief. She recently read about Lyme Disease and has many of the symptoms including the "bulls eye". Would this be something that this specialty would cover?

By anon53942 — On Nov 25, 2009

70K- up to 120k

By anon49081 — On Oct 17, 2009

i was wondering what is the California law governing epidemiology, the scope of the practitioner, and his/her authority? i have a paper to write and i can't find that answer anywhere. thanks for your help!!

By anon49042 — On Oct 17, 2009

needing help: toxoplasmosis has already been mentioned, yet it is asymptomatic in almost everyone who contracts it, and anon35106 is not correct about its long-term effects. Since I doubt you go around eating cat feces, you might consider a more likely candidate such as cat scratch fever. It's not just an awesome song.

By anon44728 — On Sep 10, 2009

hello! there is a question encountered as to what word best describes an epidemiologist: prognosticator, estimator or planner. what would be the best answer given these choices?

By anon44545 — On Sep 08, 2009

how much do thay get paid?

By anon41210 — On Aug 13, 2009

How do epidemiologists pinpoint the origin of outbreaks of epidemics such as AIDS, Ebola, Swine Flu, and Cholera?

By anon35106 — On Jul 02, 2009

Please see toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by parasites, that can be contracted from the feces of cats. In its acute phase, it causes a flu-like illness, but over the long-term can cause mental health problems, like schizophrenia or bipolar disease.

By needinghelp — On Apr 28, 2009

I was wondering if there was an Epidemiologist who might have knowledge of zoonotic diseases from feral cats to humans? I am pretty sure I have had one for many months and 6 doctors don't believe it is possible, but have no diag as of 7 months. I am desperate. SN

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a Practical Adult Insights contributor...
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