What is Epidemiology?

Epidemiologists play a fundamental role in preventive medicine and public health by understanding which variables in human situations influence the determination and distribution of diseases. Epidemiologist investigate the incidence, distribution, and control of disease and injury in a population.

Epidemiology includes the study of factors affecting the progress of an illness or injury, in the case of many chronic diseases their natural history, and evaluating interventions aimed at the prevention of disease or reducing its consequences. Epidemiologists learn statistical, research, and survey methods as well as about the biological, behavioral, social and organizational determinants of disease and injury.

Epidemiologists work in a wide variety of settings including public health agencies at the local, state, national, or international level; health care delivery systems such as hospitals and managed care organization; private research firms; pharmaceutical companies; and academia.