Doctors examine an individual for the disease they got, and prescribe the relevant medicines to treat the ailment. However, when it comes to the big picture, like figuring out where the disease started, why it was caused, and how it can be prevented it all comes to an epidemiologist. With a global pandemic still prevailing in the world, there are still efforts going on understand how to prevent further incidents like this to happen. Find out what epidemiologists do to prevent such outbreaks and how you could make a career for yourself as an epidemiologist.
What is epidemiology?
Epidemiology is the study of diseases that are caused by agents like bacteria, virus and other micro-organisms. The field focuses on the origin (where it started), transmission (how it spreads), how it can be cured of, and preventive measures so that similar incidents are not repeated in the future.
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What do epidemiologists do?
Epidemiologists focus upon finding answers to the questions related to the behaviour of the disease-causing agent. This can be regarding the origin, transmission, cure and presentation. They conduct studies of different kinds to find answers ranging for field studies, laboratory experiments and surveys.
A typical day of an epidemiologist might require performing the following responsibilities –
- Developing and executing information acquisition, compilation, synthetization, extraction and reporting techniques and the systems
- Creating, carrying out and assisting analysis of obtained statistical data
- Providing guidance and suggestions based on critical analysis and thinking, matters based on an established scientific understanding in a worldwide context of infectious and new illnesses
- Work using specialized computer statistics software for data analysis
- Providing statistical insight into research results interpretation and discussing upon the same
- Writing reports and getting them published, or presenting them in conferences
- Working together with government institutions, public health departments and other global agencies to help formulate health policies
What are the types of epidemiologists and where do they work?
According to the specialization taken, an epidemiologist can be referred to their field of expertise.
Infection Control Epidemiologists focus upon investigating infectious diseases affecting human life. They usually work in laboratories to study and conduct research and analyze the behaviors of these infectious agents. These specialists also are involved in framing policies and strategies to control and prevent disease spread.
Pharmaceutical Epidemiologist study the effects and impact of pharmaceutical drugs on human health. They also study about substance abuse and trends in the society.
Veterinary Epidemiologist study about how diseases are transmitted from animals to humans.
Community Health Workers work directly with general public to create awareness about health and hygiene. They work with NGOs, social or government departments.
Survey Researchers work with government or private organizations to collect data on diseases, outbreak and other relevant issues in medicine, analyze and interpret the data findings using statistics.
Epidemiologists in the Academic field work in research organizations conducting research on aspects of epidemiology, along with teaching at the institute to students.
Supervisory Epidemiologists are involved in managing budgets, the team of epidemiologists, and the pharmaceutical development and other tasks as a supervisor. This is a higher-level position, where the responsibilities are based more on managing and supervising a team as part of an organization.
What are the qualifications needed to become an epidemiologist in India?
At under graduation level, you could choose to do a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, any allied health science, paramedics or subjects like Nutrition, Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, Psychology, and Economics.
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At post-graduation level, you could choose courses like Masters of Public Health or M.Sc. Biostatistics and Epidemiology that are 2-year courses. Graduates who have done medical courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, Pharmacy or Nursing at UG level, could also apply for these courses. For research associate positions, you should clear national level JRF exams like CSIR, ICMR, or UGC. Academic positions usually require a Ph.D. to apply.
If you’re a person who likes to look at the big picture, interested in investigating things, have an eye for detail, critical thinking and analytical skills, a career path in epidemiology is definitely worth considering. As an epidemiologist, you’re not serving an infidel at a time, but the whole society as well as the world!
