7 Subdisciplines and Careers in Epidemiology
Rachel A. Hoopsick
Subdisciplines and Careers in Epidemiology
Overview
Epidemiology is an expansive and evolving field, encompassing numerous subdisciplines. Each subdiscipline addresses different aspects of public health, emphasizing the need for specialized expertise. With the ongoing rise in global health threats and an increased focus on public health preparedness, the demand for epidemiologists continues to grow. Job prospects in the field are robust, with significant projected growth in employment opportunities, reflecting the essential role epidemiologists play in disease prevention and health promotion.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Describe some of the major subdisciplines in the field of epidemiology
- Discuss the types of careers, training, and skills, and career outlook of epidemiologists
Subdisciplines in Epidemiology
Epidemiology is a broad field with several specialized subdisciplines that focus on different aspects of disease distribution, determinants, and control. Here’s a list of just some of the major subdisciplines in epidemiology along with their descriptions:
Chronic Disease Epidemiology: This subdiscipline delves into the factors contributing to the prevalence and prevention of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Researchers investigate the interplay between lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, and environmental conditions. Their work includes developing screening programs, advocating for healthy lifestyle changes, and identifying early warning signs to reduce disease progression.
Clinical Epidemiology: Applying epidemiological methods to individual patient care, clinical epidemiologists strive to enhance healthcare quality by assessing medical interventions’ efficacy and safety. They work on disease prognosis models and refine diagnostic criteria. These efforts aim to ensure that treatments are evidence-based and personalized, thus improving patient outcomes.
Environmental Epidemiology: This field is crucial for understanding how external factors affect public health. By conducting extensive exposure assessments and studying the long-term effects of pollutants, environmental epidemiologists play a pivotal role in shaping policies that protect communities from environmental hazards. Their research often influences regulations on air quality, water safety, and chemical usage.
Genetic Epidemiology: Genetic epidemiologists explore how genetic makeup and interactions with environmental factors influence disease susceptibility and health outcomes. They use advanced techniques like genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to pinpoint genetic markers linked to diseases. Their findings can lead to breakthroughs in personalized medicine and preventative healthcare.
Global Health Epidemiology: This subdiscipline addresses health issues on a worldwide scale, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion across different countries. Global health epidemiologists collaborate with international organizations to monitor emerging health threats, manage resources for epidemic responses, and address inequities in healthcare access.
Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Specializing in infectious diseases, these epidemiologists monitor and respond to disease outbreaks. They employ statistical models to predict infection spread and design effective containment strategies. Their work is vital in creating vaccination policies and educating the public on infection prevention.
Molecular Epidemiology: By integrating molecular biology with epidemiological research, molecular epidemiologists explore the biological mechanisms behind diseases. They identify biomarkers that signal disease development, which aids in early detection and targeted treatment strategies, ultimately contributing to personalized medicine advancements.
Occupational Epidemiology: Focusing on workplace-related health risks, occupational epidemiologists study how job conditions and exposures contribute to disease and injury. Their research helps inform regulations and safety standards, leading to healthier work environments and reduced health risks for employees.
Social Epidemiology: This subfield examines the impact of social structures on health outcomes. Social epidemiologists analyze how factors like income, education, and community support affect health disparities. Their insights are crucial in developing interventions aimed at reducing inequalities and improving public health policies.
These subdisciplines each contribute to the overall field of epidemiology by addressing different aspects of disease patterns, causes, and prevention strategies. Together, they provide a comprehensive understanding of health and disease at both individual and population levels.
Test your knowledge on what some of the subdisciplines of epidemiology:
Careers
Individuals with training in epidemiology can pursue a wide range of careers across various sectors, including public health, research, healthcare, and government. More than half of all epidemiologists in the United States work in state and local government, while others work in hospitals, universities, and scientific research and development services.[1]
A typical workday for an epidemiologist can vary depending on their specialization and workplace. Generally, they start by reviewing recent data on disease trends, analyzing statistics, and updating or developing models for predicting disease spread. They might then attend meetings with public health officials to discuss findings and coordinate interventions. Fieldwork can include visiting hospitals or communities for data collection and conducting interviews. Their day may also involve writing reports, preparing presentations for stakeholders, and collaborating with other scientists or healthcare professionals on research projects and policy recommendations.
Check your Understanding
Training
The training of epidemiologists varies significantly by country, reflecting differences in public health priorities, resources, and educational structures. In many countries, a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or epidemiology is the minimum requirement, and some may emphasize additional practical experience or internships in healthcare settings. Some epidemiologists also hold doctorate degrees in epidemiology, public health, or medicine. Countries with robust healthcare systems often provide more extensive research opportunities and access to advanced analytical tools. In contrast, in resource-limited settings, training might focus on immediate public health concerns and practical application, with an emphasis on fieldwork and community health initiatives to address local epidemiological challenges.
Necessary Skills
Epidemiologists need a blend of technical, analytical, and communication skills. Proficiency in statistical analysis and software tools is crucial for interpreting complex data sets and identifying disease patterns. They must also have strong research skills to design studies, collect accurate data, and ensure rigorous methodology. Additionally, critical thinking is essential for formulating hypotheses and drawing conclusions from findings.
Effective communication skills are vital for epidemiologists to share their research with diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public. This includes writing clear reports, delivering presentations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities are also necessary to address public health challenges and develop actionable strategies for disease prevention and control.
Field Outlook
Recent and emerging public health threats emphasize the critical need for epidemiologists. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the rapid spread of infectious diseases and the importance of epidemiological expertise in containment and prevention. Other emerging threats include antimicrobial resistance, which poses challenges for treating common infections, and the increased frequency of zoonotic diseases, driven by factors like climate change and habitat loss. These challenges underscore the crucial role of epidemiologists in understanding disease dynamics, guiding public health policy, and improving global health resilience. The job market for epidemiologists is expected to expand by 27% from 2022 to 2032, significantly outpacing other occupations, with an average of 800 job openings annually.1
Graduates of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are finding themselves on the front lines of public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging threats. With their training in epidemiology, they have stepped into roles that include contact tracing, communicable disease investigation, and public health education. Their roles involve analyzing disease patterns, collecting critical data to develop predictive models, and providing guidance on public safety measures. Their public health education has prepared them to adapt quickly to evolving health crises, drawing on foundational knowledge and practical skills. Whether tracking cases of communicable diseases, supporting emergency preparedness efforts, or educating communities about prevention strategies, MPH graduates are making a tangible impact on public health.
Key Takeaways
This chapter, we examined many of the diverse subdisciplines within epidemiology, each playing a critical role in addressing various public health challenges. From chronic disease prevention to infectious disease control, epidemiologists contribute to understanding and mitigating health risks on both local and global scales. With the rising demand for specialized expertise, career opportunities in the field are expanding, underscoring the importance of continued training and the development of critical skills in data analysis, research, and communication. The role of epidemiologists remains essential in promoting public health and responding to emerging health threats worldwide.
Thinking About Becoming an Epidemiologist?
Are you interested in learning more about what epidemiologists do or what it takes to become one? Check out the list of resources below.
For more information about the work of epidemiologists, visit:
American College of Epidemiology
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
For more information about epidemiology in public health, visit:
American Epidemiological Society
American Public Health Association
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
National Academy for State Health Policy
For more information about epidemiology careers in the United States federal government, visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For more information about international epidemiology work, visit:
International Epidemiological Association
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Epidemiologists: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Last modified April 30, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm. ↵
