An epidemiologist is a medical scientist concerned with studying the factors that influence public health. She investigates the causes of disease, disability and other health concerns in order to formulate means for prevention and control.

Duties

Epidemiologists can work in either research or clinical capacities. Their duties include measuring disease occurrence, recommending public health policy and developing new methods to protect public safety. They research chronic diseases, infectious diseases and disease outbreaks, while also studying injuries, occupations and environments for potential health hazards.

Locations

Epidemiologists do most of their work in laboratories. They can find employment with hospitals, universities, medical schools, research and development firms, and government agencies, including the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Requirements

All epidemiologists must have at least a master's degree in public health. A Ph.D. or medical degree may be required for certain lines of work, particularly those in hospitals and health centers. An epidemiologist must be a licensed physician to administer drugs during clinical trials.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary (as of May 2008) for an epidemiologist was $64,5000, with a range of approximately $41,000 to $93,000.

Root of the Term

The term epidemiologist comes from the Greek words "epi" (among), "demos" (people) and "logos" (doctrine), meaning the word translates to "what is among the people."

Source

Healthcare Career Infornation

BLS

Epidemiologist Career Overview