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As a branch of medical science, epidemiology is the study of populations to better understand the clinical causes and social influences of diseases and health outcomes within communities. This area of study is often associated with diseases, but it also deals with lifestyle and other health factors. For example, if a large percentage of the population experiences breathing problems, epidemiologists might examine whether there is a causal relationship between shortness of breath and pollution levels.

Those in public health demonstrate what is epidemiology by working in a variety of fields and specializing in certain issues in medicine. They may also work to identify new patterns and habits that can impact public health. There was a time, for example, when smoking was considered healthy and encouraged by doctors. Explorations in the field of epidemiology proved this wrong.

Epidemiologists have contributed to public health in these examples:

• Identifying environmental triggers and exposure to chemicals that cause illness, as was the case in the 
• Tracking the spread and development of infectious diseases like the Covid-19 pandemic
• Developing policies to improve the health of communities such as the laws to require the use of seatbelts
• Promoting healthy habits in Americans to extend their life spans

The field of epidemiology covers a mixture of community health and public health. Professionals can work in public policy or within a medical setting, depending on their passions. This field requires evidence-based practices to defend findings. Without countless studies spanning decades, anti-smoking legislation and seatbelt reform would not have likely occurred. 

In 1854, a cholera epidemic was ravaging the city of London. At the time, most doctors believed this illness was airborne, but physician John Snow had another theory. He tracked the cases of cholera throughout the city and identified a single water pump that he believed contained the source of the outbreak. To this day, Snow is considered a pioneer epidemiologist because of his then-novel approach to understanding the origins of an outbreak by studying who was affected.

Snow wasn’t the first person to study epidemics or analyze infectious diseases on a grand scale. Known as the founding father of vital statistics, John Graunt was an English draper who tracked birth and death rates in London and the countryside in the late 1600s. He observed that the urban death rate was higher than the rural rate and that males had higher mortality. He also created a table predicting life span and was able to quantify high infant mortality. Edward Jenner, an English physician, worked to develop a vaccine for smallpox in the 18th century. And there were others. In fact, the roots of epidemiology can be traced all the way back to the father of all medicine, Hippocrates.

Modern epidemiology uses a combination of statistics, social research and other skills to identify risk factors and determine the root causes of health problems within communities. 

Generally, three epidemiological techniques are used to examine disease. An epidemiologist might focus on one technique in their research, or, in the example below, use multiple options to identify the causes and risk factors associated with a disease.

The who, what, when, where, why and how of a disease or condition. John Snow used this approach to see which members of London society were most at risk of contracting cholera. This epidemiological technique can identify patterns and key traits of a community to aid in disease prevention.  

Uses statistics to test hypotheses. John Graunt relied on this method to review birth and death certificates. The technique tries to use quantitative data to track patterns and potential issues. 

Controlled experiments within labs. It tests new treatments and public health interventions before rolling them out to the general public. For example, research scientists at University of Houston worked to create a . Controlled psychology experiments might also fall within this category.

Here are a few key concepts within the field:

• Population at risk: The group of people most affected by a condition or problem. One example is women who used contaminated baby powder and were at greater risk for cancer.
• Incidence: The number of new occurrences of an event within a certain time frame.
• Prevalence: The total number of cases within a population.
• Risk factors: Traits or behaviors that increase the chances of catching a disease.
• Outcomes: The results of changes in behavior or efforts to address the public health issue. An example is COVID-19 lockdowns that were a public health measure to prevent the spread of the disease.

Those terms often arise as epidemiologists navigate the scientific method to develop theories and identify the source of an illness or issue. They also test different solutions to public health problems to see how communities react to them.  

Epidemiology is an interesting field in medicine right now because of advancements in technology that contribute to research techniques. Historically, researchers have had to scour piles of health records and manually report data. Today, machine-learning tools look for patterns and highlight trends for research.

Traditional research methods, however, still have a key role in epidemiology. Researchers might run studies in which they track patient behavior or conduct interviews with members of the public. The human element is important in this field.

Epidemiologists use a mixture of quantitative insight and qualitative analysis to develop the best possible methods to prevent illness and disease. 

Data collection, analysis and integrity play a major role. Just as John Snow needed data to prove that cholera came from a contaminated well, modern epidemiologists need accurate data to advocate for public health change. Statistics and data management skills are especially important in this career path. 

You don't have to be an epidemiologist to work in this field. Students can explore careers in regional research or work to address global trends. Even if a student is motivated to help their neighborhood and local community, their insights could be used to develop programs across the country — or the globe. Here are just a few examples:

• Syringe services programs (SSPs) — Formerly known as needle-exchange programs, SSPs are a critical harm-reduction tool to decrease cases of HIV and hepatitis C, as the use of dirty needles can spread blood-borne pathogens.
• Events like World No Tobacco Day highlight global food insecurity and the dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco simultaneously. The day serves to encourage farmers to grow food as their main crop instead of the tobacco plant.
• Forest fires can spread smoke across multiple countries — like the ones that enveloped the U.S. East Coast from Canada. Those who practice epidemiology can track the short- and long-term effects of poor air quality on populations in affected areas. 

In each of those cases, epidemiologists might respond to a local crisis but the research can be applied to communities across the world. 

Several job paths within public health have ties to epidemiology. Some individuals start in entry-level healthcare jobs, where they can further learn skills that can lay a solid foundation for a future in public health. Epidemiology has a role in jobs such as public health educator, public health officer, health education specialist and community health advisor.

For example, a health education specialist uses epidemiology to assess and analyze patterns of disease and health behaviors within populations. By understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with various health issues, health education specialists can design targeted educational programs and interventions to promote healthier behaviors and prevent the spread of diseases within communities.

To become a health education specialist, typically a bachelor’s degree in a related field is needed. Some organizations seek individuals with a master’s or doctoral degree. In this role. Important skills include how to assess health needs of a community or population and then how to collect and analyze data to best service the community.

After obtaining a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, aspiring individuals interested in leadership roles within public health or furthering their knowledge in the field may choose to pursue a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Leadership. 

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