Marg Career Library - Epidemiologist

Overview:

Epidemiologists are ‘disease detectives’ and frontline workers in case of a disease or illness that affects a group of people. They work towards identifying the spread and cause of the disease or illness. To do so, epidemiologists delve into the living conditions, food and water sources, and other factors that could have caused the disease. Further, they conduct surveys, interact with other professionals, and perform rigorous research to investigate the cause and cure for the disease. They strive to consolidate their research to develop preventive measures and treatments for the condition and implement the same.

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Career Path:

Candidates from all streams can choose to become epidemiologists.

Stream of Study at 12th:

Students who wish to become epidemiologists are recommended to opt for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the 12th level.

Degree/Graduation Courses:

Pursue B.Sc. in Epidemiology for 3 years
Pursue B.Sc. in Public Health for 3 years
Pursue Bachelors of Public Health for 4 years
Pursue Bachelors in Sociology, Economics, Nutrition, Social Work for 3 or 4 years
Pursue any medical or paramedical, or allied science course at the undergraduate level
Students can gain practical experience through internships

Higher education/After Graduation Courses:

Pursue M.Sc. in Epidemiology 2 years
Pursue Master of Public Health for 2 years
Pursue Master of Public Health (Epidemiology and Health Systems) for 2 years
Pursue PG Diploma in Epidemiology and Biostatistics for 1 year
Pursue PG Diploma in Public Health for 2 years
Pursue PG Diploma in Public Health Management for 1 year
Pursue Ph.D. in Epidemiology for 3 years
Pursue Ph.D. in Public Health for 3 years

Note: A PhD is usually a minimum requirement for a career in academic research and is useful for career progression in other areas of work.

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Top Colleges:

Indian Institutes of Public Health
All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi
Christian Medical College, Vellore
National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai
Tata Institute of Social Science, Mumbai
Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Science, Patna
SRM University, Kattankulathur
Padmashree School of Public Health, Bengaluru
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
Public Health Foundation of India, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad

Job Opportunities:

National and international health departments
National and international disease control centres
National and international medical research centres
National and international medical laboratories
Government and private hospitals
Non-government organisations
Universities and educational institutions
Medical and pharmaceutical companies
Public and community health centres
Health protection services
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industries

Job Responsibilities:

Planning and researching a disease
Collecting and analysing data to investigate the cause of a disease
Communicate analysed results through presentations and publications
Carrying out and supervising research about the cause and transmission of a disease
Interacting with professionals to study a disease
Designing and evaluating possible prevention methods, and treatments for a disease
Communicate with policymakers and public health officials for the implementation of prevention measures
Testing the effectiveness of prevention and treatment methods for a disease
Reviewing the effects of the prevention and treatment programs on the community
Modifying and improving prevention and treatment programs for a disease

Work Life:

An epidemiologist usually works in offices, laboratories, or clinical settings
In some cases, they may be required to go outside for fieldwork, to collect data or implement programs
They may be exposed to infections during fieldwork or research
They primarily work with a team of professionals with whom they will interact and brainstorm
Epidemiologists will be expected to travel to support the community or conduct studies
They work full time with a fixed work schedule
In case of emergencies, they may be asked to work overtime
Self-employment is rare but freelance work can be an option if they work as an independent consultant in the field

Key Skills:

Patience
Attention to detail
Ability to work under pressure
Communication skills
Listening skills
Research and analytical skills
Mathematical skills or high levels of numeracy
Leadership skills
Problem-solving skills
Strong understanding of medical and biological processes
Strong IT skills, including experience of using statistical and database software packages