What does an Epidemiologists do? Interview with Kimberly Hernandez

[@j_d2024]

Is it possible to be an epidemiologist and work more in the lab rather than an office setting?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

They can work in either environments. It really depends on where they work from pharmaceutical company doing a study design on a drug effectiveness to teaching in a public health school to an epidemiologists working at a health department. A person who works in a lab more is a microbiologists. But a microbiologists can also have completed a masters degree in public health or have a strong epidemiologist background.

[@annabellelevin4425]

I’ve been so torn about epidemiology vs virology as a career path, but this video really helped clear up some things! I am graduating with a Biology degree this fall. What would you recommend someone with a goal to become a epidemiologist do first after graduating?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

Try to volunteer for your local health dept or research into a possible internship. Lived experience and talking to those in the field where you live now or want to go, is priceless. Also, interviewing someone in your career path is key. If your local community college or university has internships or practicums...explore the possibility.

[@fellyjusto386]

Please am a student in Brigham youth university persuing a degree in public health which are the best courses to take please do help me.

[@xochitlvalencia1545]

First veiwer first commenter first like.

[@ahmednurabdulkadir5306]

Thanks Sarah for sharing this valuable information. kindly I would like to know if It is exist this course MSc of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the universities or it requires to study separate of these 2 courses? Also to know the main role of epidemiologist regarding the CDC?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

At the undergraduate level you can take intro to epidemiology and public health. You can also major and minor in public health. Epidemiologist typically have a graduate level degree (e.g., Masters in Public Health). There are many roles for epidemiologists within the CDC and vary by the area of interest and focus.

[@palestinalibre7]

💕

[@delaneydill]

Does it matter which school you get your masters from? Is it worth spending more money at a top tier school like Harvard or can I go to my local public school and be just as competitive in the job market?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

It is important to go to a school that is accredited and works closely with their community and/or public health partners. You want to graduate from a school that is recognized by employers and gives you hands-on experience. You will see many programs give you internships and practicums. The name is not as important as the two items above.

[@hajirathasneem1102]

Mam iam finished my bsc microbiology after Ido epidemiology or msc microbiology which is good for my career

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

It really depends on where you are located and what the jobs are like in your area. Look at the job you want to have and either interview that person or see their credentials. I would say either will work...but they are different careers paths. One is more focused on microbiology and the other could be more focused on epidemiology and disease trends.

[@Piercye-q1y]

Very helpful.

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

I am happy to read this. A student did this as part of a class. I was super pleased with her interview. I plan to put up more interviews in the future.

[@ujvalbrahmbhatt535]

Could you differentiate b/w public health epidemiologist & clinical epidemiologist what i want to know is how their works is diifferent?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

Overall public health epidemiologist works more in the public health setting, for example health dept vs. clinical epidemiologist is working possibly on clinical trials.

[@ujvalbrahmbhatt535]

@@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882thank you so much for the reply i hv couple of qs about both - is college matter for th master in both field like stanford graduate & other uni is there a pay scale difference b/w them & could you tell me the range for the starting pay for the both field.

[@514musique]

How hard is it to become an epidemiologist? What are the requirements?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

You will need to complete a bachelors, get experience and later get a masters....all this can happen really streamlined...it can start in community college, to college and masters. I got my masters started when I was in undergrad at Tulane School of Public Health. Here is a link www.publichealthdegrees.org/careers/epidemiologist/ But if you are really interested reach out to a professor in a community college or college to get a plan that works for you. Classes are Intro to Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Infectious Disease, Population Health classes, and more. All good stuff, applied math...If you let know what State you are in...I can point you to the some academic degrees. It is an exciting time to in be in public health. We are part of the solution.

[@buddiex5]

@@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882 I just found this video and I live in Texas. I am an upcoming senior in Public Health B.S.. Any and all information is appreciated. Great video by the way!

[@cassandraelikplimadzokpa7550]

@@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882 I have a degree in Applied Health and a certificate in epidemiology can I apply to a masters in Epidemiology?

[@khaled7stars]

Is that field oversaturated?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

You can look up labor information on the Dept of Labor website www.bls.gov/ooh/ The short answer, I believe no because the skill set needed can be applied to a various of public health positions.

[@jakeramos5067]

Do they wear a ppe suit sometimes?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

If they are at risk of exposure to an infectious disease or to make sure they are not spreading an infection.

[@onfootbassin]

Regarding computers, what do you need to be good at? Do I actually have to write code like Java and stuff or do I just need to be able to improve on and be good at using programs such as SPSS and excel?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

Understanding computer programming is very helpful. To learn more about the academic pathway consider taking an Intro to Public Health course and/or Intro to Epidemiology. You can check out your local community college and/or university.

[@anhthovu914]

Thank you for the useful information! Can I ask you one more thing? I'm a little lost as I don't know what to study for my Bachelor in order to become an epidemiologist. Can you name a few majors please?

[@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882]

You can major in public health, statistics, to a wide range of majors. I would suggest meeting with an advisor and picking out a program you would like to attend in grad school.

[@anhthovu914]

@@sarahbaronpublichealthscie6882 Thank you!