Epidemiologist

What is an epidemiologist?

Epidemiology is about looking at the patterns and causes of disease (or health-related events) in a population. It helps to define risk factors for disease and can help prevent disease and promote health. A public health epidemiologist aims to monitor the health of residents in their area and uses analytical methods to assess, analyze and interpret public health data. The findings from these analyses are used by public health staff and community stakeholders to plan and provide appropriate programs and services to our community.

Knowledge Management epidemiologists provide consultation and education to public health staff on sources of data, data collection and analysis, data quality, interpretation of results, and use of the results for program planning and evaluation.	Knowledge Management epidemiologists prepare various reports on a diverse range of indicators of our local population's health in an effort to inform and educate on our programs.

A typical day in the life as an epidemiologist:

Most of the work of an epidemiologist is spent working individually at your workstation, on a variety of projects. The main role of an epidemiologist is to provide local health and health behaviour information for public health staff and the general public. Staff need local information in order to plan and provide programs and services to the public. Daily work includes data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings. The epidemiologist will also meet with staff and the community to ensure the information provided is understandable, and provides the information that is needed. An epidemiologist's work also involves investigating outbreaks, surveillance of local data, and working with community and provincial partners.

Knowledge Management epidemiologists discussing influenza activity across Ontario using the locally developed influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Mapper website. The ILI Mapper website is a useful tool for both the  public and for health professionals across Ontario to track and remain current on seasonal influenza progression.	Knowledge Management epidemiologists respond to data requests from staff, partner and collaborating agencies, and the general public.

What inspires you to work at KFL&A Public Health?

I love being a resource to all staff; I know I am providing essential information that enables public health to provide quality service to our community.

Knowledge Management epidemiologists analyze population health data, and interpret results for a variety of users and communicate these results in formats appropriate to the user.	Knowledge Management epidemiologists present health information to public health staff and the general public in visual, user-friendly formats.