There is something that the pandemic has made very clear and it is none other than the important work that epidemiologists have in the public health of a country. The knowledge of epidemiologists is key when it comes to finding the causes of a certain disease. Thanks to the work of epidemiologists, there is control of the different outbreaks that the aforementioned disease can cause in society.
In the next article we are going to talk to you of the functions of an epidemiologist and what you need to study to be able to practice this profession.
What is an epidemiologist
In general terms, it can be said that an epidemiologist is a science professional who studies the development of a certain epidemic and the incidence of different infectious diseases in society. An epidemiologist studies the causes of such diseases to prevent them from spreading throughout the population. The work of epidemiologists has been vital when it comes to controlling a disease as serious and dangerous as the coronavirus.
What are the functions of an epidemiologist
The main function of a professional as an epidemiologist is to study the origin of a disease and its risk factors. In other words, the main task is to prevent certain infectious diseases to protect society. Apart from this, the epidemiologist has another series of functions:
- He is in charge of determining the frequency of a disease.
- Analyze mortality that causes disease in the population.
- Set different diagnoses in order to benefit the country's health system.
- Research infectious diseases.
- Act together with certain public bodies in order to promote health.
- Prepare certain reports related to the health statistics of a country.
What do you have to study to be an epidemiologist?
In the event that you want to dedicate yourself to a profession as an epidemiologist, you can opt for the path of studying a career such as Medicine or Biology. It is also just as valid to study a degree in Pharmacy and from here to specialize in a Master in Epidemiology.
What profile should an epidemiologist have?
Apart from having a certain vocation in the world of infectious diseases, a professional in this field should have a series of skills or personal qualities: have some logical and mathematical thinking that help to make the analysis of the different diseases as accurate as possible. Without forgetting to be a methodical person who perfectly manages the field of statistics.
Job prospects for an epidemiologist
Many professionals develop their careers in the educational field, especially at university. However, the vast majority of epidemiologists work in the health sector. They can also develop their career in the private sector either in clinics or in pharmaceuticals. In general terms, The epidemiologist can work in the following fields or areas:
- Investigation.
- Enviromental health.
- Infectious and chronic diseases.
How much does an epidemiologist earn?
In recent years, many young people have become interested in this profession, especially since the outbreak of the pandemic throughout the planet. There is no doubt that the work of epidemiologists in the country has been key and vital in being able to control a virus as powerful and lethal as the coronavirus. It is expected that in the coming years many students will choose to study Medicine or Pharmacy in order to put into practice a profession as an epidemiologist.
In relation to salary, it should be noted that it will depend largely on the experience one has and the sector in which the person works. Anyway today, The average salary of an epidemiologist in our country is usually around 50000 euros per year.
In short, as a consequence of the pandemic suffered throughout the planet, The work of the epidemiologist has been gaining in importance with regard to public health. If you have some doubts about what to study and you like everything related to infectious diseases, the profession of epidemiologist is perfect for you.