Epidemiology Observational Studies on Human Populations

• Main Authors: Weed, Douglas L, McKeown, Robert E
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University PressNew York, NY 2008
• Subjects: Avian flu
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780195168655.003.0032; https://academic.oup.com/book/chapter-pdf/52550508/isbn-9780195168655-book-part-32.pdf

Abstract “Everyone wants to be an epidemiologist,” declared the former chair of epidemiology at Harvard University. This rather bold claim, part of a plenary speech at a recent international meeting of epidemiologists, may come as a surprise to those who, quite happy with their current vocation, had never considered epidemiology a career option. The underlying premise of this distinguished cancer epidemiologist’s message was that epidemiologic studies are increasingly at the center of nearly every public discussion of health and medicine. AIDS, SARS, avian flu, Agent Orange, Gulf War syndrome, the safety of silicone breast implants, and the value of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are only a few examples of recent issues with epidemiologic studies at the center of the controversy. Add to this list the usual culprits responsible for most of the death and suffering of any community—heart disease, cancer, diabetes, injuries, accidents (now called unintentional injuries, as opposed to intentional injuries), conditions related to aging, and infectious diseases—and epidemiology’s special relevance to public health becomes clearer.