Charting a future for epidemiologic training
- PMID: 25976024
- PMCID: PMC4646613
- DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2015.03.002
Charting a future for epidemiologic training
Abstract
Purpose: To identify macro-level trends that are changing the needs of epidemiologic research and practice and to develop and disseminate a set of competencies and recommendations for epidemiologic training that will be responsive to these changing needs.
Methods: There were three stages to the project: (1) assembling of a working group of senior epidemiologists from multiple sectors, (2) identifying relevant literature, and (3) conducting key informant interviews with 15 experienced epidemiologists.
Results: Twelve macro trends were identified along with associated actions for the field and educational competencies. The macro trends include the following: (1) "Big Data" or informatics, (2) the changing health communication environment, (3) the Affordable Care Act or health care system reform, (4) shifting demographics, (5) globalization, (6) emerging high-throughput technologies (omics), (7) a greater focus on accountability, (8) privacy changes, (9) a greater focus on "upstream" causes of disease, (10) the emergence of translational sciences, (11) the growing centrality of team and transdisciplinary science, and (12) the evolving funding environment.
Conclusions: Addressing these issues through curricular change is needed to allow the field of epidemiology to more fully reach and sustain its full potential to benefit population health and remain a scientific discipline that makes critical contributions toward ensuring clinical, social, and population health.
Keywords: Epidemiology; Genomics; Globalization; Medicine; Public health; Translational research.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
References
-
- Hax AC, Majluf NS. The Corporate Strategic Planning Process. Interfaces. 1984;14(1):47–60.
-
- Samet J, Brownson R. Epidemiology in a changing world. Am J Prev Med. 2014;47(5 suppl 3):S383–S5. - PubMed
-
- Lengerich EJ, Siedlecki JC, Brownson R, Aldrich TE, Hedberg K, Remington P, et al. Mentorship and competencies for applied chronic disease epidemiology. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2003 Jul-Aug;9(4):275–83. - PubMed
MeSH terms
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources