Definition of Clinical Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are medical scientists who study the transmission and control of epidemic diseases Epidemiologists either specialize in research, or work in outpatient settings or in hospitals as consultants to medical staff.
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Job Overview
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical epidemiologists provide information regarding infectious outbreaks.
Some clinical epidemiologists are also physicians. Those who are not frequently team up with physicians to come up with ways to contain outbreaks of diseases.
Clinical epidemiologists commonly develop strategies and guidelines for treating and controlling communicable diseases.
Education
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Clinical epidemiologists who work in hospitals and health care centers are often required to have a medical degree with specialized training in infectious diseases. At the very least, a master's degree in epidemiology from a school of public health is necessary.
Although most students do not choose epidemiology for undergraduate study, students in four-year degree programs should gain a solid background in chemistry, mathematics and computer science.
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Licensure
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If your duties as a clinical epidemiologist will include administering drugs in clinic trials, you must be a licensed physician. That means you must take and pass a licensing examination. Clinical epidemiologists who are not licensed physicians often work side by side with them.
Work Setting
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Clinical epidemiologists can expect to work in clean, well-lighted hospitals and other clinical settings. The average work week is forty-hour, five-day week and schedule flexibility is frequently required.
Salary & Benefits
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Earnings vary depending on the experience and education of the epidemiologist and the type of employer.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median annual salary for epidemiologists in 2006 was $56,670.
Mid-range earnings were between $45,220 and $71,080. The lowest 10 percent were paid less than $36,920, while the top 10 percent earned more than $87,300.
Epidemiologists generally receive medical insurance, retirement plans and paid vacations and holidays.
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