How to Become an Epidemiology Director
Epidemiology directors work for medical schools, hospitals, research firms and public agencies to study the behavior and control of diseases. Some epidemiology directors focus on specific diseases or geographic regions, or how to eliminate or control the spread of infectious conditions. Other professionals respond to and help contain outbreaks; write reports and manuscripts; or design statistical models for biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. Because epidemiology directors occupy senior-level positions, candidates require not only adequate work experience but also strong analytical, communication and leadership skills.
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Instructions
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Obtain a bachelor's degree from a college or university that offers programs in public health, biology, genetics, chemistry, pharmacology, neurobiology or biomedical science. Take courses in mathematics, as well as the biological and social sciences. See if your school offers a concentration in infectious diseases, biostatistics, environmental health science, community health or human development.
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Pursue a master's degree in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics or a related discipline. Decide whether you want a program that prepares you for a clinical role in a laboratory, or an applied research role out in the field. Strengthen your knowledge in areas such as statistical methods, research protocol development, medical literature and database management. Concentrate in areas such as bioethics, human genetics or clinical trials.
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Enroll in a doctorate or medical degree program to boost your academic credentials and increase your chances for an epidemiology director job. Consider a joint master's and M.D. program that allows you to earn both degrees within five years. Complete a doctoral program if you wish to teach, or to conduct clinical investigations in hospitals and health care centers.
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Use your university's career services office to find job openings in epidemiology. Contact research facilities, government agencies and pharmaceutical companies to find out the minimum requirements for entry-level positions in their epidemiology departments. Target prominent organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which hires a large number of epidemiologists (see Resources).
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Work your way up the ranks, from assistant to the director level. Assist epidemiology directors with collecting and analyzing data, technical reports and scientific articles. Conduct investigations, prepare grant proposals, create educational materials for the public and supervise junior staff. Publish articles in well-known industry journals or publications to build your reputation in the field, particularly if you're working in clinical research. Use your work experience and academic credentials to qualify for epidemiology director positions in your chosen industry.
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Tips & Warnings
Not every epidemiologist is a licensed doctor. However, some positions require a candidate who's allowed to administer medication during clinical studies. In addition to completing four years of medical school, you must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination to be become a physician.
References
Resources
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