Epidemiologists study the frequency and distribution of diseases within human populations and environments. In an epidemiological study, the investigators try to determine if any factor is associated with the health effect. Therefore, epidemiologists try to compare groups of people who are alike except for the risk factor under evaluation.

Since epidemiology is concerned with the patterns of disease occurrence and the factors that influence these patterns, epidemiology is fundamental in all health-related areas, including the practice of public health and preventive medicine.

Epidemiologists perform research, education, and public health practice in universities, government agencies, international organizations, and private corporations.

Epidemiologists often work on developing or refining methods of measuring and evaluating disease occurrences; develop and recommend public health policy; and study or research chronic diseases, infectious diseases, disease outbreaks, injuries, occupations, and environments, among other functions.

Epidemiology espouses many different specializations, such as, the study of infectious and chronic diseases, environmental and occupational determinants of diseases, and genetics determinants of diseases.

The biggest satisfaction for an epidemiologist is discovering some relationship between an avoidable exposure and a disease that leads to action that improves public health. For example, some birth defects have been associated to deficiency folic acid in the diet. Consequently, prevention strategies have been implemented, such as the fortification of certain foods with folic acid, that have helped babies to be born free of these congenital defects.

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