Leverage statistical software to infer valuable information and stay updated
Written by on January 30, 2023
We generally affiliate the medical issues when we ponder over the word ‘health.’ And due to this, the definition of public health can get a bit perplexing to many people. In contrast with medical caregivers who practice in hospital settings, public health doesn’t concentrate on medicine neither it’s a one-on-one field of study.
In lieu, public health emphasizes strategies to improve healthcare outcomes and prevent chronic diseases among the populations. Coming up short against public health and overlooking the community’s wellness might give birth to many healthcare concerns such as cancer and heart problems. Therefore, public health practitioners enhance the quality of living and ensure the well-being of people through various methods such as clean water, child wellness, disaster relief, and education.
If you have a one-track mind to help and serve the people or you wish to drive a real difference to the people whose lives you touch. Then, you probably aspire to be a part of this rewarding profession. Epidemiology and biostatistics are two of the most common public health fields. While both of these branches may seem somewhat similar; however, the fact is, both fields differ a lot.
To learn more, let’s take a deep dive into both of these professions and see what distinguish them:
BIOSTATISTICS
The field of biostatistics or biometry is a peculiar one, as it blends the aspects of medicine with statistics, mathematics, and science. Primarily, the role of a biostatistician is to check the validity of the hypothesis using the empirical research method. Thus, the professionals of this field collect data, implement the fundamentals of statistics, and derive medical results based on their research.
These professionals may work in pharmaceutical firms, research centers, governmental agencies, medical equipment manufacturers, or private companies. Biostatisticians generally have an office-based work environment. However, depending on the nature of their jobs, they might also work in laboratory settings.
Responsibilities of biostatistician
On a given day, the job duties of a biostatistician include the following:
Collect data about the populations, inspect the impacts of climate change, and study the prevalence of multiple diseases
Assess, apply, and report results about the research projects and prepare documents based on the results
Implement statistical approaches and scientific methods to unveil the underlying cause of diseases
Establish and maintain relationships with professionals of different fields and acts as dedicated specialists for various committees and collaborators
Collaborate with data scientists to carry out research studies and ensure that clinical trials accuracy
Leverage statistical software to infer valuable information and stay updated with the ongoing trends in the statistical industry
How to become a biostatistician?
All aspiring individuals who wish to pursue their career as biostatisticians should first enroll in an undergraduate degree. A bachelor’s degree in the field of statistics, mathematics, or biostatistics may work. However, to qualify for advanced job roles, it’s advisable to consider a master’s or doctorate.
What subjects do biostatisticians study?
Biostatistics is an honorable profession, which offers high earning potential and job stability. Individuals who have a way with mathematics and statistics and are passionate about stepping foot in the healthcare industry can pursue this field.
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/589daa16-6ba3-49fd-83d5-c01c51655ac6/page/nqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/4c1b3b18-93fe-4d4d-9520-27e6de209d19/page/oqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/47f25a6c-22f1-420a-b490-8606dfdfcb90/page/rqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/e7ac777c-fab4-4839-88e7-ca46004a435b/page/qqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/9cb2b16b-43a9-4d35-bfb9-b0f4dd0064b9/page/uqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/efc8abd2-407d-4bad-9525-ec6e1eb0c3f6/page/wqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/9c265175-b94a-426d-928a-6de376c3d55d/page/tqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/9788cff5-9c22-4ee0-bfae-1d857e1599ab/page/yqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/a8f45fe4-678b-45a1-9a57-b091c9dca678/page/xqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/286ad72a-123e-4a92-99b3-cc8bbc6c9337/page/zqwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/v0uZV5QRlNo
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/mKTYQefgyuQ
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/tAq_9j797X8
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/jdIswUr6T3Y
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/pEi0O-p-xzs
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/nPCuY-UyEzs
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/qTMY6PaBdrY
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/oHcs-rpNssI
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/jVEd2rj8ck0
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/rAGfMwYYdLw
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/jR9mDI-NcEA
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/o6nfWAEukv4
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/haOPMWbBk3U
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/ppCARs-SYF0
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/l2HuspTffoQ
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/pIaqOdxMv_M
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/rfW_Mvy3N3U
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/kIszIja10bI
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/qqM9xJNsr-w
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/splK3k6DzbY
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/ljJfU6lja9g
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/ry5AfrpP8pE
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/m0s4wBpzUbA
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/tD9urQSO3FA
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/hvS8nguPr6E
https://lookerstudio.google.com/s/jbT-cwz51I8
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/f80fab50-59a5-4564-963f-745636f5a983/page/upwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/96ba3d78-2a88-4a5b-8008-8184df662085/page/gpwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/cc0e4f61-a16e-487a-a0b3-77643fa338a5/page/UpwDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/8380b672-d50f-4b17-bdc7-c12c0bbe39ee/page/jowDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/37ecea49-b594-4e96-9cea-103ac331ec24/page/ZowDD
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/9ebe7a5a-f511-4238-9916-ab7adf74bcad/page/2nwDD
Although the curriculum of each degree program varies; however, some of the common subjects that biostatisticians study include:
Essential elements of statistical inference
Applied biostatistics
Generalized linear models
Statistical computing
Principles of microbiology
Analysis of human health and diseases
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Epidemiology deals with the risk factors, causes, and prevalence of diseases among communities. The field tends to save millions of lives and extricate the suffering to a greater extent. These public health practitioners accumulate data through interviews, survey forms, or observation and inspect them. They also test the specimens of blood or fluids of the human body to decipher the root cause of diseases. Epidemiologists utilize both qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyze data and extract relevant information.
Epidemiologists can either work for the state, local, private, or public sector. The typical work settings may include healthcare facilities, academic institutions, laboratories, and government offices.
Responsibilities of an epidemiologist
The epidemiologist mandate includes the following job duties:
Handle the health surveillance systems and determine the effects of environmental factors and chemical toxins on human health
Work collectively with government officials and global public healthcare providers to aid in creating public health policies
Keep themselves abreast of the emerging trends and latest developments in the technology and develop public health programs
Oversee public health programs, monitor their effectiveness, and figure out ways to improve such programs to overcome public health issues
Travel to various locations to deduce the reasons for the outbreak of diseases and give presentations in the meetings
Train physicians, technicians, and students about laboratory methods and medicine research
Exploit software to calculate the findings and regulate the drug dosage and immunization methods for the manufacture of biological compounds
How to become an epidemiologist?
There are some educational prerequisites that individuals should meet to become an epidemiologist. First, after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, aspiring students must gain hands-on experience before enrolling in a master’s degree program.
However, ensure that you acquire a master’s in epidemiology or other relevant fields such as biological or statistical science from an accredited institute. Only then will you be eligible to perform tasks as an epidemiologist.
Which subjects do epidemiologists study?
Epidemiology, beyond doubt, is a challenging yet gratifying profession. As per the statistics by BLS, epidemiology will likely grow by 30% by 2029. You will suit this area of public health if you have top-notch research skills and a solid sense of humanitarian duties.
The following is a list of courses that you may study during your epidemiology degree program. Remember, the subjects may differ depending on the program you choose.
Principles of epidemiology in public health
Epidemiology of chronic diseases and disability
Psychiatric epidemiology
Clinical trials and methods
Cancer epidemiology
Infectious disease and global health epidemiology
Final Words
Epidemiologists and biostatisticians are prominent public health practitioners who capitalize on mathematical, statistical, and scientific methods to inspect disease trends. Not only this, but they also intervene to solve the current health crisis and protect the public from diseases that may arise in a yet unforeseeable future. Thousands of individuals are alive today and living their best lives, all thanks to the endeavors of public health professionals and their initiatives. Therefore, it is fair to state that both of these fields are the mainstays of public health.
And if you wish to harmonize your passion for data analysis with medical knowledge, then look no further ahead. Both of these fields offer exceptional experiences and give the valuable opportunity to facilitate health conditions. All you ought to do is decide which area sits well with your strengths, interests, and career plans.