5 Characteristics of a Successful Epidemiologist

Five Traits Every Epidemiologist Must Possess

Knowledge of Statistics
Good Communication
Efficiency With Computers
Ability to Actively Learn
Organizational Skills

When it comes to successful epidemiologist, their characteristics tend to be fairly similar. After all, succeeding in a field where, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fewer than 8,000 work, is certainly not easy. Nevertheless, those who possess all of the following may certainly qualify to handle this fast-paced, forward-thinking job.

1. Knowledge of Statistics

Epidemiologists are responsible for studying patterns of many diseases that affect society. Based on the long-term trends and historical data, these professionals draw conclusions that help minimize exposure to hazardous substances. Additionally, they create solutions that elevate the preventative branch of medicine. In other words, they are the ones who come up with ways that doctors can help their long-term patients avoid certain conditions. To do all of this, epidemiologists must be able to interpret data well. That includes knowing how to read information, draw logical conclusions from it, and forecast the future accurately.

2. Good Communication

Although interpreting data effortlessly is important, it is not the most important characteristic of an epidemiologist. In fact, those who may not be able to communicate their idea can never compensate for that shortcoming by being great statisticians. Thus, anyone looking to work in this field should be a good communicator. Just consider, for example, how hard it is to convince people that they should believe your new idea if they do not have the same statistics-based abilities. Well, epidemiologists are practically forced to convince others every time that they come across an important discovery. Hence why it is crucial to be communicative and convey ideas effectively.

3. Efficiency With Computers

Naturally, the vast majority of all statistical work will be handled by software. This is because online programs make it easy to run complex computations and take advantage of some state-of-the-art algorithms. Well, in order to employ these resources, the epidemiologist must know all of the ins and outs of working with computers when analyzing data. Moreover, understanding how to use computers is extremely relevant when it comes to the overall healthcare industry. This is because nearly every hospital, insurance provider, and doctor use computers to handle the vast majority of their administrative work.

5. Ability to Actively Learn

The nature of information in epidemiology is permanently changing. What might have been the cause of a major disease outbreak a decade ago is now probably treatable with dozens of alternatives. Therefore, epidemiologists who want to be successful should be very flexible and hungry for knowledge. That way, they can take something away from every project, patient, or case that they work on. Moreover, having an updated knowledge base will make it easier to recognize important patterns that could showcase an upcoming disease crisis. This is why the ability to learn is only relevant if they can do it actively.

6. Organizational Skills

An average week for an epidemiologist tends to go into overtime very often. This is a byproduct of having a lot of obligations that are not directly related to patients. For instance, someone working in this field could spend months analyzing a single pattern of symptoms. In order to save a considerable amount of time, the professional must be very organized. That means maintaining a schedule that reflects one’s true agendas. Additionally, they must be micro-managers to an extent. That enables them to take charge of important ventures as well as minimize any potential margin of error.

In reality, however, one could practice within this industry even if they do not possess all of the skills that were mentioned. Nevertheless, in order to become a successful epidemiologist, it is important to carry the majority of these five characteristics.

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