Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases in population groups. The field aims to identify factors that promote health and reduce the burden of disease in human populations. Epidemiologic methods are used to understand disease causation, elucidate the full spectrum of disease syndromes, identify the natural history of diseases, and assess interventions to ameliorate or prevent diseases.
The specific objectives of epidemiology are to: Identify the etiology of a disease and its associated risk factors; determine the extent of disease found in the community; study the natural history and prognosis; evaluate measures and modes of health care delivery; and provide the foundation for developing public policy and regulatory decision relating to environmental problems.
Our mission at the Medical College of Wisconsin is to provide advanced training in clinical research to medical students, junior faculty, academic fellows and other health field professionals as well as conducting epidemiologic research.