Panel Discussion

Epidemiologists would argue that knowledge of epidemiology can significantly impact individual health decision-making and societal health policies and actions. Yet from an educational perspective, opportunities to learn about epidemiology are largely limited to graduate programs in schools of public health, and more recently, in undergraduate programs. This invited session will provide perspective on the “outreach” of epidemiology education beyond professional training of epidemiologists. We identify key target groups such as the lay public and also members of the media who cover news on health/public health issues and policies. Another target is our youth and those who teach them in formal and informal settings. Others of importance are public health policy makers and professionals in the field. In this invited session, presenters will describe the importance and current status of educating these target groups about epidemiology, including examples of successes and discussion of gaps and challenges encountered. The session will provide a perspective on the importance and scope of these efforts. If other target groups can understand and appreciate the importance of epidemiology in personal and public health, there could be significant impact on such factors as: (1) improvement in health and science literacy in the community and future generations; (2) more efficient channeling of young people into biomedical and health science careers; and (3) increases in "thinking epidemiologically" among public health professionals and decision-makers. The session will conclude with a presenter/audience discussion of how the APHA’s Epidemiology Section and its Education Committee can help to initiate and enhance efforts to teach epidemiology to members of these key groups.

Session Objectives: Identify key target groups that would benefit from knowledge of epidemiology Describe past and current practices in public health education of community residents Explain how high school students can be taught to appreciate the challenges of public health research Discuss the potential impact of large community studies on public health policy Describe how epidemiology can be integrated into an intensive summer session on global health delivery Identify possible pathways for the Epidemiology Section's Education Committee to advance epidemiology education in key target groups