Epidemiology is the application of the scientific method to the study of disease in populations for prevention or control. It is a key basic science of public health and preventive medicine encompassing study design aspects and statistical methods crucial for the accurate conduct and review of scientific research across medical disciplines.

The Department of Population Health is leading this endeavor through research, education, and community partnerships. Our ongoing work in epidemiology and disease surveillance includes:

• The Kansas Cancer Registry has been tracking cancer cases in Kansas since 1994
• Reproductive health research, including contraception access and control of sexually transmitted infections
• Development of comprehensive outcomes measures for research and clinical practices: the Stroke Impact Scale and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r, SRS-22, and SRS-23

Education in Epidemiology

Our Masters in Public Health program offers a concentration in epidemiology that includes both basic and advanced training in epidemiology and specialized courses such as:

• Cancer Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacoepidemiology

The department also provides classes and courses in epidemiology and evidence-based medicine for medical students, nursing students, and other public health professionals.