A medical worker holding a paper with graphs. They are in blue scrubs and wearing latex gloves

How would you rate Canada’s health services?  Wait! Before you give us a C- minus for a shortage in comprehensive health services and medical doctors let’s consider the bigger, global picture! The fact is, Canada is doing excellent work to address our overarching societal health needs—both nationally and internationally.

In 1971, Canada became a member of the Pan American Health Organization to support enhanced health outcomes in the Americas. The partnership focuses on fighting communicable and non-communicable diseases, strengthening health systems and enhancing emergency preparedness and response mechanisms. This work is championed though the collaborative efforts of key health partners in Canada, including Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). 

Canada’s partnership enables us to assess health communities at the local and international level and contribute to valuable research. The epidemiological skills of health research teams engaged in these activities play a foundational role in their success.

But what exactly is epidemiology?

Epidemiology is concerned with the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events within a given population. An epidemiological researcher might ask:

  • what are the potential health problems associated with COVID-19, influenza or the measles in society?
  • who is at highest risk?
  • what are the trends and patterns over time and as recorded through health service providers?

Epidemiological research aims to uncover the relationships, trends and causes of ill health using advanced methodological tools and techniques. The insights gained through this research empowers societies to make informed decisions that address pressing health challenges. More importantly, these decisions can serve diverse needs, ranging from health crisis management and recovery to the development of sustainable health policies.

The ability to address societal questions by analyzing health data and applying epidemiological methods are key components of what the Epidemiological Statistics course offers.

Explore the course details, which starts in January, or learn more about the Population Health Data Analysis program.

Learn from Alvin Li, a clinical epidemiologist with over 10 years of experience in health data analysis, who will guide you in applying real-world methods to critical health challenges. "I have used administrative data to gain insights in health issues such as kidney transplantation, immigrant health and the evaluation of health policies. I’m excited to share my knowledge and passion for health data analysis with my student colleagues in the upcoming Epidemiological Statistics (PHDA 02) course."

  • Posted December 24, 2024

RELATED TOPICS: Professional Development for Health PractitionersData Analytics