Alex Dorsch

Miss Skirtich
11 December 2015
English 10: Honors World Literature
The Pursuit of Epidemiology
The definition of epidemiology includes, The branch of medicine that deals with the
incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health,
(reference.com, 1). However, epidemiology provides much more than what the scientific
definition pertains. It offers a chance to learn about creatures invisible to the human eye. It offers
exposure to foreign areas of the world, along with the culture it upholds. Most importantly, it
bestows an opportunity to help people around the world by saving lives. Epidemiology sets one
up for success in post-secondary life because it presents sui generis information, introduces
foreign cultures, and provides an opportunity to save lives.
Epidemiology furnishes unique information that is unbeknownst to most. An
epidemiologists job revolves around the study of various diseases and viruses. They acquire
knowledge of deadly organisms such as the Ebola virus and Marburg virus. Not only are they
familiar with these parasites, but they also experience the opportunity of getting up close and
studying the viruses first hand. A labor statistics article explains, Fieldwork may bring
epidemiologists into contact with infectious disease, but they very rarely get sick or suffer
contagion, (Bls.gov, 1). Along with studying viruses and diseases, epidemiologists also gather
knowledge about the location and origin of the parasite. This information becomes crucial for
discovering how viruses come in contact with humans and spread. Epidemiologists, on a daily
basis, deal with dangers unfamiliar to most people.

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Epidemiologists get the experience of traveling to foreign parts of the world while
gaining exposure to a variety of exotic cultures. When a pandemic, or a widespread disease over
a large area, of a virus or disease occurs, it is these specific scientists duty to travel to the
location of the outbreak. Such an example includes the Ebola outbreak in Africa. Dozens of
epidemiologists from all over the world traveled to Africa with the task of finding patent zero,
otherwise known as, the person identified as the first carrier of a communicable disease in an
outbreak, (reference.com, 1). A news article explains, The World Health Organization recently
called for 900 more epidemiologists to join the battle against Ebola in West Africa, (DeCapua,
1). While the scientists questioned the African villagers, they experienced the natives lives and
culture on a personal level. This career path not only provides exposure to cultures ignorant to
most, but it reminds those with a comfortable lifestyle to appreciate their lives.
The most obvious reason to pursue epidemiology is the opportunity to help others by
possibly saving their lives. After gathering the necessary research, epidemiologists begin testing
the virus or disease for an antibody, also known as a blood protein produced in response to and
counteracting a specific antigen. Eventually, a vaccine or cure is produced to eradicate the virus
or disease. These antidotes save countries from being completely wiped out by an epidemic.
Depending on the size of the epidemic, thousands of lives could be saved by the research and
testing done in labs by scientists such as epidemiologists. One article states, Epidemiologists
work to answer these and thousands of other questions in an effort to reduce public health risks.
Their work has the potential to save millions of live, (Sciencebuddies.org, 1). This occupations
sole mission includes assisting those unable and incapable of helping themselves.
Epidemiology not only provides scientists with a job, but rather an obligation to help
others. As scientists work to achieve this goal, they acquire rare knowledge that most people

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never learn. Epidemiologists receive real world exposure to things not shown on television. They
see the true horrors that take place in countries that lack the resources to take care of themselves.
One should pursue a career that offers the privilege of helping and saving the lives of those who
need it most. Epidemiology sets one up for success because it presents unique information,
introduces cultures unbeknownst to most, and provides an opportunity to save lives.

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Works Cited

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 201415 Edition, Epidemiologists, Bls.gov. 9 December. 2015.
DeCapua, John. Battling Ebola with Data. Voanews.com. Voice of America, 5 January. 2015.
Web. 9 December. 2015.
Epidemiologist. Sciencebuddies.org. Science Buddies, 2002-2015. Web. 9 December. 2015.
"Epidemiology". Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 09 Dec. 2015. Reference.com