Clinical Epidemiology Concentration

The Clinical Epidemiology concentration provides clinicians with strong methodologic skills in study design and epidemiology focusing on clinical problems. Training focuses on rigorous clinical research study designs, the role of epidemiology in disease prevention and clinical health outcomes including analysis of prevention and screening programs, and evaluation of treatment and disease management programs, and the application of prediction rules.

To obtain the Clinical Epidemiology concentration, an MPHS student must take the following courses:

  • Randomized Controlled Trials (M19-550)
  • Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (M19-551)
  • 9 additional credits of elective courses with approval from the program director

The competencies to be demonstrated at the end of the program expand on the overall MPHS and include:

  • Achieve competency in designing observational studies, intervention studies and randomized controlled trials to address a clinical population health issue.
  • Identify appropriate data sources for exploring a clinical research question and conduct relevant secondary analyses.
  • Draw inferences from epidemiologic data to guide practice guidelines.
  • Evaluate quality and comparability of epidemiologic data.
  • Articulate considerations for data monitoring, safety and reporting in clinical research studies.
  • Evaluate the utility and limitations of biomarkers in clinical practice.
  • Synthesize existing evidence for screening, diagnosis and management of disease.
  • Analyze and develop studies that compare the benefits, harms and effectiveness of treatment options. 

 

MPHS Focus on Global Health

The MPHS program offers students the opportunity to use their training and population health research expertise to solve health problems around the world. Through the Cancer Control Research Training Institute, the MPHS program has opportunities for trainees to work in Guatemala on finding solutions to their epidemiologic health problems.

This global health experience complements the advanced clinical research methods training gained through MPHS coursework. Students can gain firsthand, valuable experience by developing and carrying out a research protocol in a developing country. This training experience is facilitated by mentors at Washington University and in Guatemala, and is overseen by the MPHS program director, which ensures that MPHS students have successful and impactful research experiences. To learn more, contact Joyce Linn, MPHS program coordinator, at mphs@wustl.edu.