The Division of Epidemiology

Our epidemiology research and training program is a cornerstone of academic research in medicine.  We have a highly collaborative approach that enables epidemiologists to partner with clinicians, basic researchers, and the community to reduce the burden of disease in the region and the world by identifying the causes of disease, promoting early detection, and improving treatment outcomes. 

Goals

 The Division goals are to:

• Identify social, environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors that affect risk and the short-term and long-term outcomes
• Assess the magnitude and identify the causes for differences in disease risk and survivorship related to race, gender, geography, and economic status
• Develop, evaluate, and disseminate interventions to translate our community and population-based research to reduce disease risk and mortality and improve the lives of patients and families. 

Training 

The Division of Epidemiology supports training in research design and methods through our Masters in Science in Epidemiology and our Certificate in Clinical Investigation. Division faculty also respond to requests for research training from clinical departments.

Research

Investigator-driven research programs identify the critical genetic, molecular, behavioral, environmental, sociocultural, economic, and health systems factors that drive disease outcomes and lead to these differences between population groups, providing a platform for the development of optimal interventions that reduce identified diseases and health disparities.  

Service 

The Division serves the communities surrounding the City of Memphis, TN, a majority-minority region with among the highest mortality rates for cancer, CVD, and other diseases in the country. Division faculty also play a role in the Biostatics, Epidemiology, Research and Design (BERD) program and the Center for Translational Science Institute (CTSI).